Uttarakhand, India
देहरादून
Dehradun
“City of grey hair and green hedges”
Nestled in the Doon Valley between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, Dehradun is a city where mythological history meets colonial heritage and modern India. From the ancient tales of Dronacharya to the prestigious Indian Military Academy, from misty Himalayan foothills to bustling Rajpur Road evenings — Dehradun is everything.
Made with ❤️ by Akash Priyadarshi
About the City
Dehradun
देहरादून — Queen of the Doon
~5.7 Lakh
Population
640m
Elevation
1670s
Founded
Oct – Feb
Best Time
Legend says Dronacharya — guru of the Kauravas and Pandavas — lived here, giving it the name Dronanagari. In the 1670s, Ram Rai, son of Guru Har Rai, built a shrine that became 'Dehra'. The British made it a cantonment, founded FRI in 1878, and built IMA in 1932. In 2000, Dehradun became the capital of the new state of Uttarakhand.
Etymology: 'Dehra' from Ram Rai's shrine + 'Dun' (valley) = valley at the foot of the hills
Explore
Places to Visit
17 attractions across the Doon Valley
Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
गुच्चुपानी
A 600m long natural river cave formation, believed to be the hideout of the legendary Sultana Daaku. The cave is divided in two parts with a 10m fall. Natural AC in summer.
Forest Research Institute
वान अनुसंधान संस्थान
Founded in 1878 by Lt Col Frederick Bailey, FRI is one of the oldest forest-based training institutes. Its British Raj architecture and 6 museums make it a must-visit.
Sahastradhara
सहस्त्रधारा
Meaning 'thousand-fold spring', a stunning cascade of natural sulphur water springs with cascading waterfalls and caves.
Tapkeshwar Temple
तपकेश्वर मंदिर
Ancient Shiva temple inside a natural cave where water trickles from the ceiling onto the Shivalinga. Guru Drona resided here during the Mahabharata era.
Mindrolling Monastery
माइंडरोलिंग मठ
One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, part of the Tibetan Nyingma tradition. Features Great Stupa, Tara statue, gardens, and intricate murals.
Lachhiwala Nature Park
लछीवाला नेचर पार्क
Popular summer destination with dense forests, man-made water pools, and excellent bird watching. Perfect for family picnics.
Khalanga War Memorial
खलंगा युद्ध स्मारक
The only memorial built by the British to honour their foe — the Gurkhas. Commemorates the Battle of Nalapani (1814-1816).
Kipling Trail
किपलिंग ट्रेल
An old walking route between Dehradun and Mussoorie, named after Rudyard Kipling who walked it in the 1880s.
Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
घंटा घर
The heart of Dehradun — a British-era clock tower with four functioning clocks. Freedom fighters' names engraved in gold.
Dehradun Zoo
देहरादून चिड़ियाघर
Also known as Malsi Deer Park — a conservation center at the foothills on Mussoorie Road with deer, peacocks, and Himalayan species.
Regional Science Centre
क्षेत्रीय विज्ञान केंद्र
At Vigyan Dham — science museum with planetarium, 3D theatre, science gallery, and interactive exhibits.
Uttara Museum
उत्तरा संग्रहालय
Uttarakhand's first art museum (2017). Multi-dimensional artworks on the 2013 Kedarnath disaster, paintings, and folk culture.
Lambi Dehar Mines
लम्बी देहर खदानें
Deserted limestone mines in the Mussoorie Range, known as a 'haunted place'. Eerie tunnels and panoramic mountain views.
Buddha Temple
बुद्ध मंदिर
A beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple in Clement Town with stunning architecture and peaceful gardens.
Santala Devi Temple
संतला देवी मंदिर
A hilltop temple accessible by cable car, offering panoramic views of the Doon Valley.
Maa Bala Sundari Mandir
माँ बाला सुंदरी मंदिर
Dedicated to the Bal Roop of Vaishno Devi, in a lush forest setting. Ponies, EVs, and palkis available.
Cricket Stadium
राजीव गांधी क्रिकेट स्टेडियम
First international cricket stadium in Uttarakhand. Hosts IPL matches and international fixtures.
Eat
Food & Dining
From Tibetan momos to South Indian dosas — Dehradun's food scene is a journey
Local Specialties
Momos
Tibetan steamed buns — the unofficial food of Dehradun
Basmati Rice
World's finest basmati rice grown in the Dehradun valley
Lychees
Famous Dehradun lychees — sweet, juicy, seasonal (May–July)
Maggi
The Maggie Point tradition — noodles with a valley view
Street Food
Chaats, golgappas, aloo tikki near Parade Ground
Vegetarian Thali
Complete meals near the railway station
Best Restaurants
Lhasa
★ 4.5Tibetan
Best Tibetan food — momos, thukpa, tingmo
📍 Rajpur Road
Punjab Restaurant
★ 4.3North Indian, Chinese
Home-cooked Indian + Chinese comfort food
📍 1-Patel Market, Rajpur Road
Moti Mahal
★ 4.2North Indian
Samosa, bread pakora, street-style chaat
📍 City Bus Stand, Rajpur Road
Vatika
★ 4.4Multi-cuisine
Premium dining in colonial setting
📍 97 Rajpur Road (Hotel Madhuban)
The Orchard
★ 4.5Tibetan, Thai, Chinese
Mountain views + Asian cuisine. Legendary sunsets.
📍 3-B Dak Patti, Rajpur
Udipi
★ 4.3South Indian
Idlis, dosas, filter coffee
📍 Lytton Road
Maggie Point
★ 4.1Street Food
Iconic Maggi with city views
📍 Dehradun–Mussoorie road
Kumar's
★ 4.2Chinese, Indian, Continental
Reliable multi-cuisine, consistent quality
📍 Rajpur Road
Stay
Where to Stay
From ₹700 hostels to ₹30,000 wellness resorts
Best Western Madhuban
📍 97 Rajpur Road
★ 4.0
Great Value Hotel
📍 74C Rajpur Road
★ 4.0
Hotel Softel Plaza
📍 NH-72, Saharanpur Road
★ 4.0
Hotel JSR Continental
📍 NH-72, Haridwar Road
★ 4.0
Learn
Education Hub
The Doon School, IMA, FRI — Dehradun is India's education capital
The Doon School
Boys Boarding · Est. 1935
Eton of India
Welham Boys' School
Boys Boarding · Est. 1938
Premier boys' school
Welham Girls' School
Girls Boarding · Est. 1957
Premier girls' school
The Asian School
Day & Boarding · Est. 2000
CBSE affiliated, modern
Cambrian Hall
Day & Boarding · Est. 1954
Historic colonial roots
Colonel Brown Cambridge
Boys Boarding · Est. 1926
British-era Cambridge curriculum
RIMC
Boys Boarding · Est. 1922
Pre-military, gateway to NDA/IMA
St Joseph's Academy
Day School · Est. 1934
Strong academics
Ecole Globale
Girls Boarding · Est. 2013
International curriculum
SelaQui International
Day & Boarding · Est. 2005
Sprawling campus
Defend
Defence & National Institutions
IMA, DRDO labs, ONGC — Dehradun is India's strategic nerve centre
🎖️ Military
Indian Military Academy
Est. 1932
Premier officer training academy. 'Imthian Bhratachar' — Character is Destiny.
Rashtriya Indian Military College
Est. 1922
Pre-military school for officer training academies.
Army Cadet College
Est. 1960
Within IMA campus, trains ACC entries for officer commissioning.
🔬 DRDO Establishments
Instruments Research and Development Establishment
Optics, night vision, weapons
Defence Electronics Application Laboratory
Defence electronics, comms
Ordnance Factory Dehradun
Ammunition, weapons
Opto Electronics Factory
Opto-electronic devices
🏛️ Government Institutions
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Petroleum Exploration
Survey of India
National mapping, geodesy
Forest Survey of India
Forest cover assessment
Indian Council of Forestry Research
Forestry research coordination
National Institute for Empowerment of People with Visual Disabilities
First of its kind in India
Central Braille Press
First Braille press in India
Heritage
Culture & Heritage
“City of grey hair and green hedges”
A blend of retired military officers' quiet life and the vibrant evening buzz of Rajpur Road. Home to Ruskin Bond, Tibetan Buddhist communities, and a growing arts scene.
Rajpur Road Evenings
The city's social spine — cafés, restaurants, and the evening promenade.
Ruskin Bond Connection
Legendary author who made Dehradun his home. His books capture the Doon Valley.
Tibetan Heritage
Mindrolling Monastery and Clement Town reflect strong Tibetan Buddhist influence.
Military Culture
IMA parades, cantonment elegance, disciplined charm of a city shaped by the armed forces.
Colonial Architecture
FRI, Clock Tower, and many bungalows reflect British-era heritage.
Notable People from Dehradun
Ruskin Bond
Author
Lifelong resident
Abhinav Bindra
Olympic Gold Medalist
Born here
Vir Das
Actor, Comedian
Grew up here
Jubin Nautiyal
Singer
Born here
Raghav Juyal
Dancer, TV Host
Born here
Vandana Shiva
Environmentalist
Based here
Tom Alter
Actor
Grew up here
Bobby Cash
Country Music
Based here
Through the Ages
History Timeline
Mahabharata era
Dronacharya lived here — 'Dronanagari'
1670s
Ram Rai builds shrine — 'Dehra'
1814-1816
Battle of Nalapani — Anglo-Nepalese War
1878
Forest Research Institute founded
1899
Dehradun railway station built
1932
Indian Military Academy established
1958
Uttarakhand Kranti Dal formed
2000
Dehradun becomes Uttarakhand capital
2007
International Cricket Stadium inaugurated
2008
Jolly Grant Airport commercial ops begin
2021
New airport terminal inaugurated
2022
Electric bus fleet launched (30 buses)
Getting There
Transport
Jolly Grant Airport (DED)
25 km south
1.3M+/year passengers/year
Flights: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Lucknow, Pune, Srinagar
Nearest international: New Delhi
Dehradun Railway Station (DDN)
Terminal, Northern Railway
Key trains: Vande Bharat Express, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express, Doon Express
Connects: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Amritsar
By Road
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway — 2.5 hours
Highways: NH 7, NH 307
ISBT Dehradun — interstate buses
Hill buses: Mussoorie, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Auli
Getting Around Dehradun
Vikrams
Blue shared three-wheelers on routes 1-10
City Buses
Blue bars, cheap and crowded
Auto Rickshaws
Fixed rate, not metered
E-Rickshaws
New eco-friendly addition
Electric Buses
30-bus green fleet since 2022
Walking
City is compact — 30 min across
Climate
Weather in Dehradun
Humid subtropical (Cwa) · Best time: October to February · Rainfall: 2,161mm/year
Monthly Climate
19.7°
6.6°
43.5mm
Jan
22.5°
9.2°
57.9mm
Feb
27.4°
13.1°
45.8mm
Mar
32.5°
17.4°
32.9mm
Apr
35.3°
21.2°
51.4mm
May
34.1°
23.2°
231.1mm
Jun
30.6°
23.6°
621.6mm
Jul
30.1°
23.1°
714.9mm
Aug
30.1°
21.3°
305.9mm
Sep
29°
16.3°
38.3mm
Oct
25.5°
11.4°
5.2mm
Nov
21.7°
7.6°
13mm
Dec
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Visual Journey
Gallery
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Celebrate
Festivals & Events
Fairs, folk festivals, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year
Jhanda Mela
March
Massive Sikh fair — huge banner raised. Biggest gathering in the Doon Valley.
Magh Mela
14 January
Harvest festival (Makar Sankranti). Kites fill the sky.
Virasat Festival
Annual
Afro-Asia's biggest folk life festival since 1995.
Doon Festival
December
Annual cultural festival — performances, food, exhibitions.
Basant Panchami
Jan/Feb
Spring celebration. Saraswati Puja, yellow attire, kites.
Harela
Jul/Aug
Uttarakhand's monsoon festival. Planting saplings, green hills.
Day Trips
Nearby Destinations
Quick escapes from Dehradun — hills, rivers, and spirituality
Mussoorie
Queen of the Hills — colonial hill station with Mall Road, Kempty Falls, and Himalayan views.
Rishikesh
Yoga Capital of the World — Laxman Jhula, Ganges, rafting, ashrams.
Haridwar
Gateway to the Gods — Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is unforgettable.
Dhanaulti
Quiet hill station above Mussoorie — Eco Park, misty forests, peaceful weekends.
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