Things to do in Dehradun

Food lovers can explore local bakeries, cafés, and street food, especially around Rajpur Road and Paltan Bazaar. Shopping for handicrafts, woollens, and local produce is another enjoyable experience.

Whether you seek nature, spirituality, or slow city exploration, Dehradun offers a refreshing and balanced travel experience.
 

1. Explore Dehradun Through Its Natural Beauty, Waterfalls and Scenic Forest Areas

Dehradun offers a refreshing mix of waterfalls, green valleys, outdoor locations and forest landscapes that make it ideal for travellers who enjoy nature–based activities. These experiences suit families, couples, photographers and slow travellers who prefer calm environments without long or difficult treks. Surrounded by the Shivalik Hills and fed by natural springs, Dehradun’s outdoor attractions combine scenic beauty with easy accessibility.

• Walk Through Robber’s Cave (Gucchu Pani) 

Robber’s Cave is one of the most popular nature experiences in Dehradun. Travellers can walk inside the narrow cave where a shallow stream flows between high rock walls, creating a refreshing and unique adventure.

Things to do at Robber’s Cave:

1. Walk in the flowing natural stream
2. Explore the narrow cave passages
3. Enjoy the cool temperature inside the cave
4. Visit the small waterfall at the end
5. Take photographs of dramatic rock formations

This is a fun and scenic outdoor activity that is easy for all age groups.

• Spend a Peaceful Afternoon at Sahastradhara’s Springs and Pools

Sahastradhara is one of Dehradun’s most relaxing nature spots, famous for its sulphur springs, layered rocks and green surroundings. The flowing water creates a soothing sound, making it ideal for calm, slow travel.

Activities at Sahastradhara:

1. Dip your feet in natural sulphur pools
2. Ride the ropeway for scenic valley views
3. Explore small walking paths around the area
4. Enjoy relaxed photography of the rock formations
5. Spend time near the gentle water streams

This spot offers a refreshing nature break close to the city.

• Enjoy a Calm Nature Walk at Lachhiwala Nature Park

Located slightly outside Dehradun, Lachhiwala offers forest walking trails, shallow water pools, open green spaces and a peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for families and travellers seeking quiet natural surroundings.

Experiences in Lachhiwala:

1. Forest trails shaded by tall trees
2. Water pools fed by natural streams
3. Birdwatching opportunities around forest edges
4. Picnic spots surrounded by greenery
5. Relaxing morning or evening walks

The peaceful charm of this area makes it one of Dehradun’s best outdoor experiences.

• Visit Shikhar Falls for a Short Forest Walk and Waterfall Views

Shikhar Falls is a hidden gem for travellers who enjoy quiet natural areas. The short walk to the waterfall passes through rocky terrain, small water streams and lush greenery.

What to do at Shikhar Falls:

1. Walk through scenic forest patches
2. Spend time near the waterfall pool
3. Observe local flora, rocks and birds
4. Capture photographs of the waterfall’s curves
5. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, especially on weekdays

This spot is ideal for travellers wanting an offbeat natural experience.

• Experience Riverside Relaxation and Scenic Drives at Maldevta

Maldevta offers a combination of riverside relaxation, mountain views and peaceful open landscapes. It is perfect for travellers who enjoy scenic drives and quiet nature settings.

Activities at Maldevta:

1. Sit along the clear stream
2. Capture mountain and valley views
3. Enjoy sunset photography
4. Walk along the riverside road
5. Relax in the calm natural environment

This location reflects Dehradun’s gentle outdoor charm.

2. Explore Dehradun’s Spiritual Side Through Its Temples, Monasteries and Cultural Centres

Dehradun has a diverse spiritual landscape filled with cave temples, peaceful monasteries and heritage shrines. These places offer calm settings, scenic surroundings and insights into the city’s religious and cultural identity.

• Visit Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple 

Tapkeshwar Temple is one of Dehradun’s most revered shrines, located inside a cave where water continuously drips onto the Shivling. The natural cave formation and surrounding forest provide a unique spiritual atmosphere.

Things to do at Tapkeshwar:

1. Explore the natural cave and water–drip formation
2. Walk along the forested stream outside the temple
3. Spend time in peaceful corners for meditation
4. Capture photographs of the rocky surroundings
5. Visit early morning for a calm spiritual experience

This shrine blends nature, devotion and tranquillity beautifully.

• Spend Time at Mindrolling Monastery 

One of India’s largest Buddhist centres, Mindrolling Monastery offers grand architecture, colourful murals, landscaped gardens and peaceful spaces for reflection.

Experiences at Mindrolling Monastery:

1. Walk through the beautiful gardens and courtyards
2. Explore the Great Stupa and Tibetan artwork
3. Visit meditation halls and prayer areas
4. Capture photographs of intricate Tibetan designs
5. Enjoy a slow and relaxing cultural experience

This monastery is one of Dehradun’s most calming attractions.

• Explore Tapovan Temple and Its Gentle Natural Surroundings

Tapovan is known for its yogic heritage and serene environment. The temple is surrounded by small walking paths and green spaces ideal for peaceful visits.

Activities at Tapovan:

1. Visit the temple and surrounding gardens
2. Take gentle walks around the area
3. Enjoy the quiet and soothing atmosphere
4. Observe hill views on clear days
5. Spend time in peaceful meditation corners

This temple suits travellers wanting a balanced spiritual and nature experience.

• Visit Santaura Devi Temple for Valley Views 

Santaura Devi Temple is located on a hilltop and offers scenic viewpoints along with a calm spiritual setting. The gentle climb to the temple is enjoyable and rewarding.

What to do around Santaura Devi Temple:

1. Walk on the scenic pathway leading uphill
2. Enjoy panoramic valley views
3. Explore small forest patches around the temple
4. Spend time in peaceful prayer areas
5. Take photographs from the elevated location

It is an excellent combination of light trekking and spirituality.

• Explore Dehradun’s Tibetan Colony and Buddha Temple

The Tibetan Colony near Parade Ground offers colourful pathways, prayer halls, shops and cultural experiences that reflect Tibetan heritage.

Experiences at Buddha Temple:

1. Explore Tibetan murals and prayer halls
2. Walk through colourful market lanes
3. Enjoy peaceful corner spaces for relaxation
4. Shop for Tibetan handicrafts and woollens
5. Experience a calm, culturally rich environment

This area is ideal for travellers who love cultural diversity.

3. Explore Dehradun’s Urban Charm Through Its Markets, Cafés and Lifestyle Spots

Beyond nature and spiritual sites, Dehradun offers vibrant markets, heritage institutions, museums and modern lifestyle spots that bring variety to the traveller’s experience. These areas provide opportunities for shopping, food exploration, cultural learning and relaxed urban outings.

• Shop and Explore the Lively Lanes of Paltan Bazaar

Paltan Bazaar is Dehradun’s busiest and most popular market, offering a mix of traditional shops, local snacks, clothing and handicrafts.

Things to do in Paltan Bazaar:

1. Shop for local goods, woollens and accessories
2. Taste traditional sweets and street snacks
3. Explore narrow market lanes
4. Buy wooden handicrafts and souvenirs
5. Experience Dehradun’s local lifestyle

It is a perfect place for travellers who enjoy cultural shopping.

• Enjoy Modern Lifestyle and Scenic Walks Along Rajpur Road

Rajpur Road blends cafés, boutiques, restaurants and scenic surroundings. It is one of the most comfortable lifestyle areas in Dehradun.

Experiences on Rajpur Road:

1. Cafés offering bakery items and mountain views
2. Evening walks on broad, clean pathways
3. Branded stores and local designer shops
4. Scenic drive toward Mussoorie
5. Relaxed dining in peaceful settings

This area reflects the modern side of Dehradun.

• Explore Forest Research Institute for Architecture and Museum Visits

The Forest Research Institute is a major historical landmark filled with museums, corridors, lawns and nature walks.

Activities at FRI:

1. Explore forestry and natural history museums
2. Walk through long corridors and grand halls
3. Photograph colonial architecture
4. Enjoy the large, green lawns
5. Learn about Himalayan biodiversity

FRI offers a unique blend of heritage and learning.

• Visit the Zonal Anthropological Museum for Cultural Insights

This museum showcases exhibits about tribal communities, human culture and ethnography.

What to explore:

1. Cultural displays related to Himalayan tribes
2. Ethnographic collections
3. Panels explaining human development
4. Lifestyle models and artifacts
5. Informative, educational exhibits

It is ideal for travellers interested in cultural studies.

• Café Hopping and Local Food Experiences in Dehradun

Dehradun has a growing café culture with cosy, scenic and creatively designed cafés that make it a great place for relaxed leisure time.

Café activities:

1. Try local bakery items and handcrafted coffee
2. Spend time reading or working in peaceful spaces
3. Enjoy Mussoorie–road cafés with outdoor seating
4. Taste Tibetan, North Indian and fusion dishes
5. Relax after long sightseeing sessions

These café experiences complete the urban charm of Dehradun.