- Dehradun is historically referred to as the 'Abode of Drona,' named after Dronacharya from the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
- The city is home to the Forest Research Institute, which houses six museums focused on forestry and is one of the largest structures of its kind in the world.
- Dehradun serves as the gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, a major religious route in the Himalayas.
- The city is one of the oldest in India, with records suggesting it was established as a settlement during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
- It is a primary center for basmati rice cultivation, which has historically been a significant part of the regional economy.
About Dehradun
Nestled in the Doon Valley between the Himalayas and the Shivalik range, Dehradun serves as the capital of Uttarakhand. It is a major educational hub known for its colonial-era architecture and proximity to prominent mountain retreats like Mussoorie. Visitors explore the city’s rich spiritual heritage at the Jhandaji Darbar Sahib or marvel at the unique limestone formations at GUCCHUPANI ROBBERS CAVE. The city also hosts significant scientific institutions, most notably showcased through the extensive collections at the FRI Museum Dehradun.
Highlights of Dehradun
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Walk through a unique river cave where a stream flows through a narrow limestone gorge.
Museums
Explore extensive exhibits on Indian forestry housed within a sprawling colonial-era brick building.
Temples
Visit the site of a magnificent Japanese-style Buddhist temple known for its elaborate murals.
Temples
Discover a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that features a natural water spring dripping onto the lingam.
Temples
Observe the historic Sikh shrine established in the 17th century by Guru Ram Rai.
Zoos
Experience local biodiversity while visiting this protected forest area located just on the city outskirts.
Parks
Observe regional wildlife species in this well-maintained zoological park setting.
Temples
Visit this hilltop temple to enjoy elevated panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Top things to do in Dehradun
The 187 highest-rated places in Dehradun, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
Bhatia Wooden Handicrafts is located along the Kempty Fall Road in the vicinity of Mussoorie and Dehradun, Uttarakhand....
2
Temples
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mandir is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated inside a natural cavern along the banks of...
3
Parks
Sahastradhara, meaning 'thousand-fold spring,' is a natural sulfur water spring located in the Baldi River valley near D...
4
Temples
Surkanda Devi Temple is a Hindu shrine situated at an elevation of approximately 2,756 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas....
5
Parks
Dehradun Zoo, locally known as Malsi Deer Park, is a zoological park situated along the base of the Shivalik range. Esta...
6
Temples
The Buddha Temple, locally known as the Mindrolling Monastery, serves as a significant center for Tibetan Buddhism and t...
7
Places of interest
Robbers Cave, known locally as Guchhupani, is a natural river cave formation where a stream flows through a narrow gorge...
8
Places of interest
Gun Hill is the second-highest peak in Mussoorie, standing at an elevation of 2,024 meters above sea level. It serves as...
9
Museums
The FRI Museum is housed within the sprawling 450-hectare campus of the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, a premier...
10
Parks
Gandhi Park serves as a central green lung for Dehradun, located prominently on the busy Rajpur Road. It features walkin...
11
Places of interest
Tiger Fall is a 312-foot high waterfall located in the dense coniferous forests of the Chakrata hills in Uttarakhand. It...
12
Places of interest
Cloud End is a historic colonial-era estate located at the extreme western tip of the Mussoorie ridge. Built in 1838 by...
13
Temples
The Sai Baba Devasthanam in Dehradun is a prominent spiritual site located on the primary Rajpur Road artery. The temple...
14
Parks
Eco Park in Dhanolti is a government-developed sustainable tourism site situated at an elevation of approximately 2,286...
15
Zoos
Malsi Reserved Forest, also known as the Dehradun Zoo, is a zoological park situated on the foothills of the Shivalik ra...
16
Temples
Dalai Hills is a hillside site in Mussoorie featuring a large, ornate Buddha statue and a dedicated prayer hall. It is s...
17
Parks
MDDA Park is an urban green space developed and maintained by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority in the capita...
18
Amusement parks
The 7D Gaming Zone at Picture Palace is an interactive entertainment venue located at the eastern edge of Mussoorie's Ma...
19
Temples
Shiv Mandir, located in the Raipur area of Dehradun, serves as a significant local religious center dedicated to Lord Sh...
20
Temples
Jhandaji Darbar Sahib is a historic 17th-century Sikh shrine established by Guru Ram Rai, the eldest son of the seventh...
21
Museums
The Regional Science Center (RSC) in Dehradun is a flagship institution under the Uttarakhand State Council for Science...
22
Museums
K Dev Bhoomi Wax Museum is a waxworks gallery located within the premises of the Company Garden in Mussoorie, Uttarakhan...
23
Temples
Maa Kali Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine located in the Raipur area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated...
24
Venues
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium is a primary multi-purpose outdoor sports facility located within the ONGC (Oil and Natural Ga...
25
Venues
Abhinandan Wedding Point is a large-scale event venue located in the Ranjhawala area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The facil...
26
Historical places
The Ashoka Rock Edict in Kalsi is one of the major sites containing the fourteen major rock edicts issued by the Mauryan...
27
Parks
Mahinder Ground is a prominent open-air recreational space situated within the military-administered Garhi Cantt area of...
28
Natural attractions
Nag Tibba, at 3,022 meters, is the highest peak in the lesser Himalayan region of the Garhwal Himalayas. It serves as a...
29
Amusement parks
Fun 'N' Food Kingdom is a combined amusement and water park located in the outskirts of Dehradun. The facility features...
30
Parks
Deer Park in Dakpatthar is a designated wildlife enclosure situated adjacent to the Yamuna River barrage. The park serve...
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Dehradun on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Dehradun
March to June offers pleasant weather for sightseeing, while October to February is ideal for those who prefer cooler temperatures and winter vistas.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the main city landmarks and nearby forest reserves.
Visitors typically use taxis, auto-rickshaws, and ride-sharing services, though the city center is manageable by local transport buses.
Rajpur Road is the primary hub for hotels and dining, while the areas near the city center offer easy access to major transit points.
Dehradun is a mid-range destination, offering a wide spectrum of accommodation from budget guesthouses to premium heritage properties.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 187 curated attractions in and around Dehradun, ranked by traveller ratings.
Bhatia Wooden Handicrafts is the highest-rated place to visit in Dehradun right now.
The largest category is parks, with 57 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Ahmedabad.
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