- 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 149 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
Temples
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Parks
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Temples
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Zoos
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Amusement parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Museums
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Temples
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Venues
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Historical places
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Zoos
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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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 149 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 temples, with 48 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Kottayam.
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