Last updated on June 3rd, 2026 at 04:51 pm
Reading Time: 4 minutesGoing to Dehradun wasn’t the original plan.
My friend and I were stuck between whether to go Dehradun or Lansdowne. We had already planned to go Mussoorie in after two days, so we needed something in between.
So, that’s how Dehradun won.
And it surprised us more than we expected.
Table of Contents
Overview – Dehradun Travel Guide
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Altitude | 437 metres |
| Distance from Delhi | 260 km — 5–6 hours by bus |
| Distance from Rishikesh | 46 km — 1.5–2 hours |
| Distance from Mussoorie | 38 km — 1–1.5 hours |
| Best for | Robbers Cave, Rajpur Road food, FRI, shopping |
| Budget per day | Rs. 800–1,500 per person |
| Best season | October to March |
How to Reach Dehradun from Delhi
Bus is the most practical option. Delhi to Dehradun is approximately 260 km and takes 5–6 hours. Overnight and morning buses run daily from ISBT Kashmere Gate. The fare is approximately Rs. 400–700.
How to Reach Dehradun from Rishikesh
Rishikesh to Dehradun is 46 km and takes about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. Buses run daily from the Rishikesh bus stand. You can take one on the spot without advance booking.
The road between the two is one of the better hill drives in the region.
Arriving in Dehradun
We reached the Dehradun bus stand at 1 PM after leaving Rishikesh at 10 AM — traffic and construction added some time to the journey.
It was peak season. We looked for budget hotels and found it harder than expected.
Eventually we found one on Raja Road, Paltan Bazaar — right next to the railway station and conveniently close to the Mussoorie bus stand we needed the next day.
We dropped our bags and went out immediately.
Day 1 — Robbers Cave and the Road Back
Robbers Cave (Gucchupani)
The first stop was Robbers Cave — one of Dehradun’s most interesting spots.
It’s a cave approximately 600 metres long with a stream running through it. The water comes up to your knees in places — cold enough to feel genuinely refreshing on a warm day. At the end of the cave, there’s a small waterfall.
It’s the kind of place that might sound simple but would become your one of the better experiences of the trip.
There’s a snack stall at the top — Maggi, omelette, tea.
- Entry fee: Rs. 25–50 per person
- Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
- Distance from Dehradun bus stand: approximately 8 km
- How to reach: Auto or taxi, no cab services come inside, so factor in a walk back to the main road
That walk back caught us off guard.
After spending time in the cave there were no cabs available. We walked 6–7 km back to the main road.
By the time we reached the hotel, we were exhausted. We rested for a few hours before heading out for the evening.
Rajpur Road at Night
Dehradun’s nightlife lives on Rajpur Road.
It’s a long stretch lined with restaurants, cafes, and food stalls. The kind of road you walk slowly with no particular plan. We had dinner around 8 PM.
On the walk back to the hotel, we passed Kalsang Friends Corner. It is well known for its chilli momos.
And the Clock Tower of Dehradun lit up at night and worth a few minutes.
The walk back was another 6 km. It was almost 11 PM when we came back.
It became one of those unplanned city walks that end up becoming the most memorable one’s too.
Rajpur Road is worth going to specifically for the food. Don’t skip it.
Day 2 — FRI, Malls and Markets
We liked Rajpur Road enough that we started exploring it again on the Day 2.
The morning exploration on the same stretch felt different in the daylight, different atmosphere and crowd.
Forest Research Institute (FRI)
FRI is one of Dehradun’s most well-known landmarks — a colonial-era building surrounded by forest that serves as India’s premier forestry research institution.
It was also the filming location for Student of the Year.
The building itself is striking, green lawns, colonial architecture, quiet campus. It’s worth an hour to spend. The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 50.
Other Places Worth Visiting
Dehradun Zoo / Malsi Deer Park: It’s a short drive from the city. Good for a relaxed morning, especially if you have children or just want a quiet couple of hours.
Pacific Mall: We spotted the Statue of Liberty replica outside and went in out of curiosity. The mall is well-built and surprisingly good-looking on the inside too. It would be good visit if you need a break from the heat.
Shopping in Dehradun
Two areas worth knowing:
- Paltan Bazaar — This was where our hotel was. It’s a busy area, good for everyday items and budget shopping.
- Tibetan Market — It’s known for affordable, well-made clothes with a different aesthetic. Worth browsing even if you don’t buy.
What Dehradun Actually Feels Like
The city surprised me.
I came expecting just for a transit point. It’s a place to stop before Mussoorie or Rishikesh. But, genuinely, Dehradun deserves a separate itinerary in your visiting list.
The best time to visit Dehradun is off-peak season — October to March. We went in peak season and felt the crowd and hotel price also went up. Earlier or later in the year, the city is easier to navigate and significantly more affordable.
Nearby Places from Dehradun
- Mussoorie is 38 km, approximately 1.5 hours from Dehradun. Visit for Lal Tibba, Kepty falls. I’ve written a complete Mussoorie guide if you’re combining the trips.
- Rishikesh is 46 km, approximately 1.5–2 hours. Visit for Rafting, Laxman Jhula, the Ganga. Read my Rishikesh guide here.
- Haridwar is 54 km, approximately 1.5 hours. Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is one of the most memorable experiences in Uttarakhand.
Where to stay in Dehradun?
Budget guesthouses are concentrated around Paltan Bazaar near the railway station. It’s convenient for bus and train connections. I feel this area is best for budget travelers.
Getting around in Dehradun
Autos and local cabs are widely available. For Robbers Cave specifically — pre-book a return cab rather than relying on finding one there.
Good food in Dehradun
Rajpur Road is your best option for having meals. The Kalsang Friends Corner for momos, multiple cafes and restaurants along the stretch for other things.
FAQ — Dehradun
Is Dehradun worth visiting? Yes — especially as part of an Uttarakhand trip combining Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Mussoorie. On its own it’s a pleasant 2-day stop.
How many days are enough in Dehradun? I feel 2 days is enough to cover the main spots comfortably. Add a third day if you want to do Mussoorie as a day trip from here.
Final Thoughts
Dehradun came as a pleasant surprise.
We were looking someplace to just spend two days before going to Mussoorie.
Sometimes the least expected places become the highlight of your trip.
Dehradun was that kind of place.
So, there is a monastery, Forest Research Institute and of course, rusks from Dehradun. It’s become quite a noisy town now, though life is slow and good here.
Yeah! But, I haven’t got a chance to visit the FRI, but I have heard a lot about that institute.