For visitors or travellers, Dehradun offers a variety of tourist attractions. The biggest draw for tourists to Dehradun is these tourist destinations. The nearby hill towns of Dehradun, Mussoorie and Chakrata, are popular with tourists from all across India and internationally.
There are several tourist destinations nearby Dehradun, including Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, and others, in addition to the city itself. I've been to numerous locations in Dehradun so far. Some areas I visited often, while others I only went to once, and some did not. Nonetheless, I currently have traveled to several tourist attractions in Dehradun.
Dehradun has a wide range of tourist attractions, including historical structures, prominent temples, waterfalls, caves, museums, and zoos. People may visit a variety of locations in Dehradun, including Sahastradhara, Gucchu Pani, FRI, and others. There are several temples in Dehradun for travellers who are religious, including the Buddha and Tapkeshwar Shiv temples. My brother lives in Dehradun so I had the opportunity to visit many places because you can't go to all the places in one visit.
List of Tourist Places to Visit in Dehradun
1. Buddha Temple
2. Chakrata
3. Forest Research Institute (FRI)
4. Dehradun Zoo
5. Gucchu Pani
6. Lachhiwala
7. Maldevta
8. Sahastradhara Waterfall
11. Khalanga War Memorial
1. Buddha Temple
Buddha Temple, also known as the Mindrolling Monastery, is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Clement Town, Dehradun. It is one of the largest Buddhist centers in India and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
The temple was founded in 1965 by Khochhen Rinpoche and is now home to over 300 monks. The main shrine of the temple houses a 60-foot high statue of Lord Buddha, which is the largest statue of Buddha in India. The statue is made of copper, bronze, and gold and is a sight to behold.
The Mindrolling Monastery is not just a place of worship but also a center for spiritual and cultural activities. The temple hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Buddha Jayanti festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha. The festival is marked by prayer sessions, meditation, and cultural performances.
Visitors to the Buddha Temple can also participate in meditation and yoga sessions and learn about Buddhist philosophy and teachings. The serene surroundings and peaceful atmosphere of the temple make it a perfect place for spiritual seekers and those looking for some quiet time.
2. Chakrata
Chakrata is a small and picturesque town located in the Dehradun. Chakrata is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and soak in the beauty of nature. The town is surrounded by dense forests of deodar, pine, and oak trees and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. Chakrata is also home to several natural waterfalls, including Tiger Falls and Kimona Falls, which are popular tourist destinations.
Chakrata is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. The town offers several activities like trekking, camping, rock climbing, rappelling, and river rafting. The trek to Chilmiri Neck, a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, is a must-do for visitors.
Chakrata is well connected by road and can be reached from Dehradun, which is about 92 km away. The best time to visit Chakrata is between March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear.
3. Forest Research Institute (FRI)
The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is a premier institution of forestry research in India, located in Dehradun. The institute is known for its beautiful architecture, vast collection of plants, and research facilities.
The main building of the FRI, also known as the FRI Dehradun building, is a magnificent structure that is a blend of colonial and Greco-Roman architectural styles. The building is made of red bricks and is adorned with beautiful sculptures and murals that depict various aspects of forestry and wildlife. The FRI building is a designated heritage site and is one of the must-visit places in Dehradun.
The FRI campus also includes several other buildings, including a library, a museum, a herbarium, and research labs. The library houses a vast collection of books, journals, and research papers on forestry, wildlife, and ecology. The museum showcases various artifacts and exhibits related to forestry, wildlife, and ecology. The herbarium is home to a vast collection of plants, including several rare and endangered species.
The FRI campus is also home to several botanical gardens and arboretums that house a vast collection of plants and trees. The gardens and arboretums are a perfect place for nature lovers and botanists to explore the flora of the region.
4. Dehradun Zoo
Dehradun Zoo, also known as the Malsi Deer Park, is a popular tourist destination located in Dehradun. The zoo is home to several species of animals and birds, including deer, peacocks, snakes, fish, gators, hawks, monkeys, crocodiles, and leopards there are some plants too. I personally liked the snakes there.
The zoo has several walking trails and pathways that lead visitors through the park and provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. There are also several bird-watching areas where visitors can spot several species of birds, including peacocks, parakeets, hawks, Imu, ostrich, and kingfishers.
Apart from the animal exhibits, the Dehradun Zoo also has a small children's park with several swings and slides. The park also has several food stalls and souvenir shops where visitors can buy snacks and gifts.
5. Gucchu Pani
Gucchu Pani is a beautiful and serene waterfall located in the outskirts of Dehradun. The waterfall is situated in a remote and tranquil location, surrounded by dense forests and hills, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The waterfall is also known as the Robber's Cave due to its unique geological features. The cave is a natural formation that is believed to have been formed by the action of water on limestone rocks. The cave is around 600 meters long and is a popular spot for trekking and caving.
Gucchu Pani is also a popular picnic spot and a perfect place for families and children to spend a day in nature. The waterfall and the surrounding area offer several picnic spots, where visitors can relax and enjoy a picnic with their loved ones.
6. Lachhiwala
Lachhiwala is a popular picnic spot located in the outskirts of Dehradun. The place is situated on the banks of the Song River and is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The crystal-clear water of the river and the natural beauty of the surroundings make it a perfect place to unwind and relax.
The main attraction of Lachhiwala is the natural swimming pool that is formed by the river. The pool is shallow and is a perfect place for children and non-swimmers to enjoy a dip in the cool and refreshing water. The pool is also a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts and swimmers.
Lachhiwala is also home to several adventure activities, including zip-lining, rope climbing, and trekking. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy these activities while soaking in the beauty of nature. The place also has several food stalls that offer local delicacies and snacks. Visitors can enjoy a hot cup of tea and snacks while enjoying the beautiful views of the surroundings.
7. Maldevta
Maldevta is a serene and tranquil village located in the outskirts of Dehradun. The place is situated on the banks of the Song River and is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere of the village make it a perfect place to unwind and relax.
The pictures waterfall recently destroyed by the heavy rain. Maldevta also has several walking trails and pathways that lead visitors through the forest and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot several species of birds, including eagles, parakeets, and kingfishers.
Maldevta is also a popular spot for adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and camping. The place has several campsites where visitors can spend a night under the stars while enjoying the beauty of nature. But it does not have many food installs.
9. Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dehradun. The temple is situated in a beautiful natural setting, the natural beauty of the surroundings, combined with the spiritual ambiance of the temple, makes it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike.
The main attraction of the Tapkeshwar Temple is the natural Shiva Linga, which is believed to be self-manifested and is continuously bathed in water droplets dripping from the cave roof.
Tapkeshwar Temple is also a popular spot for adventure activities like trekking and hiking. Visitors can explore the nearby hills and forests while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
apkeshwar Temple is a must-visit destination for those seeking a spiritual experience or looking to spend a day in nature. The natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and spiritual ambiance make it an ideal place for visitors of all ages.
11. Khalanga War Memorial
The most near adventures and my favourite place in Dehradun. The memorial is dedicated to the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the Indo-China war of 1962. The memorial is situated in a peaceful and serene setting and is surrounded by lush green forests and hills.
The main attraction of the Khalanga War Memorial is the monument, which is designed in the shape of a helmet and is inscribed with the names of the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. The monument is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and pathways, which offer visitors a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Apart from the monument, the place also has several walking trails and pathways that lead visitors through the forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the several picnic spots that are spread across the area.
The Khalanga War Memorial is a must-visit destination for those interested in history and those seeking a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The memorial's significance and the natural beauty of the surroundings make it an ideal place for visitors of all ages.
There are other places as well but I have't visited them yet;
1. Anand Van
2. Bala Sundari Mandir
3. Char Siddh Peeths of Dehradun
4. Daat Kali Mandir
5. Parkasheshwar Mahadev Mandir
6. Regional Science Centre
7. Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib (Udasin)
8. Santala Devi Temple
9. Tapovan
In the next article I will cover them.