Upon arrival in Dehradun, check into the budget-friendly Four Points by Sheraton Dehradun, which has a good rating and is conveniently located near the city center. In the morning, visit the famous Robber's Cave, a limestone cave that has a river flowing through it. The cave is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Malsi Deer Park, which has a small zoo and a beautiful garden. In the afternoon, explore the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India. The monastery is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. In the evening, head to the Paltan Bazaar for some shopping and street food.
After breakfast, head to Mussoorie, a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty. Start the day with a visit to Kempty Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades from a height of 40 feet. The falls are open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Little Llama Cafe, which serves a variety of cuisines. In the afternoon, visit the famous Gun Hill, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Take a cable car ride to reach the hilltop. The cable car operates from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. In the evening, explore the Mall Road, a bustling street with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
On the final day, visit some of the local attractions in Dehradun. Start with a visit to the Forest Research Institute, which has a museum, a library, and a botanical garden. The institute is open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Next, head to the Tapkeshwar Temple, a popular Shiva temple located inside a cave. The temple is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Enjoy a quick lunch at the famous Kumar Sweets, which serves delicious chaat and sweets. In the afternoon, visit the Rajaji National Park, which has a variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, and leopards. The park is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Depart from Dehradun in the evening.
If you have time, consider taking a day trip to Rishikesh, which is approximately 45km from Dehradun. Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World and is famous for its spiritual vibe. You can also indulge in adventure sports like white water rafting and bungee jumping. Another option is to visit Haridwar, which is approximately 55km from Dehradun. Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places for Hindus and is known for its Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Make sure to carry comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat as some of the locations involve walking and outdoor activities. It's also recommended to carry a light jacket as the weather in the hills can be unpredictable. Finally, don't forget to sample the local food, especially the chaat, momos, and lassi.
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