Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and the hub for most Garhwal trips. It has the closest major airport (Jolly Grant), a railway station, and frequent buses to the hills. It suits a one-day stop or a night before heading up.
About this page: Compiled from general knowledge and secondary sources. Distances and times are approximate and were not checked against an official page. Confirm road, permit and opening status before you travel.
Things to see
- Robber's Cave (Guchhupani). A river that flows through a narrow limestone gorge; cool and popular in summer.
- Sahastradhara. Sulphur springs and a waterfall on the way to Mussoorie.
- Forest Research Institute. Colonial-era campus and museums; open to visitors, check timings.
- Mindrolling Monastery. Large Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a tall stupa.
- Paltan Bazaar. Old market for local snacks, dry fruits and basmati rice.
How to reach Dehradun
By road
About 5-6 hours by road from Delhi in normal traffic via the Delhi-Dehradun expressway or NH-334; allow more on weekends and holidays.
By rail
Dehradun Junction connects to Delhi and several other cities.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport has scheduled flights from major Indian cities. It lies roughly 25 km from the city, towards Rishikesh.
Where to stay
Wide range of hotels near the Clock Tower, Rajpur Road and the railway station side. Most visitors use Dehradun only as a base for a night.
Food
Wide range of restaurants on Rajpur Road. Try momos and Tibetan food around Mindrolling and local sweets in Paltan Bazaar.
Budget
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Season and weather
Hot in May-June; humid in monsoon; pleasant from October to March.
Tips
- If flying in to go straight to Rishikesh, you do not need to enter the city.
- Combine with Mussoorie (about 35 km, roughly 1.5-2 hours).
Plan around Dehradun
Itineraries that include it
- Mussoorie highlights in one day (1 day)
- Dehradun local attractions (1 day)
- Mussoorie and Dhanaulti (2 days)
- Kanatal and Tehri Lake (2 days)
- Chakrata and nearby viewpoints (2 days)
- Dehradun, Mussoorie and Dhanaulti (3 days)
- Garhwal exploration in a week (7 days)
- Peaceful mountain retreats (8 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dehradun worth a full trip?
It works best as a one-day stop with a day trip to Mussoorie. Most travellers spend longer in the hills.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.