Welcome to Dehradun! On your first day, take a leisurely morning walk in the lush green surroundings of the Robber's Cave (locally known as Guchhupani). This natural cave formation is a picturesque spot with a stream flowing through it. In the afternoon, visit the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India, and admire its beautiful architecture. In the evening, explore the vibrant Paltan Bazaar, a bustling market known for its local handicrafts and street food.
Robber's Cave: Free, 2 hours
Mindrolling Monastery: Free, 1.5 hours
Paltan Bazaar: Variable, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Marigold, known for its cozy ambiance and wide range of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Town Table, a popular restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Enjoy a satisfying meal with an average cost of about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, satisfy your taste buds with a dinner at Black Pepper, a fine dining restaurant known for its delectable Indian and Mughlai dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, September 14: Day Trip to Mussoorie
Embark on a day trip to the charming hill station of Mussoorie, located just 34 kilometers from Dehradun. Spend your morning at Kempty Falls, a scenic waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip. In the afternoon, visit the Mall Road, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. Enjoy a cable car ride to Gun Hill for panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the evening, explore Landour Bazaar, known for its quaint charm and delicious local cuisine.
Kempty Falls: Free, 3 hours
Mall Road: Variable, 2 hours
Gun Hill: Variable, 1 hour
Landour Bazaar: Variable, 2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Ivy - A cozy cafe with a relaxed ambiance, serving delicious pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Lunch: Char Dukan - A charming restaurant located on Landour Bazaar, famous for its delectable sandwiches and refreshing beverages. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Dinner: Black Pepper Restaurant - A popular dining spot known for its extensive menu of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and try their flavorful curries and sizzling noodles. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Friday, September 15: Discover Rajaji National Park
Spend your morning exploring the rich biodiversity of Rajaji National Park. Take a safari to observe various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and numerous bird species. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Sahastradhara, a beautiful waterfall famous for its therapeutic sulfur springs. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Rajaji National Park: INR 500 (approx.), 4 hours
Sahastradhara: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Café Marigold, a charming breakfast spot known for its freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Great Kabab Factory, where you can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering kababs and traditional Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Town Table, a trendy restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, September 16: Explore Tapkeshwar Temple and Forest Research Institute
Start your day by visiting the Tapkeshwar Temple, located in a cave and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Witness the natural water dripping on the shivling, creating a unique spiritual experience. In the afternoon, visit the Forest Research Institute, a premier institution for forestry research and education. Explore its beautiful campus, including the Botanical Garden and the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. In the evening, take a leisurely walk in the picturesque Malsi Deer Park.
Tapkeshwar Temple: Free, 2 hours
Forest Research Institute: Free, 2 hours
Malsi Deer Park: Free, 1.5 hours
Restaurants
An ideal place for breakfast is The Great Indian Breakfast Cafe, offering a wide range of Indian and Continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Doon Darbar Restaurant known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner, visit Ellora's Restaurant, famous for its diverse menu of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, September 17: Visit Robber's Cave and Tibetan Buddhist Temple
Start your day by revisiting the enchanting Robber's Cave to witness the morning sunlight streaming through the rocks. In the afternoon, visit the Mindrolling Monastery again or explore the nearby Sakya Centre Tibetan Buddhist Temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful artwork. Spend the evening at the iconic Clock Tower, surrounded by local markets and street vendors.
Robber's Cave: Free, 2 hours
Mindrolling Monastery or Sakya Centre Tibetan Buddhist Temple: Free, 1.5 hours
Clock Tower: Variable, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Ellora's Melting Moments, known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Orchid Restaurant and try their flavorsome Indian thalis. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
End your day with a scrumptious dinner at Town Table, offering a wide range of continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, September 18: Bid Farewell to Dehradun
On your last day, take a morning stroll at the serene Tapovan Temple, known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the Indian Military Academy, where you can witness the prestigious institution's parade and learn about its history. Bid farewell to Dehradun with a visit to the famous Robber's Cave for a final glimpse of its natural beauty. Depart from Dehradun in the evening.
Tapovan Temple: Free, 1.5 hours
Indian Military Academy: Free, 2 hours
Robber's Cave: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Sidhbali Restaurant: Start your day with a delicious and filling breakfast at Sidhbali Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering aloo parathas and chai. The average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
Orchid Restaurant: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Orchid Restaurant, offering a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their popular chicken biryani. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Black Pepper: For a delightful dinner experience, head to Black Pepper where you can indulge in their extensive menu of North Indian and Continental dishes. Try their flavorful butter chicken. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Dehradun, don't miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Sahastradhara. Its therapeutic sulfur springs and serene surroundings offer a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Another hidden gem is the nearby Tapovan Temple, where you can experience a peaceful and spiritual ambiance. Locals also love to visit the local markets, such as Paltan Bazaar and Landour Bazaar, to indulge in delicious street food and shop for unique handicrafts.