Dehradun, also famous as DOON, is the capital of Uttarakhand, and it is the most populated city in Uttarakhand. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in the cradle of the Doon Valley, Dehradun has the river Ganga on its eastern side and the Yamuna on its western side. These two rivers flowing on the two sides of Dehradun and the beautiful hills in the background make this place quite famous worldwide and worldwide. In this article, we will have a look at the weekend gateways of this beautiful place.
List of 10 Best Places to Visit near Dehradun – Weekend Getaways:
1. Mussoorie
If you visit Dehradun, visiting Mussoorie is highly suggested; you can’t afford to miss Mussoorie. It is approximately 30km away from the main town of Dehradun. The hill station of Mussoorie is one of the destinations among tourists and the most visited place in Uttarakhand. Read More: Top 15 Places to Visit in Mussoorie
Moreover, Mussoorie is the perfect hideout for all leisure travelers, relief seekers, and honeymooners trying to make unforgettable memories together and spend quality time with each other. Read Also: All you need to know before visiting Kempty Falls, Mussoorie
- Why Visit: Known as the “Queen of Hills,” Mussoorie offers scenic views of the Doon Valley, waterfalls, and colonial-era architecture, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers.
- Top Experiences: Visit Kempty Falls, stroll along Mall Road, enjoy a cable car ride to Gun Hill, and explore Lal Tibba.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November.
- How to Reach: Located about 35 km from Dehradun, accessible by road.
2. Dhanaulti
One of the perfect gateways from Dehradun is Dhanauti. With all the attributes served here, the hill stations can be called an ideal home-away-home weekend vacation destination. It is approximately 2826 m above sea level. Read MOre: Famous Destinations to Visit in Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand
With all its green forest, beautiful meadows, and flowers, Dhanaulti is famous for its captivating beauty. Besides being favored for its beauty among nature admirers, it is also famous for adventure sports among adventurers. Read Also: 10 Popular Camping Sites in Uttarakhand
- Why Visit: A serene hill station with lush forests, Dhanaulti offers a peaceful escape from city life. It is known for its Eco Parks, beautiful landscapes, and camping opportunities.
- Top Experiences: Visit Eco Park, explore Surkanda Devi Temple, and go camping and trekking.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to February.
- How to Reach: About 60 km from Dehradun, reachable by road via Mussoorie.
3. Dakpathar
One of the least popular but at the same time, the best place to visit in Uttarakhand, near Dehradun, is Dak Pathar. It is famous for its peaceful, calm, relaxed, and quiet environment, making it a perfect destination for people seeking relief from the hustle-bustle of the days of struggle.
Moreover, it offers many fun adventures. These adventures involve water sports like boating, water skiing, canoeing, and sailing. Besides. Read Also: Most Visit Places to Visit in Dehradun
- Why Visit: A small town located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Dakpathar is ideal for a relaxing riverside experience and outdoor activities like boating and picnicking.
- Top Experiences: Enjoy boating at Dakpathar Barrage, visit Asan Barrage for bird watching, and picnic by the Yamuna River.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- How to Reach: Located around 45 km from Dehradun, accessible by road.
4. Sainji
India is a country of varied geography and diversity in culture and tradition. And if you are going to visit Sainji, you definitely will experience a unique and different culture. This small village is approximately 50 km away from Dehradun.
The locals of Sainji hang corns on the outer part of their house to dry them for the next season. More than this, a gate-like structure is at the village entrance gate, and on first look, it will look like a gate of corns. Read Also: Delhi to Dehradun Road Trip: Distance, Time, Routes & Stopovers
- Why Visit: Also known as the “Corn Village,” Sainji offers a glimpse into traditional Garhwali village life, with houses adorned with hanging corn cobs.
- Top Experiences: Explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about the traditional corn drying process.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Located about 55 km from Dehradun, reachable by road via Mussoorie.
5. Paonta Sahib
For a short weekend trip from Dehradun, you can also think about Himachal. And we are sure Himachal is not going to disappoint you. Paonta Sahib is one of the famous tourist places in Himachal, which is located beside Dehradun.
This small hill station is one of the most sacred sites in this region as it is on the bank of the river Yamuna and again, Yamuna is considered scary by Sikhs. Other than that, the Gurudwara of Paonta Sahib commemorates the tenth Sikh Guru. Gobind Singh spent four and a half years of his life at this place.
- Why Visit: Paonta Sahib is a significant Sikh pilgrimage site, known for the historic Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, which is associated with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
- Top Experiences: Visit the Gurudwara, explore Yamuna Temple, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Shivalik Hills.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: About 55 km from Dehradun, accessible by road.
Read Also:
6. Chakrata
Chakrata, a perfect destination for family weekend trips, is between the river Yamuna and river Tons; Chakrata is approximately 2118 m above sea level.
This place can be called heaven for those loving to experience and witness beautiful mountains hiding in clouds with a mesmerizing background. Chakrata is blessed with lush greenery, gorgeous meadows, and Woods of coniferous Rhododendron and oak. Read Also: Dehradun Restaurant: List of 10 Best Places to Eat
- Why Visit: A cantonment town surrounded by pine forests, Chakrata is known for its natural beauty, trekking trails, and cascading waterfalls like Tiger Falls.
- Top Experiences: Trek to Tiger Falls, explore Deoban Forest, and go bird-watching.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to December.
- How to Reach: Located around 87 km from Dehradun, reachable by road.
Chakrata Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Chakrata Tour Itinerary
7. New Tehri
A place at the confluence of the river Bhilanga and Bhagirathi River. What makes new Tehri unique among all the places is that this place is untouched by humans, and the beauty of the place is the raw and purest form. It takes somewhat 3 to 4 hours to reach New Tehri from Dehradun as it is just 100 km away from the city of Dehradun.
Other than the Tehri Dam, there are some other places you would love to discover here. There are many water sports that this place offers, making it a haven for water sports lovers. Read Also: Best 7 Historical Sites in the Uttarakhand
- Why Visit: New Tehri is a modern town with stunning views of the Tehri Dam and the surrounding mountains. It is an ideal destination for water sports and adventure activities.
- Top Experiences: Visit Tehri Dam, enjoy boating and water sports, and explore the nearby villages.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December.
- How to Reach: About 95 km from Dehradun, accessible by road.
8. Nag Tibba
A perfect place for adventure lovers, especially for hiking and trekking near Dehradun, in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the highest peaks in the lower Garhwal Himalayas. It is approximately 9915 ft high. This place offers an easy to moderate level of trekking passes through dense forests.
More than this, this trekking gives you a chance to see the beautiful Bandarpuch peal, Gangotri peaks, Kedarnath peak, Changabang peak as well as Doon Valley. Read Also: 10 Trekking Places in Uttarakhand
- Why Visit: Nag Tibba is a popular trekking destination near Dehradun, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is the highest peak in the Nag Tibba range of the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Top Experiences: Trek to Nag Tibba summit, enjoy camping, and witness the sunrise over the Himalayan peaks.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and October to December.
- How to Reach: Located around 57 km from Dehradun, the trek starts from Pantwari village, accessible by road.
9. Kanatal
It is the perfect place for those who love to spend some quality with their family in the scenic beauty and serene setting of mountains and rivers; Kanatal can be your best bet.
Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Located in the suburbs of Mussoorie on the road of Chamba-Mussoorie, this is the best destination for families.
- Why Visit: A small hill station with stunning landscapes, Kanatal offers a peaceful environment and adventure activities like camping and trekking.
- Top Experiences: Visit the Surkanda Devi Temple, enjoy camping, and trek through pine forests.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to December.
- How to Reach: Located about 78 km from Dehradun, accessible by road.
Read Also:
- Top 9 Destinations to Visit near Kanatal
- Hill Stations near Rishikesh with Distance
- 20 Best Places to Visit in June in India
10. Lansdowne
It is an exotic and calm, and quiet getaway for weekends from Dehradun because of its rich history and mesmerizing scenery.
Lansdowne is one of the most tranquil places in Uttarakhand despite a massive hype among tourists. The place is visited by tourists who are in search of solace and adventure. Read More: Popular Places to Visit in Lansdowne
- Why Visit: Lansdowne is a quiet hill station known for its colonial charm, oak and pine forests, and the famous Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre.
- Top Experiences: Visit Bhulla Lake, trek to Tip N Top viewpoint, explore St. Mary’s Church, and learn about military history at the Garhwali Museum.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to December.
- How to Reach: Located about 170 km from Dehradun, accessible by road.
Suggested Lansdowne Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Lansdowne Tour Itinerary
Conclusion
As Dehradun is so popular, it attracts a large number of tourists. And if you are visiting Dehradun, you will try to cover some other places near Dehradun that are popular for their uniqueness.
Also, read the details on Uttarakhand:
- Nainital Road Trip from Dehradun: Complete ravel Guide
- Top 10 Weekend Getaways From Dehradun
- Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express: Travel Guide
- Places to See Near Dehradun in June
- Top 9 Hill Stations near Dehradun
- Dehradun Restaurant: List of 10 Best Places to Eat
- Delhi to Dehradun Road Trip: Travel Guide
- Top 11 Destinations to Visit in Dehradun
- 7 Famous Places to See in Uttarakhand in November
- Best Places Uttarakhand to Visit in August
- 10 Famous Waterfalls in Uttarakhand
- Uttarakhand Travel Guide to Char Dham Yatra
- 10 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Uttarakhand
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best places to visit near Dehradun?
Some of the best places include Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, New Tehri, and Chakrata.
2. How far is Mussoorie from Dehradun?
Mussoorie is about 33 km from Dehradun, which takes around 1-1.5 hours by car.
3. What are some offbeat places near Dehradun?
Chakrata, Kanatal, and Nag Tibba are popular offbeat destinations for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
4. Can I do a one-day trip from Dehradun?
Yes, places like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dakpathar are perfect for a one-day trip from Dehradun.
5. Which hill stations are close to Dehradun?
Nearby hill stations include Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, and Chakrata, all offering scenic views and cool weather.
6. Is Rishikesh close to Dehradun?
Yes, Rishikesh is about 45 km away, and it takes around 1-1.5 hours to reach.
7. What is a good place for a weekend getaway near Dehradun?
Kanatal, Mussoorie, and New Tehri make great weekend getaway spots with their beautiful landscapes.
8. Are there any historical sites near Dehradun?
Yes, Paonta Sahib, Chandrabani Temple, and Robber’s Cave have historical and cultural significance.
9. Where can I go for trekking near Dehradun?
Popular trekking spots include Nag Tibba Trek, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, and Har Ki Dun.
10. Which places are good for nature lovers near Dehradun?
Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park, and Asan Barrage are perfect for wildlife and bird watching.
11. How far is Haridwar from Dehradun?
Haridwar is around 53 km away, taking roughly 1.5 hours to reach by car.
12. What are some adventure activities near Dehradun?
You can try white-water rafting in Rishikesh, paragliding in Mussoorie, and trekking in the nearby hills.
13. Are there any picnic spots close to Dehradun?
Sahastradhara, Lachhiwala, and Tiger Falls are popular picnic spots with natural beauty.
14. Can I visit any religious places near Dehradun?
Yes, places like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Paonta Sahib are known for their spiritual significance.
15. What is the best time to explore places near Dehradun?
The best time to visit is from March to June and October to December when the weather is pleasant.
