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Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is looked upon as one of the most beautiful places thanks to its landscapes, climate, and given the fact that it is situated in the foothills of the great Himalayas. Tourists usually visit various entertainment venues in the city, but there are plenty of places few people go to that are quite nearby, and the best part is that these places guarantee respite from the regular tourist haunts. For those who wish quietude, thrill and wish to connect to nature- these offbeat places near Dehradun are just right.
Offbeat Places Near Dehradun
Let’s explore the offbeat places near Dehradun – every place comes with its share of inviting allure.
1. Kempty Falls
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Kempty Falls is one of the most favoured tourist spots in the state of Uttarakhand. This beautiful waterfall is approximately 40 feet high and falls seamlessly into the green valleys and high cliffs surrounding it. People can also indulge in a variety of activities, such as swimming in the natural pool formed at the base of the falls, self-catering picnics in visually appealing settings, and photographing the remarkable sights provided there. The place consists of two prominent falls: the very active lower fall and the quiet upper fall, each with different activities.
Distance From Dehradun: 47 km
Best Time To Visit: June to October for pleasant weather
2. Chakrata
Photo: Nipun Sohanlal / Wikimedia Commons
Chakrata is a peaceful hill station located at a height of 2118 m. It is famous for its colourful forests, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, thus serving as an ideal destination for all nature and adventure fanatics. Some of the notable locations include Tiger Falls, which is a lovely waterfall that can be reached after a beautiful trek, and Deoban, which is famous for its rich biodiversity and bird watching. The Budher Caves offer a thrilling experience of cave exploration, whereas Chilmiri Neck provides breathtaking views of the sunrises and sunsets.
Distance From Dehradun: 88 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June for pleasant weather; October to December for clear skies.
3. Lacchiwalla
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lacchiwalla, situated near the city of Dehradun, remains one of the favourite spots for picnicking amidst the verdant jungles of Rajaji National Park. Lacchiwalla, which means heaven on Earth, shares the same calm and beautiful surroundings, courtesy of a small yet charming brook that meanders through the area, perfect for recreational activities like swimming and boating. This location is very popular among families and groups who wish to escape the city for a calm environment. Tourists can take walks in the green surroundings, go bird watching, or sit by the banks doing nothing.
Distance From Dehradun: 18 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June for pleasant weather
4. Kalsi
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Kalsi is a beautiful village at the meeting of the two rivers, the Yamuna and the Tons, and is decorated with cultural riches and wonderful nature. This tranquil locale is known for the Ashokan Rock Edict, which was done during the great Emperor Ashoka’s time and bears his principles of rule written down years in advance in 253 BC. The edict made of a quartz rock, measuring a height of ten feet and a width of eight feet, containing inscriptions in the language of Prakrit, is under the care of the Archaeological Department of India.
Distance From Dehradun: 44 km
Best Time To Visit: March to July for pleasant weather
5. Nagthat
Photo: Pratikbuttepatil52 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nagthat is a calm and beautiful ‘offbeat’ village in the Rikhnad Range of Uttarakhand. This village is admired for its unique views of the deep-rooted hills, the dense green forests, and the marvellous sights of the Himalayan vimanas that render it appropriate for nature- and adventure-loving tourists. The region is heterogeneous with diverse flora and fauna where birds can be spotted and the vegetation is well appreciated. The tourists may also find pleasure in trekking towards the other distant villages that are strung along scenic pathways.
Distance From Dehradun: 77 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and October to December for pleasant weather
6. Kanatal
Photo: Kalsigaurav / Wikimedia Commons
Kanatal is a peaceful hill station located in the Garhwal Himalayas at a height of 2,590 m. The place is known for beautiful views, green coverage, and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal place for anyone who loves nature or is an adrenaline junkie. It has a magnificent sight that is dominated by mostly rhododendrons and oak forests. The tourists can also take part in a number of activities, which include, but are not limited to, trekking to the Surkanda Devi Temple situated close by, sleeping outside in a tent, and participating in extreme sports like rock climbing and zip lining.
Distance From Dehradun: 76 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June for pleasant weather; November to February for snowfall
7. Binsar
Photo: Photo: Priyambada Nath / Wikimedia Commons
Binsar is a quiet hill station and a wildlife sanctuary that is breathtakingly beautiful. Situated 2,412 m high, Binsar provides a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayan range, featuring the famous peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary reserves a variety of plant life and animal species, such as leopards and Himalayan black bears, as well as birds, making it a haven for nature and bird lovers. Through and over oak, rhododendron, and deodar tree-wooded areas, visitors can take up over 60 km of walking routes.
Distance From Dehradun: 90 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November for pleasant weather
8. Harsil
Photo: Amit.pratap1988 / Wikimedia Commons
Harsil is a beautiful village located in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2620 meters. Regarded for its picturesque beauty, Harsil is called so with the phrase “Mini Switzerland of India.” The village, which is on the banks of the Black River Bhagirathi, is surrounded by deodar trees and boasts plenty of apple orchards, which makes this place beautiful and attractive for all nature enthusiasts and adventurers. There are also activities you can do in Harsil since it is a point where you commence horseback riding until you get to amazing sites and breathtaking scenery.
Distance From Dehradun: 90 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October for pleasant weather
9. Khirsu
Photo: Goldi.negi / Wikimedia Commons
Khirsu is a quiet hill station in Uttarakhand and stands at a height of 1900 m. Khirsu is famous for its panoramic close-up picture of the Himalayan range, and notable peaks including Nanda Devi and Trishul are within the views of Khirsu. It is encircled with a beautiful cover of deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees. This region is known for its apple orchards, where delicious and mouthwatering apples are grown, and this is one season that draws many tourists to the place. With the possibility of bird watching, visitors can immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery by taking nature walks and trekking activities in the area.
Distance From Dehradun: 45 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and October to November for pleasant weather
10. Pangot
Photo: Pratima m / Wikimedia Commons
Pangot is a small village recognised as the most excellent place for birdwatchers. Situated at an elevation of 1900 meters, it is home to more than three hundred varieties of birds, including the striking Himalayan griffon and the blue-winged Minla. The dense growth of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees serves to augment its attractiveness, making it a perfect destination for the weary trekker and nature lover. There are also picturesque trekking trails connecting Naina Peak and Kilbury, which provide excellent vistas of the region. This region can also boast of a camping site where the spring season allows for wonderful views filled with trees of blooming rhododendrons.
Distance From Dehradun: 50 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November for pleasant weather; winter months attract migratory birds
Dehradun brings one closer to the natural and cultural aspects our country has to offer apart from the many ideal tourist locations. Whether for those who wish to see the beautiful landscapes by trek, want a quiet place for meditation purposes or just want a quiet place to enjoy nature, these offbeat places have it all. Every place has its narrative which begs to be told and provides an opportunity for you to integrate your own flight stories. So pack your bags and hit the road with TripXL to find the offbeat places near Dehradun.
Cover Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
