Uttarakhand Travel Itinerary

Morning

Begin at Forest Research Institute in the New Forest campus, allowing about two hours for the grand colonial main building, its museums, and the landscaped grounds. Visitor access, museum entry, and photography rules can vary, so verify requirements before leaving; carry photo ID and arrive close to opening time. A cab or auto-rickshaw from central Dehradun usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Afterward, continue by taxi toward Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Garhi Cantonment, roughly 20 minutes away. Set aside 45 minutes to descend into the cave shrine beside the seasonal stream; modest clothing is best, and be cautious on wet steps, particularly after rain.

Midday in the Old City

Head into central Dehradun for Paltan Bazaar, where one hour is enough to browse narrow lanes of clothing, household goods, local produce, and snack stalls without rushing. This is a good place to try familiar local flavors, but choose busy vendors with a high turnover and keep small notes or digital payment ready. Stop at Kumar Sweet Shop for fresh sweets and savory snacks—budget approximately ₹150–₹400 per person. The market is generally liveliest around lunchtime, while the shop’s exact hours can change, so check locally if arriving late.

Afternoon and Evening

Take a cab from Paltan Bazaar to Robber’s Cave (Gucchupani) in Anarwala; allow roughly 30–45 minutes in normal traffic, with longer delays on weekends. Spend about 1½ hours walking through the narrow stream-cut gorge. Wear sandals or shoes that grip when wet, carry a small waterproof pouch for your phone, and confirm water levels and local access conditions before entering—monsoon runoff can make the gorge unsafe. From there, continue toward Jakhan and finish at Pacific Mall, Dehradun, where established restaurants provide an easy dinner choice and a comfortable place to unwind. Allow around 1½ hours and budget ₹500–₹1,000 per person; the mall’s restaurant hours vary, but evening service generally continues after the main retail floors begin winding down.