Dehradun
South Asia · India
Did you know?
- Paragliding prices in the guide run from ₹3,500 to ₹5,250, depending on the operator.
- The Tibetan market, Udipi, and Black Pepper cover Tibetan, South Indian, and multi-cuisine plates.
- Robber's Cave, also called Guchchu Pani, is an 8-km scenic picnic stop.
See also
Overview
Dehradun lies between the Himalayan foothills and the Shivaliks, with a serene setting shaped by basmati rice, tea, and litchi gardens. It also makes a convenient base for exploring many tourist sites across the Garhwal region.
Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil
Why go?
Dehradun, the provisional capital of Uttarakhand, is nestled between the Himalayan foothills and the Shivaliks. It offers a serene environment, with basmati rice, tea, and litchi gardens, and serves as a convenient base for visiting many tourist sites in the Garhwal region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Jolly Grant Airport (20 km from town) has daily flights to Delhi with SpiceJet. From Delhi, trains are more convenient than buses. The ISBT bus station is 5–6 km from the centre. Buses from ISBT run every 20–30 minutes to Rishikesh, stopping at the airport en route. Private taxis are available from the airport for about US$40.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Details on local transport are limited in the article. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available; many sights are along Rajpur Road. Buses from ISBT connect to surrounding areas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Dehradun has a moderate but very rainy summer climate, making it an ideal escape from the plains' heat. The monsoon (July-September) brings heavy rain. Winters are cool and pleasant. The best time is typically October to March.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Most hotels are on Rajpur Road, ranging from budget motels like Motel Kwality to business hotels like Lemon Tree and luxury options like Vana Retreat. Many offer modern facilities and some have restaurants.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Rajpur Road has an abundance of eateries from McDonald's to local joints. Try Tibetan momos at the Tibetan market, South Indian at Udipi, or multi-cuisine at Black Pepper. For coffee, Barista and Cafe Coffee Day are available. Tibetan, Thai, Chinese, and Indian food are widely available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit Robber's Cave (Guchchu Pani) 8 km away for a scenic picnic. See the Clock Tower, Forest Research Institute Museums (free entry, museum ₹25), Mindrolling Monastery, and the Char Siddhs temples. For adventure, try paragliding with India Thrills (₹3,500-4,500) or Adventure Nation (₹4,250-5,250). Picnic at Sahastradhara or Dakpathar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
There are many internet cafes, and all listed hotels have internet access. Reliance World and Sify iway have multiple locations in the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Nearby destinations include Sahastradhara (14 km), Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chakrata, Yamunotri, Harkidun, and Rajaji National Park. Many are accessible by road or train.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Black Pepper Bar & Restaurant
One of the finest bar and multicuisine restaurant in Dehradun in a soothing ambience.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Flavors
Delicious food and amazing ambiance with live ghazals.
Recorded price: Mid range
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hotel President
Hotel with a restaurant, bar, coffee shop. Pavilion is the multi cuisine restaurant in the hotel providing you with a range of Indian, Chinese and Mughlai delicacies. The colonial styled restaurant overlooks the scenic mountain slopes. Polo Bar in the hotel premises keeps a good stock of foreign liquors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kumar's
This well-known multicuisine restaurant serves Chinese, Indian and Continental food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Lhasa
One of the best restaurants for authentic Tibetan fare located on Rajpur Road close to the Old Mussoorie Road diversion. This is several kilometres out of town. Call them for bookings or to order a pick-up meal. No home deliveries.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Maggie Point
A series of small restaurants between Dehradun and Mussoorie famous for their Maggie. One can also have the beautiful view of Dehradun city from up there.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Moti Mahal
Famous for North Indian fast food. Try the samosa or bread pakora.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Punjab Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in town which provides Indian (like home cooked food)& Chinese food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Money
Local currency is Indian Rupee (₹). ATMs and banks are available. No specific tipping customs mentioned.
Transport
Jolly Grant Airport is 20 km away; trains from Delhi are convenient. ISBT bus station connects to Rishikesh and other towns.
Weather
Summer (April-June) is moderate but rainy; monsoon (July-September) very wet; winter (October-March) cool and pleasant.