Dehradun

Dehradun City is one of the oldest cities of India, bejeweled-like a glittering jewel in the lower Himalayan mountain ranges. The city is perched at an elevation of 435 meters and is currently enjoying its stature as the capital of Uttarakhand. 

Dehradun is the gateway to the famous hill station of Mussoorie and the pilgrimage spots of Haridwar and Rishikesh.  This city is famous for its weather, Dehradun climate remains salubrious throughout the year.

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Dehradun Travel Guide

There are several tourist spots, sacred temples, rivers, canals, and waterways adorned in the periphery of the city. Some of the popular tourist destinations of Dehradun are the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, Robbers Cave, Lachhiwala, Sahastradhara, Buddha temple, Dak Pathar, Malsi Deer Park, etc. that are frequented by many tourists. The perk of visiting Dehradun is that you can also plan a short trip to the 'Queen of Hills' Mussoorie' and the holy city of Rishikesh which are located nearby.

In Dehradun, you can find people of different ethnic groups living in harmony with each other. Also, in the past few years, Doon has become the favorite place to settle after retirement as many elderly couples have found their safe haven here.

Best Experiences in Dehradun

  • Exploring Robber's Cave streams and caves
  • Enjoying waterfalls at Sahastradhara
  • Café hopping on Rajpur Road
  • Shopping at Paltan Bazaar
  • Watching sunsets from Mussoorie Road viewpoints
  • Trying local street food and bakeries
  • Visiting Forest Research Institute
  • Weekend road trips to nearby hill stations

Dehradun Travel Tips

  • It is an ideal weekend destination for tourists looking for a quick respite from their work schedule. Mussoorie is just 30 kms from Dehradun which is a bonus. 
  • If possible, avoid travelling in the monsoons season. Dehradun witnesses heavy and incessant rainfall during the monsoons.
  • Dehradun offers many picnic spots which can be enjoyed with family and kids.

Dehradun Highlights

Dehradun Overview


  • Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
  • Garhwal
  • 2 days
  • Dehradun
  • Jolly Grant Airport, 29 kms
  • Historical, Picnic Spots, Educational Institutes, Food, Capital City, Shopping, Zoo, Business Hub

Staying in Dehradun

The capital of the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun has plenty of accommodation available for tourists and travelers according to their budget. Being at proximity to Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar, many places to stay have mushroomed in Dehradun. One can easily find luxurious hotels with all facilities and amenities as well as budget guesthouses with limited amenities at Dehradun.

Dehradun Food Guide

Dehradun is one of the few cities in Uttarakhand that has properly imbibed the food culture of various regions of India. There are many restaurants offering various delectable cuisines. Popular fast food chains are also available at Dehradun. One can find many restaurants and eating joints along the Rajpur Road. Along with North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Italian,Thai, Tibetan and Continental cuisine, the indigenous local Pahadi cuisine is worth giving a try.

History of Dehradun

The historical facts suggest that Dehradun owes its name to Shri Ram Rai, the eldest son of the seventh Sikh Guru, Har Rai Ji who set up his ‘dera’ or camp in ‘dun’ i.e. valley in the year 1676. Deradun later came to be known as Dehradun. It is said that Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb was in awe with the supernatural powers of the magnetic, Ram Rai. Therefore, he asked the contemporary Raja of Garhwal, Fateh shah to extend a helping hand to Shri Ram Rai. Hence, a Gurudwara or temple was built in Dhamawala. Also, the construction of the present building of Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj was completed in 1707. 

Dehradun was conquered by Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaign into India, followed by Taimooralang in 1368, Ruahela Njibuddulo in 1757 and Ghulam Qadir in 1785. The British gain control over Dehradun in 1816 and post-Independence, Dehradun along with the other parts of Garhwal and Kumaon region were merged with United Provinces which later came to be known as Uttar Pradesh. 

In 2000, Uttarakhand state, formerly named as Uttaranchal was created from the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh, under the Reorganization Act 2000 and Dehradun was made its provisional capital.

Mythology about Dehradun

As per the Hindu mythology, the name Dehradun has been derived from its nickname “Doon Valley” which is related to the two popular Hindu legends called Ramayana and Mahabharata.  In Skanda Purana, Dehradun is mentioned as a part of the region called 'Kedar Khand', the abode of Shiva. Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India and is believed that Lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana.

Around 2,000 years old temples and idols have been found in the surrounding areas of Dehradun, which dates back to the period of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is also believed that Dehradun was the abode of Guru Dronacharya, who was the royal guru of the Kauravas and the Pandavas.

Dehradun - The city of Joy

Dehradun hosts some of the pompous religious fairs such as the Jhanda Fair, Tapkeshwar Fair, and the Laxmansidh Fair. The travelers can either enjoy a shopping spree at the elite shopping malls or choose to bargain at the lively Paltan Market and the Tibetan Market of Dehradun.

One can also visit the popular tourist attractions such as Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Auli, Kanatal, Rishikesh and Haridwar that are located at a proximity to Dehradun. As the weather is always magical here you can plan a visit to Dehradun in any of the months. You can also travel in the offseason to avoid traffic and rush.

Fairs in Dehradun

Dehradun also hosts some important fairs of the region like Jhanda Fair, Tapkeshwar Fair, Laxmansidh Fair, Bissu Fair, Mahasu Devta Fair, and the Shaheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair. Trade Fairs are also organized here on the monthly basis, where you can buy exotic things belonging to different states of India within affordable prices. 

Dehradun as an Education hub

Dehradun has earned the epithet of being revered as the 'Educational Hub of Uttarakhand' as it is home to several prestigious educational institutions including the Doon School, Welham School for girls, Welham Schools for boys, and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. The city also boasts some of the renowned national organizations such as the Indian Military Academy, The ONGC, Survey of India, the Forest Research Institute, and many more.

Check out the list of most famous Boarding Schools in Dehradun and Girls Boarding School in Dehradun

Shopping in Dehradun

In Dehradun, there are many markets where you can purchase the things according to your budget.

Shopping in Dehradun
  • Paltan   Bazaar in Dehradun: This market is situated near the famous landmark of Dehradun Clock Tower. The city's pride basmati rice can be bought here at a reasonable price, clothes, shoes, bags, etc. The best thing about shopping in this market is that all the items are reasonably priced.
  • Tibetan   Market in Dehradun: Another popular place to go for shopping in Dehradun is the Tibetan market. This is the best place, especially if you want to buy colourful apparels and funky T-shirts. Both men and women visit this busy shopping centre for fashionable cloths. Close to this place, you will find several small eateries that offer fresh Tibetan delicacies like thupa, momos and chowmein.
  • Indira Market   in Dehradun: It is Located near the Clock Tower, Indira Market is a great place to buy clothes, shoes and accessories, especially for youths. This market is very reasonable for everyone.
  • Rajpur Road   in Dehradun: A blend of modern showrooms and stores selling local handicrafts can be found on this road. Urban dwellers can hit branded outlets like Woodland, Nike, Levi's, Adidas etc. Besides shops, you can also head to cafes, restaurants lined up on this road.
  • Ashley   Hall in Dehradun: Right opposite Gandhi Park, there is this wonderful shopping centre known as Ashley hall that has collection of lovely items. There are many shops at this place like Art home, guitar shop, kamal jewellers etc along with some good restaurants like Black pepper, Cosmopolitan etc from where you can spend your time according to your mood.
  • Arhat Bazar in Dehradun: This is the market from where you can fill your home with ration. Here you can purchase pulses, species, and rice etc. It is near Sharanpur Chowk.
  • Malls in Dehradun in   Dehradun: If you are a brand lover than you can do shopping from Pacific mall Times Square Mall, Cross road mall, Vikas mall and The City Junction Mall. Different kinds of brand are available in these malls along with PVR and good restaurants.

There are so many other local and famous markets in Dehradun, some of the famous are Patelnagar, Dharampur, Ballupur and Raipur.

Dehradun Photo Gallery

Buddha temple in Dehradun.
Night view of Dehradun from Mussoorie.
Budhha temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Forest Research Institute Dehradun
Dehradun city
F.R.I Dehradun

Dehradun Weather

Check out the Dehradun weather report for June

Dehradun Weather in June

The minimun and maximum temperature in June in Dehradun is 23°C and 35°C respectively. The weather is generally cloudy and rains in June and you would feel pleasant throughout the day. Summer Clothes clothes are recommended for Dehradun in June.

Detailed weather information of Dehradun

What is Dehradun famous for?

Dehradun is famous among tourist as Historical, Picnic Spots, Educational Institutes, Food, Capital City, Shopping, Zoo, Business Hub.

Dehradun is recommended destination for Corporates, Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.

Dehradun is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Biking, Business Hub, Christmas and New Year, Destination Wedding, Leisure, Others, Shopping, Weekend Getaway.