7 Exciting and Picturesque places to visit near Dehradun
Right at the heart of Uttarakhand, Dehradun not only stands as a bustling transit hub but also serves as a gateway to a plethora of hidden gems. We have curated 7 exciting and picturesque places to visit near Dehradun, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As you step outside the city limits, you’ll find yourself immersed in lush landscapes, historic wonders, and thrilling experiences. Explore the diverse places near Dehradun that will charm you, making your journey an unforgettable one.
Check out these 7 amazing places to visit near Dehradun.
1.Chopta
Distance from Dehradun – Approx. 5.5 hours by road.
Chopta, the ‘mini-Switzerland’ of India is an off-beat and stunning destination for travelers. Nestled in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, Chopta offers enchanting views and is the perfect destination to get away from urban chaos. Travel in the months of December, January to witness snowfall. Visit Chopta and find yourself at the center of 5 holy temples.
Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Kalpeshwar, Rudranath and Tungnath temples are readily accessible from Chopta. Immerse yourself in a spiritual and adrenaline filled expedition, with the Tungnath trek, which is approximately 3.5km and sits on 3,680 meters ASL.
2.New Tehri
Distance from Dehradun – Approx. 3 hours by road.
Explore the tallest Dam in India, the Tehri Dam by adding this to your list of places to visit near Dehradun. The iconic dam generates power and irrigates large parts of Northern India, holding immense significance in the country. Old Tehri town was submerged under water and New Tehri came into being, at the same time when the Tehri Dam was built.
New Tehri is presently a great tourist attraction and a hub for adrenaline seekers. With an array of adventure sports such as Parasailing, Jet Ski, Water Surfing etc., New Tehri is the perfect destination for a fun day tour.
End your adventure by grabbing a bite to eat at Le Roi Floating restaurant, with a great view of the ‘Tehri Jheel’.
3.Landour
Distance from Dehradun – Approx. 1.45 hours by road.
Picketed fences, Anglo-Indian feels and breathtaking views… that’s what you get when you visit Landour. This off-beat and stunning little town is very close to Mussoorie and perfect for a weekend getaway from Dehradun. Escape the crowds of Mussoorie and climb up the narrow paths for about 5 km to reach this fairytale land called Landour.
Landour used to be a British cantonment pre-independence, with houses built by and for the British soldiers.
Trivia: Since 1924, no new construction has taken place or been allowed in Landour. That is the reason the town has preserved its quiet, old-town charm. The town still follows stringent policies regarding use of cameras such as go-pro and drones.
Landour is a lovely location for a night stay, thanks to quaint home stays and hotels nestled in lush green forests.
What to do in Landour:
- Visit the tranquil St. Paul’s Church and immerse in its serene vibe.
- Eat delicious Maggi at the iconic Char Dukan, next to St. Paul’s Church.
- Take a walk around the tiny cobbled roads and check out colonial architecture.
- Visit beloved author Ruskin Bonds’ house and get nostalgic.
- Have a meal at Doma, one of the finest Tibetian restaurants.
Quick tip: The roads in Landour are very narrow. It is most effective to either walk, cycle or take a two-wheeler during your visit
4.Rishikesh
Distance from Dehradun – Approx. 50 minutes by road.
Discover Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world and let it dazzle you with its transcendental aura and trippy vibe. Spend at least 3 days in Rishikesh to get the most out of this city, that sits of lap of Holy Ganges.
Check out our meticulously curated guide 7 Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh, and get familiar with everything you need to know before visiting this incredible land of spirituality and adventure.
Walk the narrow lanes and experience the spiritual energy. CLICK BELOW for a local walking tour experience in Rishikesh.
5.Rawai Valley
Distance from Dehradun – Approx. 5 hours by road.
With Yamuna River and Tons River flowing on either side, the drive to Rawai Valley area in Uttarakhand is out-of-the-ordinary. This highly unexplored area holds ancient stories and mysteries that excite. Drive from Dehradun and cross tinsel villages such as Nau gaon, Purola and Mori to witness breathtaking views and enchanting picnic spots right by the river.
As you cross the Rawai Valley area, the rivers flow parallel, making it one of the most gorgeous road trips in Uttarakhand.
Stop at small road side restaurants with beautiful views and grab food. Alu Parantha, Maggi and Omelette are a must-have when you are on this road trip. Take a pitstop to explore the ancient Lakhamandal temple and cave. Drive way into Hanol village and offer prayers at the sacred MahaSu Devta temple.
6.Dhanaulti
Distance from Dehradun – Approx. 1.45 hours by road.
Visit Dhanaulti, a sleepy hill station at the foothills of the Himalayas with lush green forests and snow-laden landscapes. The mountain town is a relaxing getaway with lots of things to do. Spend at least 2 days in this town and visit the neighbouring areas. Dhanaulti is a haven for nature enthusiasts thanks to the plethora of wildlife and a well-preserved ecosystem.
Things to do in Dhanaulti
- Explore the Eco Park: Immerse yourself amidst the beauty of oak and deodar forests. Take time out and unwind amidst nature. The playground at Eco Park is well maintained and a lovely place for children to have fun.
- Go on a spiritual journey to Surkanda Devi: Take a gondola to the Surkanda Devi Temple, which is 7 km away from Dhanaulti. The ropeway opens between 8 am to 5 pm, but be aware during peak winters it closes by 3pm, if the crowd is limited. The cost of gondola ride is ₹ 200, both ways. Take this exciting ropeway trip and enjoy the panoramic views. Offer prayers to Surkanda Devi and get mesmerised by the beautiful snow peaked mountains surrounding the temple. Be careful of the monkeys; they may snatch things from your hand.
- Boost your adrenaline rush: Enjoy extreme sports and adventure activities at Dhanaulti. Activities such as Sky Walking, Paragliding, Zip line, Bungee jumping are all easily available and witness a lot of adventure seekers.
Places to eat in Dhanaulti:
Dhanaulti is a small hill town and closes early. Restaurant such as Hill View and Mehfil are a good choice for some good old North Indian cuisine.
We highly recommend you to also try local tea shops and small food setups that offer fresh snacks and other home-made products. Check out Jai Badri Kedar shop for absolutely delicious Saffron tea, Coffee, Maggi and Veggie pakoras.
7.Harsil
Distance from Dehradun – Approx. 7.5 hours by road.
Travel to Harsil may be a little long, but is perfectly worth it. This Himalayan town sees Bhagirathi River gushing, giving the surrounding a bewitching feel. Best time to visit Harsil is Fall (September – October) or Summer (April to June). If you wish to see snow, then winter is ideal.
Things to do in Harsil
- Visit Sattal, a beautiful destination for water sports. Also, visit the Shiva temple at Sattal, just 3 km from Harsil.
- Try the apple orchards at the tiny village Dharali, 3 km from Harsil. Meet locals and eat local food as you enjoy the simple village life.
- A haven for trekkers, Harsil is known for its many untouched and thrilling trails. Check out Himalayan Hikers comprehensive trek itinerary to know more.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore the places near Dehradun. Check our blog 6 Amazing Places to visit in Dehradun here.
