Most people pass through Dehradun on the way to Mussoorie. That’s a shame, because the city has a river you walk through, a forest institute that looks like a palace, a cave temple, a Tibetan monastery and some of the easiest day trips in Uttarakhand.
We run a small homestay in Malsi, in north Dehradun, and our guests ask us the same question every week: what is actually worth seeing? Here is our honest list, with rough distances from our gate, plus a simple two-day plan.
Planning a few days in Dehradun? WhatsApp us, call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates. We reply within 4–6 hours.
Dehradun places at a glance
| Place | Good for | From our homestay |
|---|---|---|
| Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani) | Walking through a stream | About 500 m |
| Malsi Deer Park | Families, a short stop | A few minutes’ drive |
| Sahastradhara | Sulphur springs, river | About 10 km |
| Tapkeshwar Temple | Cave temple on the Tons river | About 10 km |
| Clock Tower & Paltan Bazaar | Shopping, street food | About 10 km |
| Forest Research Institute | Architecture, museums, lawns | About 12 km |
| Mindrolling Monastery | Tibetan stupa, calm | About 20 km |
| Mussoorie | Mall Road, views | About 26 km |
Distances are by road and approximate. Timings and tickets below are what we last saw, they change from time to time, so check locally before you go.
1. Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)
A cold stream runs through a narrow limestone gorge, and you walk upstream in ankle to knee deep water between high rock walls. It is the one place in Dehradun nobody forgets. Go early on a weekday, wear shoes with grip, and bring a change of clothes. It is usually open about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Full details are in our Robber’s Cave guide.
2. Malsi Deer Park (Dehradun Zoo)
A small zoo and park on Mussoorie Road in Malsi with deer, birds and shaded walking paths. It is not a big wildlife experience, but it is an easy hour with children, and it sits right on the way to Mussoorie. Usually open about 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a small entry fee.
3. Sahastradhara
The name means “thousand-fold spring”. Water drips from limestone ledges into the Baldi river, and the sulphur springs are believed to be good for the skin. It gets busy on weekends and the main area is quite commercial, so go in the morning and walk a little upstream for quieter water. Timings, ropeway prices and tips are in our Sahastradhara guide.
4. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
A Shiva temple built into a natural cave on the banks of the Tons river, where water drips steadily onto the shivling, which is where the name comes from. It is crowded on Mondays and during Shivratri, and peaceful on a weekday morning. You will walk barefoot on wet steps, so take care.
5. Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Founded in 1906, the FRI’s red-brick, Greco-Roman main building and huge lawns are the most photographed sight in the city, and you may recognise it from several Bollywood films. Inside are six small forestry museums. It is usually open about 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a small entry fee, and a separate fee for cameras. Allow two hours.
6. Mindrolling Monastery, Clement Town
One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India, with a tall stupa, prayer halls and quiet gardens in the south of the city. Dress modestly, walk clockwise around the stupa, and leave time for a cup of butter tea or momos at the small cafes nearby.
7. Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar
The six-sided Clock Tower is the centre of old Dehradun, and Paltan Bazaar runs off it: woollens, basmati rice, bakery biscuits and street food. Go in the late afternoon and avoid driving in, as parking is hard. An auto or cab is easier.
8. Lachhiwala Nature Park
A forest picnic spot on the road towards Rishikesh, with shallow canals where children play in the water, and a short nature trail. Good on a hot day, best on a weekday.
9. Mussoorie
About an hour up the hill, Mussoorie gives you Mall Road, Gun Hill, Landour’s quiet lanes and long views (see our places to visit in Mussoorie) of the Himalaya on a clear day. Many people prefer to stay in Dehradun, where it is quieter, cheaper and warmer, and drive up for the day. Our 2-day weekend plan shows how, and our Dehradun to Mussoorie guide covers taxis, buses and traffic.
10. Kempty Falls
A popular waterfall about 15 km beyond Mussoorie, easy to combine with a Mussoorie day. It is very crowded in summer weekends, so go early or on a weekday.
11. A day in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is roughly 1.5 hours away by road, close enough for the Ganga aarti, a walk across the bridges and a cafe lunch. If yoga is the reason you came, read why some people choose a quiet yoga retreat in Dehradun over Rishikesh.
12. Sunrise yoga in the hills
Not a sight, but often the part our guests remember most. Our open-air deck faces the hills, and a slow morning of yoga and pranayama before breakfast is a good counterweight to a day of sightseeing. See the experiences we offer.
A simple 2-day Dehradun plan
Day 1: north Dehradun
- Early morning: Robber’s Cave at opening time, before the crowds.
- Late morning: Sahastradhara, then lunch.
- Afternoon: Malsi Deer Park if you have children, or rest.
- Evening: Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar for shopping and street food.
Day 2: west and south Dehradun
- Morning: Tapkeshwar Temple, then the Forest Research Institute.
- Afternoon: Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town.
- Optional third day: Mussoorie and Kempty Falls, or Rishikesh.
Best time to visit Dehradun
The full month-by-month picture is in our best time to visit Dehradun guide. In short: October to March is clear and pleasant, with cold nights from December to February (see Dehradun in winter). April to June is warm, and the river spots are at their best. July to September is the monsoon: everything turns green, but rain can close Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara and slow the road to Mussoorie.
Where to stay for Dehradun sightseeing
North Dehradun, near Mussoorie Road, is the most practical base: Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara and the deer park are close, and Mussoorie is a straight drive up. Shivoham Retreat is a small, family-run homestay in Malsi, 500 m from Robber’s Cave, with three rooms, eight guests at most, breakfast included and free parking:
- Luxury Valley Facing Room: private balcony, from ₹3,500 a night
- Luxury Studio Room: spacious, from ₹4,000 a night
- Harmony House: the whole two-bedroom house for up to four, from ₹6,000 a night
See the rooms, or read more about our homestay on Mussoorie Road.
Want a hand planning your days? WhatsApp us, call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates. We reply within 4–6 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places to visit in Dehradun?
Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, the Forest Research Institute, Tapkeshwar Temple, Mindrolling Monastery and Malsi Deer Park are the most popular, with Mussoorie an hour up the hill.
How many days are enough for Dehradun?
Two days covers the main sights in the city. Add a third day if you also want a full day in Mussoorie or a trip to Rishikesh.
What is the best time to visit Dehradun?
October to March for clear, pleasant weather, and April to June for river spots like Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara. The monsoon (July to September) is green but rain can close water sites.
Which places in Dehradun are good for families with children?
Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park and the Forest Research Institute grounds are the easiest with children. Keep little ones close on the wet stones at Robber’s Cave.
Where should I stay to see Dehradun and Mussoorie?
North Dehradun, near Mussoorie Road, puts you close to both. Shivoham Retreat in Malsi is 500 m from Robber’s Cave and 26 km from Mussoorie, with rooms from ₹3,500 a night including breakfast.