Dehradun
Introduction
You will find Dehradun, also known as Dehra Doon, serving as the winter capital of the state of Uttarakhand. As the administrative headquarters of its namesake district, the city hosts the winter sessions of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
Before you go
Nestled in the Doon Valley between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, Dehradun offers you beautiful scenery and a moderate climate during the summer months. You can find relief from the heat of the plains below while using the town as a convenient base to explore various nearby tourist sites.
Prepare for your visit by noting that the region experiences significant rainfall during the summer season. The area is also known for its historical significance and the presence of the Doon School.
Getting there
You can reach the city by air via Jolly Grant Airport, which provides daily domestic flights to several major Indian cities as well as regional flights to nearby destinations. Upon arrival at the airport, you can choose between private taxi services or local buses that travel toward Rishikesh. For those arriving by train, Dehradun station connects you to various destinations across the country.
Traveling by road offers multiple options for your journey. From Delhi, you can take a train or a bus from Kashmere Gate in Old Delhi, where several types of services including Deluxe and Volvo buses are available. If you choose to drive from Delhi, be prepared for a journey on a two-lane highway where traffic may slow during harvest times or when pilgrims are walking on the road. Car rental companies can also arrange transportation for you from both the New Delhi station and the nearby airport.
Getting around
You can navigate the compact town on foot, as many areas are easily reachable by walking. Rajpur Road serves as a main avenue and intersects with Chakrata Road at the Clock Tower Roundabout. If you prefer motorized transport, private city buses are available, though they are often crowded. For more flexibility, you can book a taxi through local travel agents or via online cab rental companies.
Auto rickshaws are plentiful in the downtown area but do not use meters; instead, they operate on a fixed rate system where it is wise to agree on a price before starting your journey. For an economical way to move across town, you can use "Vikrams," which are ubiquitous blue three-wheelers that follow specific numbered routes throughout the city.
Where to stay
You can find a variety of accommodations throughout the city, with many of the best options situated along Rajpur Road. Depending on your preference for amenities and atmosphere, you can choose from several different styles of lodging.
- For budget-friendly stays, you can find well-designed rooms at Hotel Ambassador or modern facilities at Great Value Hotel on Rajpur Road. Other nearby options include the clean but basic Motel Kwality and Hotel Deep Shikha.
- Mid-range selections include the well-run Great Value Hotel with food and beverage facilities, or the Viceroy Inn on Saharanpur Road, which features decorated rooms and suites. For extensive amenities like a swimming pool, gymnasium, and spa, you can stay at Hotel JSR Continental near Haridwar Road.
- If you prefer a more luxurious experience, you can find smart business hotels like Four Points by Sheraton or Lemon Tree located near Pacific Mall on Rajpur Road. For a high-end wellness retreat with Ayurvedic options and traditional Tibetan massages, Vana Retreat on Mussoorie Road offers a specialized experience.
Food & drink
Explore a diverse culinary landscape along Rajpur Road, where you can find everything from local favorites to international flavors. Savor authentic Tibetan fare at Lhasa or enjoy steamed momos in the Tibetan market. For traditional tastes, visit Moti Mahal for North Indian fast food like samosas and bread pakoras, or head to Udipi on Lytton Road for South Indian staples such as idlis, dosas, and filter coffee. If you prefer a multicuisine experience, options like Black Pepper Bar & Restaurant, Kumar's, and Vatika offer a variety of dishes in pleasant settings. For those seeking a scenic dining experience, The Orchard overlooks verdant valleys, while Maggie Point offers views of the city from the road toward Mussoorie.
Your caffeine fix can be found at several local cafes along Rajpur Road and the Mussorie Diversion. Choose from cozy spots like Cafe De Piccolo with attic seating, Swings Cafe featuring swing chairs, or Eltham Bakery and Coffee House for a selection of breads and snacks. For those seeking an evening drink, several bars are located along Rajpur Road, including Head Over Heels Bar and the bar at Hotel President.
What to see and do
Explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Dehradun, including the iconic Clock Tower on Rajpur Road and the Kalinga War Memorial, which honors the Gurkhas. You can visit Chetwoode Hall to view 20th-century military artifacts or explore the Forest Research Institute, known for its expansive grounds and specialized halls. For a look at the region's geological diversity, the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology features a dedicated museum. If you prefer nature, find peace in the hills at Robber's Cave, where a stream flows underground before reappearing nearby, or visit the ancient monuments in the small town of Kalsi.
Experience the spiritual side of the region by visiting the Char Siddhs—a group of four temples in scenic locales—or find tranquility at the Mindrolling Monastery. Other notable sites include the Tapkeshwar Temple on a riverbank, the Ram Rai Darbar, and the Sai Darbar Temple. For those seeking outdoor adventure, you can enjoy a picnic by the mineral waters of the Baldi River or take a ride to the village of Dakpathar to relax by the Yamuna. If you prefer trekking, the surrounding mountains offer various routes including Nag Tibba, Har ki Dun, Kedarkantha, and Dayara Bugyal.
- Chetwoode Hall
- Clock Tower
- The Gurkha Fort
- Jaspal Rana Shooting Range
- The Kalinga War Memorial
- Kalsi
- Forest Research Institute Museums
- RIMC (Rashtriya Indian Military College)
- Robber's Cave
- Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
- The Char Siddhs
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Ram Rai Darbar
- Sai Darbar Temple
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Tapovan
When to go
You can visit Dehradun to find refuge from the intense heat of the lower plains. During the summer monsoon, you will experience a moderate climate characterized by substantial rainfall.
Three days in Dehradun
Day one, you arrive in Dehradun after traveling from Delhi. You can reach the city via a deluxe Volvo bus or by car, navigating through the roads of New Delhi and Old Delhi before reaching your destination in the Doon Valley.
Day two, you explore the local area near Rajpur Road and Chakrata Road. You can navigate the streets using an auto or Vikrams to see landmarks like the Clock Tower Roundabout while staying in the heart of Dehra Doon.
Day three, you prepare for your next journey from Uttarakhand. Whether you are heading toward Rishikesh or departing from Jolly Grant Airport, you enjoy the surroundings of this region nestled near the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.