TOP Interesting Things to Do in Dehradun

Why Go: Rajaji National Park is both a national park and a wildlife reserve, which is ranked high among the places to visit in Haridwar. The park was established through the merger of 3 sanctuaries namely Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla. The park is situated within the Shivalik Himalayan range and covers 820kms.

The park is known due to its 300 leopards and 600 elephants and 11 tigers, along with other animals that are kept in the forest in its natural habitat. It has become an additional tiger sanctuary in Uttarakhand.

How to Reach

Rajaji National Park is accessible via a variety of nearby popular towns like Haridwar, Dehradun, and Garhwal. In contrast, Dehradun is about 60 km from the Park, and Haridwar can be found 43 kilometers away. There are buses and taxis abundantly from both cities to get visitors to Rajaji National Park.

If you’re traveling via train or flight, the closest airport and station is located in Dehradun. Another option to get to Rajaji National Park is directly from New Delhi.

From here, you can rent taxis to transport you to the parks for around INR 3,000 over an approximate distance of 223 km.

Things to Know

Wildlife in Rajaji National Park

The vast expanse of green forests in Rajaji National Park is the ideal habitat for large herds of animals to flourish and live in their natural habitat. The most well-known and often spotted animal in Rajaji National Park is the Asian elephant that roams free and frequently in groups. Explore the place with a ride on a jungle safari and enjoy watching animals in their natural living environment. Keep a camera handy during your Jungle safari to capture their candid moments.

Other than the elephant, tiger, leopard, and mountain goats, many animals are present in large numbers within the park, including:

• Sloth bears
• Leopards
• Barking deer
• Chital
• Himalayan bear
• Hog deer
• Rhesus macaque
• Indian hare
• King cobras
• Striped the hyena
• Porcupines
• Sambar
• Goral
• Himalayan black bears
• Wild boar

Flora and Fauna at Rajaji National Park

With full of flora and fauna, Rajaji National Park is a rich treasure trove of natural resources such as flowers, plants, animals, trees, birds, insects, and exotic ecosystems which are not able to flourish elsewhere in the world.

Flora: Shivalik ranges are distinguished by a unique ecosystem consisting made up of Sal tree and bamboo forests which cover the entire region with tropical and subtropical species and trees. The coniferous tree, deciduous forests grasslands, pine trees, and riverine vegetation are located throughout The National Park.

Fauna: The fusion of the three National Parks has added to the variety of animals that have made this region their home, creating an ideal environment for them to flourish and develop in their natural environment.

As an official tiger reserve, the reserve is home to a variety of animals that can be observed while on a jeep jungle safari. In addition to the tigers, it’s also an area that is home to Asian elephants, Striped hyenas as well as barking deer, langurs, sloth bears, forest leopards, cats, bears, porcupines, jackals or the marten with a yellow-throated grin.

The area is also a favorite spot for bird watching due to the variety of birds, like barbets, woodpeckers, and fire-tailed sunbirds as well as pheasants, great-pied Hornbills cuckoos, starlings, barbets, partridges, vultures and many more.

The best time to visit: Time to Visit Park is open from the 15th of November through the 15th of June. Park remains closed throughout the monsoon season

Why Go: Nestled in the lush greenery of the gorgeous downtown in Dehradun, Forest Research Institute is a tourist and education place. It is famous for its natural beauty stunning beauty, breathtaking beauty, and impressive architecture. This institute is one of the most popular places to visit in Dehradun. The institute provides the opportunity to study and educate in different aspects of forestry: plants, topography, climate, animals, and birds of the Himalayan forests. Tourists are able to enjoy this area due to its stunning views, beautiful architectural design, picnic area, and fresh air. You can get a tourist package and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

How to Reach

Tourists can reach FRI by using an auto or a local bus. Local buses that go to prem Nagar starting from the Clock Tower go through FRI.

• The closest Station of Railway Station From FRI (Forest Research Institute), Dehradun: Dehradun Railway Station is 7km
• The nearest bus Station to FRI (Forest Research Institute), Dehradun: Dehradun ISBT 9km
• Nearest Airport to FRI (Forest Research Institute), Dehradun: Jolly Grant Airport 35km

The highlights include: The campus is lush and green, with a picnic area- beautiful architecture, beautiful views, six museums, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Why Go: It is the home of a variety of animals and plants. The park’s beautiful setting and lively wildlife make it an appealing location for photographers. Animal lovers and children are attracted to the breathtaking Himalayan beauty of nilgai, deer, tigers, etc. It is the home of birds of the nation’s peacock, as well as several unusual Himalayan wildlife species. This makes it an extremely popular spot for birdwatchers. Get a tourist package and enjoy your visit to Uttrakhand.

How to Reach

The park is situated on Mussoorie Road and lies in the middle of Dehradun as well as Mussoorie. It is located 10kms away from Dehradun and is accessible by autorickshaw or bus in between 25 and 30 minutes. There is a Dehradun Railway Station that lies 11km distance and the nearest airport Jolly Grant Airport is 33 km from the park.

Why Go: Robber’s Cave is an ideal place to picnic with friends and family. After taking a stroll through the cave’s 600-meter long to see the region’s interior with loved ones you could stroll to the waterfall close to the cave to have an afternoon picnic. It is possible to enter the waterfall to capture unforgettable memories for your lifetime. It’s a lot of fun to talk about anything that is possible with your loved ones while you relax or take some food near the stunning water body. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see a stunning rainbow over the waterfalls.

Highlights: It is also possible to visit The Tibetan Buddhist Temple, the Takpeshwar Temple, the Ramakrishna Ashram Temple, and the Dehradun Zoo; each being between 2 and 4 km from Robber’s Cave.

Tips For Visiting Robber’s Cave

• Wear shoes that provide sufficient support and grip when exploring the river.
• The water may be knee-high for those who are adults. Be cautious when taking a tour of the cave.
• Chappals and flip-flops made of rubber can be rented out of the entry.
• Local restaurants are readily available for quick bites of local cuisine.
• Bring plenty of food and water (optional) since exploring the cave can be exhausting.
• Visitors should book their transportation to and from early enough to avoid waiting for local transportation.

How To Reach Robber’s Cave

Robber’s Cave is located at an approximate distance of 8 kilometers away from Dehradun. Although there is a Dehradun Railway Station close to the cave, it’s practical to take a bus to Vijaypur which is followed by a 1 km hike across an Anarwala village to reach the area.

Tourists can visit this 600-meter-long cave that is divided into two sections. If you walk just a bit further down the river, then you will find a beautiful waterfall.

Why Go: There is a chance to go fishing, trekking, swimming, and bird watching. It’s a tranquil spot for those who love nature. It’s a great place to spend time and does fun activities with family, children, and young people. The temple of Laxman Siddh can be found nearby. It’s a possible addition to this journey. Lachhiwala is a renowned bird-watching location. Many bird species are found within the Lachhiwala range, which is located near the river.

How To Reach This Adventure Spot

To get to this Lachhiwala picnic location from Dehradun

It’s situated 5 miles from Doiwala and 20 kilometers from Dehradun. Use a taxi or bus to get there, both are readily accessible. The distance from Airport from Lachhiwala is just 8 kilometers.

To reach Dehradun:
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport. It is located around 28 kilometers far from Jolly Grant Town. It’s a well-connected airport.
By Rail
Dehradun is the closest railway station. It is served by direct trains from major cities of India.
By Road
Dehradun bus station is the closest bus stop. It’s 255 km from the capital city Delhi. It is 157 kilometers from Chandigarh, Shimla, and 278 kilometers from Nainital.

Things to do: Enjoy Picnic, Walking, Swimming, Swimming on the River Song, and Fishing.

Why Go: Paltan Bazaar offers things like clothing, shoe books, handicrafts, and gifts. The market is known for its Doon Basmati rice as well as woolen clothing. The exquisite brassware and the beautiful sweaters that are knitted by local Tibetan women are also available in this market. There are also stone benches to sit on and relax in the evenings.

How To Reach Paltan Bazaar:

Paltan Market near Clock Tower is located 1.5 kilometers far from Dehradun Railway station. Distance to the ISBT Dehradun: 6.4 Km/19 Minutes

Highlights: Kotwali, the Clock Tower, hand-woven woolen garments, and the fragrance of the hillside food.

Why Go: The campsite is a beautiful all-year-round adventure. When it comes to trekking in the trekking in wintertime Himalayas, The Nag Tibba trek is the best option to explore nature.

• The most exciting trek: In the two days of hiking towards Nag Tibba, hikers experience many of the same things that a longer Himalayan trek offers such as Rhododendron forests with ankle-deep snow and breathtaking views of the most awe-inspiring peaks in the Himalayas.
• The duration is short: Based on the travel route, the time can vary from 2 to 5 days. It takes around seven hours (10 miles) to get to the top starting from base camp.
• The absence of step-based terrains: It is said that the trek is among the easiest to do in wintertime India. The terrain is very soft and does not have long stretches of climbing hills. This is ideal for those who have little or no experience in trekking.

How To Reach:

Nag Tibba is a 10 km hike to the camp’s base of Pantwari, located 60 kilometers from Mussoorie.

• The nearest railway Station: Dehradun is the closest railway head. Mussoorie is situated at 33 km from the head of the railway.
• Nearest airport: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant is the closest airport. Mussoorie is situated within a distance of 60 kilometers from the train station.
• Delhi To Mussoorie: Mussoorie is situated at a distance of 285 kilometers from Delhi. Cabs and buses connect both cities.

Highlights: The trail to Bhatwadi village and the view of the sunset from the campsite.

Why Go: An excellent way to unwind your mind and body is by strolling across The Mindrolling Monastery. Many tourists claim to refresh their souls through a visit to the Mindrolling Monastery. Tibetan cuisine is a must-try. The area surrounding the monastery is an excellent location to get to know more about their culture and sample authentic food. You shouldn’t be missing out on this amazing chance. If you’re seeking a spot to get away from the noise and pollution of the 21st century, then take an excursion towards Mindrolling Monastery.

How To Reach:

The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway station which is located just 9 km away from Clement’s monastery. It is possible to use a taxi service or book tickets for a bus for Clement town.

Famous For: Culture, Heritage, Tourism, Peaceful environment, Art, and Architecture.

Why Go: Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a peaceful place that is surrounded by greenery. A few visitors bring food items and enjoy an informal picnic with their family and friends. In the aftermath of the temple tour, it’s an excellent way to pass the time together. A dedicated place to worship Lord Shiva is a stunning area where one can appreciate nature’s beauty. Mother Nature. There are forests as well as adjoining hills. If you’re the adventurous type You can trek. It’s secure and an excellent method to see the area.

How To Reach:

Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is close to the town of Dehradun. Distance from Govindnagar Railway station measures around 7.5 kilometers. You are able to travel there by taxi or bus. Getting to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is approximately 30 kilometers, and hiring a taxi might be the best choice. If you’re looking for a ride you could also use the share cab service.

Best Time To Visit: Shivratri

Why Go: It is located in the Doon Valley an unusually long, wide lush green valley in the Sivalik Hills, and the Lesser Himalayas located which are located in the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana. In the valley is The city of Dehradun which is the capital city of the Uttarakhand state.

How To Reach:

Dehradun is the start location for the Har ki Doon Trek. To get to Dehradun you can pick from bus, train, or taxi.

• Jolly Grant is the nearest airport. This is a national airstrip and is located 22 km southwest of Dehradun.

If you do not want to go to Dehradun and are seeking more of a shorter route in Delhi you can travel directly to Rishikesh and from there, Narendra Nagar, and from there to Chamba. Then, from Chamba up to Uttarkashi and back, it’s the same route.

• Rishikesh to Narendra Nagar – 21 km
• Narendra Nagar to Chamba – 43 km
• Chamba to Uttarkashi – 88 km

Why Go: The popular market in Dehradun is entirely run by The Tibetan Community. It is among the best places to visit in Dehradun where you can purchase handmade items, wooden showcases, bags, art pieces, Garhwali jewelry pieces, and wind chimes. Alongside the items above it is also possible to purchase beautiful gifts to gift your family and friends.

How To Reach:

It is located in the Tibetan Market at Lansdowne Chowk and is situated near Parade Ground. Get on the local bus which is heading toward Parade Ground and from there, just 5 minutes walk will bring you to the market. The buses from D.L. highway, Rispana Pul, and Nalapani travel to the market from 7 am to 9 midnight.

Jolly Grant Airport at 28 kilometers is the closest airport with an air connection for the marketplace.

Highlights: Handwoven woolen garments, momos, noodle soup, colorful clothes, etc.

Why Go: The water that drips off the stalactites contains an abundance of Sulphur in it as a result of the limestone content. This Sulphur is can be believed to render the waters therapeutic and is the reason why there are a lot of visitors to the site to benefit from its healing properties. There is an amusement park, and ropeway for visitors to enjoy their time, Sahastradhara is the perfect vacation spot for families and friends alike.

How To Reach:

About 15 kilometers away from the city center within Dehra Dun, this location is easily accessible via autorickshaws, buses, or private taxis. Because it is a renowned tourist spot in Dehradun there are a variety of transportation options that are available to the public.

Famous for: Scenery, Beauty, Photography

Why Go: The legend states that just 600 Gurkha soldiers, along with their families of women and children were able to defend the Kangra Fort against an army of 3500 British soldiers. A fort is a place of reflection in which one can observe two pillars, one is dedicated to the Gorkha army, and the other is dedicated to the British army, situated in the center of a lush green lawn. The impressive structure stands on the site of the battleground where the battle took place. At the monument, you are able to see the panoramic panorama of Kangra fort.

How To Reach:

• You can hire a taxi or bus or an individual vehicle for a trip to Khalanga War Memorial. The journey from Khalanga War Memorial is simple.
• You can reach our experts on tours for additional information and help planning your trip to Dehradun.

Best Time to Visit Khalanga War Memorial:
The ideal time to see the War Memorial is from November to May. when it is the winter months and the beginning of summer. During this period the conditions in Dehradun are cold and perfect for exploring the whole location.

Why Go: The Tiger Falls provides an amazing trek. It’s not a difficult or risky trek however, it is a fairly pleasant trekking experience. The water spills into a pond, which is beautiful and stunning. It is possible to go for a swim in the pond and enjoy as much time as you like. Relax and let the water calm your nerves. It is possible to go canoeing, rappelling, trekking, and River Rafting.

How To Reach:

You can catch a train at Dehradun Railway Station and then rent taxis or use local transportation options. While the trip takes approximately two hours, the scenery makes the journey an amazing trip. There are two different routes, and you can choose to walk up to 1km or 5km, based on the distance you choose.

Famous for: Photography, monuments, sight-seeing

Best Time to Visit: Choose the winter

Why Go: The area is filled with the natural beauty of mountain scenery and lush green trees. They are seen forming canopies while walking through. The roads that slither through Rajpur are well-known among lovers. Many of them visit here to take long drives. You can take a stroll through the posh surrounding of Rajpur. It is possible to dine in the elegant restaurants that are positioned along the boulevards.

How To Reach:

It is possible to reach the region in the vicinity of Rajpur via the Vikram number. 1. It runs from Astley Hall to Rajpur road and vice versa. The minimum price is 10 rupees and the time for local transportation is between 6 am to 8 at night. It is also possible to travel via city buses that are available from the major stations in Dehradun. The bus route to Rajpur will be able to take you all the way to Kuthal Gate.

Why Go: Tapovan is well known as a location for meditation as well as other spiritual pursuits. The ashram also hosts regular yoga classes. The lush greenery and the sound of the river make the ambiance quite relaxing. The location is located over it is the Gangotri Glacier, the place is also a magnet for trekkers. There is a popular belief that this is the spot where Dronacharya went through his penance. In the epic Mahabharata, Dronacharya was the Guru of Kauravas and Pandavas.

How to Reach Tapovan Temple:

Tapovan is located 5 kilometers away from Dehradun city. It is also 7 kilometers distance from the train station. It is simple to travel by local transportation like a bus or taxi.

Why Go: The most well-known spot to see in Dehradun is the Clock Tower. The story of Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar is rooted in the period when India was gaining its Independence. The monument was constructed to honor and commemorate the hard-earned freedom of our nation. It was originally named ‘Balbir Tower. It is 85m in length and contains the names of numerous freedom fighters, engraved on a gold plating. The tower’s foundation was set by the governor of Uttar Pradesh, Sarojini Naidu.

How to Reach:

Clock Tower is a popular landmark in Dehradun close to Parade Ground. It is situated centrally located it is easy to get to this location from anywhere in the city.

There are several options available:

• Buses leaving Rajpur, D.L. Road, Clement Town, and Nalapani are scheduled to go to Nalapani each day.
• Vikram no. 1 2, 3, and 5 also journey all the way to the place.
• Dehradun Railway station just 2 km is the closest railhead for Ghanta Ghar.
• Jolly Grant airport at 26 km is the nearest airport with air connectivity.

Highlights: Location, history, and architecture.

The best time to go: It can be visited any time of the year however winter is the ideal time to visit the Clock Tower.