Top 14 Places To Visit Near Dehradun: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

An image showing a scenic view of Dehradun, highlighting places to visit near Dehradun.

Tourist places to visit near Dehradun offer beautiful nature, fascinating history, and culture that attract large numbers of people. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun offers many scenic and culturally rich locations that are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. From full-of-verdure valleys and pristine rivers to serene hill stations and plenty of attractions nearby, we outline some of the best destinations near Dehradun, as each provides something different with proximity and hence apt for exploration.

Top 14 Places To Visit Near Dehradun

From serene hill stations to offbeat cultural spots, here are the top places to visit near Dehradun that deserve a spot on your travel list.

1. Mussoorie

An image showing Kempty Fall in Mussoorie, one of the tourist attractions near Dehradun.

Photo: Raanation / Wikimedia Commons

Called the “Queen of the Hills”, Mussoorie mesmerises its tourists with its scenery, colonial mansions, and busy local markets. This Mussoorie travel guide highlights it as a major tourist destination with a number of famous spots like Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road, and Gun Hill that offer a wide view of the Himalayas. For nature lovers and adventurous persons, Mussoorie is the best place for regular treks and its famous cable car ride. The cool and pleasant climate, besides the inviting atmosphere, makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions near Dehradun among those seeking a fresh hill station experience.

Distance From Dehradun: 34 km

Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Mussoorie

2. Rishikesh

An image showing a scenic view of Rishikesh featuring attractions near Dehradun.

Photo: Vishal chand rajwar / Wikimedia Commons

Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh represents a perfect harmony among spirituality, adventure, and nature. Lying along the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh forms a combination that presents rappelling, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and visiting the Beatles Ashram to peace seekers and adventure buffs. A mixture of riverbanks, serene temples, and ashrams creates this place as one of the unique places to see near Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From soulfulness to adventure, everything in Rishikesh has something for everyone to delight in.

Distance From Dehradun: 45 km

3. Haridwar

An image showing Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, one of the places to see near Dehradun.

Photo: Praveen mannar / Wikimedia Commons

One of the seven holy cities in India, Haridwar personifies spiritual dedication and throbbing Hinduism. According to any comprehensive Haridwar travel guide, the city is renowned for the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, this shrinking city embraces pilgrims and tourists from every part of the world. Ancient temples, vibrant ghats, and flamboyant markets contribute to the beauty of this cultural hub. It combines spirituality with tradition uniquely. Hence this city remains a must-visit destination among the top attractions near Dehradun for anyone who seeks an experience of India’s spiritual essence.

Distance From Dehradun: 54 km

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit Near Haridwar

4. Dhanaulti

An image showing a scenic view from Dhanaulti with dense green hills and clear skies.

Photo: ArmouredCyborg / Wikimedia Commons

Dhanaulti is one of the most noiseless hill stations and an apt destination for those who want to spend a quiet, peaceful holiday far away from city life. The rich forests of deodar, rhododendron, and oak make Dhanaulti riotous in its beauty amidst nature. All these components add fun and religious experiences for visitors, including Eco Park and the revered Surkanda Devi Temple. The misty atmosphere of the place, surrounded by scenic landscapes, makes Dhanaulti one of the most relaxing places to visit near Dehradun, Uttarakhand, ensuring unwinding and rejuvenation.

Distance From Dehradun: 60 km

5. Chakrata

An image showing a temple in Chakrata, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Photo: Mustkeem Ahamad / Wikimedia Commons

It assumes a rustic charm and scenic splendour, making it a hot spot for nature lovers and trekkers. As one of the best places to visit near Dehradun, there are numerous thick forests and cascading waterfalls like Tiger Falls that lend the land its enchanting and virgin landscape. For adventure lovers, there are trekking trails with captivating views from Kanasar Forest. Chakrata is a serene retreat which perfectly defines a lesser-known beautiful attraction and is highly recommended for those who want to flee into nature and relish tranquillity in absolute measures.

Distance From Dehradun: 87 km

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Chakrata

6. Kalsi

An image showing the ancient Indian inscriptions and rock edicts of Asoka in Kalsi.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

Kalsi is a tranquil and peaceful town, representing historical importance and natural beauty enriched. Its main attraction is the Ashokan rock edict-a backlog of thousands of years of history created by Emperor Ashoka, which draws big history lovers from far and wide. Besides this, the scenic setting on the Yamuna River makes Kalsi a beautiful place where one can unwind in an environment that soothes the soul. With a mix of history and natural beauty, Kalsi forms one of the most interesting stops on places to see near Dehradun for history lovers amid nature.

Distance From Dehradun: 43 km

7. New Tehri

Image of Tehri Lake in New Tehri, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and clear waters.

Photo: Prshntsingh733 / Wikimedia Commons

New Tehri is a recent town primarily known for its magnificent Tehri Dam, which is amongst the biggest in Asia. The dam presents a striking sight of the hill surroundings and the lake. Adventure-loving people will surely enjoy a set of water sports on the lake, while the quieter types will enjoy the serene atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings. With a combination of natural beauty and modern engineering, New Tehri has to be a destination not to be missed in hill stations near Dehradun.

Distance From Dehradun: 94 km

Suggested Read: Things To Do In New Tehri

8. Paonta Sahib

An image of Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, a prominent Sikh shrine nestled in the scenic hills.

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sikhism, it houses the famous Gurudwara Paonta Sahib. Apart from devotees, it attracts tourists in large numbers. This Gurudwara is considered to be of historical significance because it used to be a place for Guru Gobind Singh to stay. It is located near the river Yamuna. The place is quiet, having tranquillity. The religious and cultural importance that this place boasts of, along with the beautiful river views, makes it one of the favourite tourist attractions near Dehradun for having a spiritual experience.

Distance From Dehradun: 50 km

9. Lansdowne

An image showing a stunning landscape view of Lansdowne, highlighting the lush greenery.

Photo: Sudhanshu.s.s / Wikimedia Commons

Lansdowne is a quiet hill station, girded with lush greenery, and exudes the characteristic charm of the quiet environment that is reminiscent of the colonial era. The place was established by the British and houses quaint churches, walking trails, and boating opportunities. Among the many places to visit in Lansdowne, panoramic views can be seen from the tip-in-top; thus, it is for these reasons that Lansdowne is amongst the best attractions near Dehradun for relaxation. Its pristine natural beauty, combined with the tranquil atmosphere, is what makes it a shut-down jewel amongst quiet places to go and experience.

Distance From Dehradun: 170 km

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Lansdowne

10. Maldevta

Explore Maldevta, a beautiful village known for its lush greenery and the serene Song River.

Photo: Prajapati Sanju / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Maldevta is famous among tourists for its beautiful green fields, thickets, and the Song River. Both locals and visitors love this cute little village because it’s a peaceful escape into nature. You can enjoy picnics, hiking, and a quick break from city life. The sound of the water flowing and the songs of birds add to the peaceful atmosphere. There are walking trails around Maldevta that let people enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas. Several small rivers and old canals show how this area has a long history with Dehradun’s natural past.

Distance From Dehradun: 18 km

11. Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore Robber's Cave, also known as Guchhupani, one of the places to visit near Dehradun with friends.

Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons

Robber’s Cave, which is also known as Guchhupani, is among the places to visit near Dehradun with friends. The cave is about 600 meters long and has two main sections. At this beautiful spot, the mysterious phenomenon where the river water suddenly goes underground and then reappears a few meters downstream is well known. It was once a famous hiding place for thieves trying to get away from British colonial authorities.

Distance From Dehradun: 10 km

Suggested Read: The Ancient Wonders Of Caves In Nainital

12. George Everest Peak

Explore the stunning George Everest Peak, one of the places to visit near Dehradun with friends.

Photo: Harshit karan / Wikimedia Commons

George Everest Peak is located close to Mussoorie and is named after Sir George Everest, who was the famous Surveyor General of India. This peak is about 900 meters higher than the historic George Everest House. To get there, you have to take a nice walk through dense woods full of deodar, pine, and spring-blooming rhododendrons. The trip to the top is an adventure in itself, with stunning views of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas covered in snow.

Distance From Dehradun: 37 km

13. Asan Barrage Wetland

An image of the Asan Barrage Wetland, which is a great place for wildlife and bird lovers.

Photo: Nandanautiyal / Wikimedia Commons

The Asan Barrage Wetland is a great place for wildlife and bird lovers. It is where the Asan and Yamuna rivers meet, west of Dehradun. It is Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, which means it is internationally known for being an important ecological site for protecting migratory and local birds, including some species that are in danger of going extinct. It also becomes a bird lover’s paradise from October to March, when groups of birds come from far away. People from all walks of life like to spend time at the peaceful lakeshore, which is great for birding, photography, boating, and fishing.

Distance From Dehradun: 45 km

Suggested Read: Best Offbeat Places Near Dehradun

14. Hathipaon

Explore the peaceful beauty and rich historical connections in Hathipaon, Uttarakhand.

Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only

Hathipaon is a charming village on the misty edges of Mussoorie that is known for its peaceful beauty and rich historical connections. The place was named after the “footprint of an elephant,” and it is surrounded by beautiful forests, fields, and cliffs with views of the Himalayas. Hathipaon has many nature trails and is a popular place for hiking and camping. Adventure camps like Raincoat Camp welcome tourists who want to enjoy the outdoors. The sunrise and sunset points offer peaceful times with views of pink-tinged mountains.

Distance From Dehradun: 40 km

Exploring these places to visit near Dehradun provides a blend of nature, spirituality, and adventure, making the region perfect for every type of traveller. From the serene hill stations of Mussoorie and Lansdowne to the spiritual towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh, each destination offers unique experiences. Plan your journey with TripXL today to uncover the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures surrounding Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and make unforgettable memories.

Cover Photo: ArmouredCyborg / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit most places near Dehradun is between March and June for pleasant weather and clear skies or from September to November to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Monsoons (July-August) bring lush landscapes but may lead to occasional travel delays.
Yes, several places around Dehradun host vibrant local festivals. For example, Rishikesh celebrates the annual International Yoga Festival in March, and Haridwar hosts the Kumbh Mela every twelve years. These events offer a unique cultural experience and a deeper connection to local traditions.
While some destinations, like Mussoorie and Kalsi, are manageable in a day, others like Lansdowne and Chakrata, are best enjoyed overnight to appreciate the scenery and attractions fully. Planning a stay ensures a more relaxed experience.
Yes, destinations like Rishikesh and Chakrata offer numerous adventure activities, including river rafting, bungee jumping, trekking, and camping. Rajaji National Park also offers safari experiences for wildlife enthusiasts, adding thrill to your journey.
Absolutely! Try local dishes like Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine, particularly in hill stations like Mussoorie and Lansdowne. Rishikesh is also known for its vegetarian cafes and health-focused eateries, while Haridwar offers a delightful array of traditional Indian sweets and street food near its ghats.
Yes, Robber's Cave is a good place for families to visit. Inside the cave, there is a small stream that kids like to walk through. Don't forget to bring an extra set of clothes and shoes that won't slip.
The best months to visit Asan Barrage for birdwatching are November to February, since many migratory birds arrive at the wetland during this period.
Yes, Maldevta is a famous place for people in the area to camp and have picnics. Several tour companies in the area also offer camping trips. But you should check ahead of time to make sure of safety and rights.

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