4+ Historical Places To Visit In Dehradun: Uttarakhand Travel Guide (Into The Land Of Puranas And The Mahabharata)

Won’t you be intrigued by historical sites of a place that goes back to the Vedic Age? In the Skanda Purana, the same place (the Garhwal Mandal) was known as Kedar Khand. Dehradun is a part of this Garhwal Mandal. So, the historical places to visit in Dehradun have many tales to tell. 

Dehradun is also the land of mythology. Guru Dronacharaya, the Brahmin teacher of warfare, had his ashram or abode here. According to the Mahabharata, he was the Guru or teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas. 

Further, the Dehradun Valley, located in the middle of the Shivaliks and the Himalayas, is a beautiful doorway to Mussoorie. Also, there are many places to visit in Dehradun for couples. So, it is a favorite destination for honeymooners. 

Dehradun will also take you to Haridwar and Rishikesh. So, it’s a critical traveling destination for spiritual and religious souls. In addition, many treks in Uttarakhand, such as the Kedarkantha trek, Har Ki Dun, and Nag Tibba winter trek, start from Dehradun.  So, Dehradun awaits with a mixed bag of experience. It’s time to explore Dehradun’s historic sites, scenic trails, and most romantic places. 

Best Time To Visit For Dehradun Sightseeing

The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June. This is the best time to engage in adventure activities and explore the Deharadun tourist places, as the weather is beautiful. The temperature ranges from thirty-five degrees to a minimum of seventeen degrees.

You can also visit during the monsoon season for a relaxing getaway. The valley looks beautiful this time as the rain kicks in from July to September.

October to February are also good times to visit Dehradun. This is when autumn starts, and the temperature begins to cool down. If you want to witness the snow-capped mountains, this is your ideal time to visit. 

This Is How You Will Reach Dehradun

⦿By flight: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, which is 24 km away from the city. There are many flights available, and you can just take a cab, or there are many public means of transport available to reach the city.

⦿By train: There are main trains connecting Dehradun to many other cities like Howrah, Delhi, Varanasi, Bombay, Lucknow, and other cities.

⦿By road: If you are planning a road trip, you can easily travel to Dehradun. There are highways connecting Dehradun to many other cities.

Let’s Check Out The Places You Can Visit From Dehradun.

Historical places to visit in Dehradun are comprised of war memorials and monuments. Some places go back to the 17th century, and some belong to the 18th and early 19th centuries. Thanks to curiosity about these places, many travel companies organize guided historical tours in Dehradun.

If you want to set your itinerary right, these are the places you must take advantage of. 

Kalinga War Memorial

Apart from being one of the most popular historical places to visit in Dehradun, it is a heritage site of the Uttarakhand government. 

In 1814, the Gurkhas guarded the Nalapani fort in a war with the English army for six whole weeks, and they did it without a drop of water. They fought and survived all the English army challenged them with, but they lost to the British. 

This memorial is the only example where the enemy was so impressed by the opponent that they made a War Memorial in their honor. It was dedicated to the Gurkha Gentry after the 1814-1815 war.

The place oozes an essence of spirit and courage who gave up their lives for their regiment. 

Dehradun Clock Tower

Another famous historical tourist attraction is the Clock Tower of Dehradun. It took almost five years to complete this tower, and it was inaugurated by Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1953. The British built it before India got its independence. 

The clock was built so that a person standing on the other side of the city could hear the clock’s ticking sound. At present, it does not tick.

The tower records all the names of the freedom fighters. Initially, it was named “Balbir Tower” and was built to mark India’s independence. This 85m tall monument adds to the heritage value of our country.

Gurkha Fort (Nalapani Fort)

This is that historical fort that the Gurkhas fought for with their lives against the English army. They fought for a solid six weeks without food and water to protect the fort from the British. 

One of the best historical places to visit in Dehradun, this fort has witnessed all that went down between both parties and holds the memories deeply.

Chetwode Hall

This is popularly known as the Indian Military Academy, and it has been named after the infamous founder of this academy, Field Marshall Sir Philip Chetwode. It was founded in the year 1930.

This academy contributes to developing the arm of our nation and has all the amenities. This is a widely popular tourist spot as well. It is not exactly inside the city but just 8km away.

Ram Rai Gurudwara

This gurudwara was built in the 17th Century and is among the oldest Gurudwaras in the valley. This was built by the 7th Sikh Guru, Ram Rai, along with the ruler who used to rule the valley then. This is a very famous spot among tourists, especially during the annual festival, which happens every year on the 5th day after Holi.

Let’s move forward from the best historical places to visit in Dehradun and check out the other places of interest.

Which Places To Visit In Dehradun For A Unique Experience? (Nature, Religion, Mythology, And More…)

Uttarakhand tourism will likely have a 20% surge in tourists in 2024. Dehradun, the state’s capital city, of course, has a vital role in this promising tourism landscape. 

Further, there is something more exciting for travelers to Dehradun from Delhi. The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is about to be completed by December 2024. When it starts functional, tourists will reach Dehradun from Delhi in 2.5 hours instead of the standard duration of 5.5-6 hours. 

⁍ Robber’s Cave

Gucchu Pani, or Robber’s Cave, is an abode of Lord Shiva. The river water comes from the middle of this cave, which has a limestone formation. Further, the 10-meter-high waterfall of the cave suddenly appears and then gets lost in the ground. You can follow the water stream again at a few yards distance. 

Robber’s Cave has many nearby attractions, such as the Dehradun Zoo, Ramakrishna Ashram, Takpeshwar Temple, and a Tibetan Buddhist Temple. 

Further, Robber’s Cave is one of the historical places to visit in Dehradun, and its name goes back to the Colonial era. The British found out that robbers used to keep the stolen stuff inside the cave. 

⁍ Sahastradhara

One of the most popular places in Uttarakhand, Sahastradhara, or the “thousand-fold spring,” is known for its therapeutic properties. Falling through the limestone stalactites, the fall’s water is rich in sulfur. 

The caves’ Himalayan vegetation and brownish-orange sediments are treats to the eyes. These colors are from the lime and sulfur in the water. Further, Sahastradhara is very close to “Drona Guha,” or the cave of Guru Dronacharya from the Mahabharata.  

Moreover, don’t forget to explore terrace farming, which is done in many houses in nearby villages. 

⁍ Tapkeshwar Temple

In the Tapkeshwar Temple, water continuously falls on the Shivalinga through the ceiling. Located between two hills, the main sanctum of the temple is inside a natural cave. Maha Shivratri, held in February or March, is the biggest festival in the temple. 

Further, this place has a mythological significance. 

Ashwathama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, was born inside this cave. The newborn child was hungry, and his mother did not have enough milk to feed him.  Thanks to his extraordinary power, Ashwathama prayed to Lord Shiva and asked for milk to satisfy his hunger. Lord Shiva fulfilled his wish, and since then, there has been a Shivalinga in this place. Thus, people believe praying at the Tapkeshwar Temple grants one’s wish. Ashwatthama was a death-defeating human or a Chiranjeevi.

⁍ Mind-rolling Monastery

Rigzin Tendak Lingpa built the Mindrolling Monastery in 1676. Khochhen Rinpoche and his fellow monks further reconstructed it in 1965. Further, it is one of the most-visited Buddhist religious centers in India. The followers of the Nyingma school of Buddhism especially revere it.

Moreover, it is the largest Stupa in Asia, with a 100-square-foot width and 220 feet height. Also known as the Great Stupa, the monastery houses a 130-foot statue of Lord Buddha. 

⁍ Paltan Bazar

Paltan Bazar is Dehradun’s shopping hub. The 1.5 Km stretch of the market between the Clock Tower and Dehradun Railway Station has everything you will look for. 

The following items are the specialty of this market.

⦿ Street Food

⦿ Local Artefacts

⦿ Spices

⦿ Apparel

⦿ Appliances

This market, started in 1935, will complete its 90th year in 2025. 

⁍ Forest Research Institute

The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun was established in 1905. The Greco-Roman and Colonial architectural styles of the institute are impressive. Further, it has the head office of the Indian Council of Forestry Research. 

Also, the structure looks all the more appealing, with the Doon Valley in the backdrop and the presence of the Tons River on its western boundary.

Moreover, for the filmy ones, this has been the shooting destination for celebrated Bollywood movies like Paan Singh Tomar, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, and Student of the Year. 

⁍ Dehradun Zoo

Dehradun Zoo is known for its deer and Himalayan antelopes. You will also see nilgais, tigers, and peacocks in the zoo. 

⁍ Regional Science Centre Dehradun

Regional Science Centre Dehradun is a newly established science park. Along with the geology and geography of the Himalayas, it also showcases robotics, nuclear power generation, etc. 

⁍ Sahastradhara Ropeway

Sahastradhara Ropeway is the best way to explore the Sahastradhara Falls and the adjoining Dehradun Valley. Behold the majestic Himalayas, rivers, and dense forests.  

⁍ Daat Kali Mandir Dehradun

Maa Daat Kali Mandir in Dehradun has an idol from the early 1800s. Further, it is a center of attraction due to a flame that has not been extinguished since 1921. 

Places to Visit in Dehradun and Mussoorie

Despite a not-so-promising tourist season in 2024, Mussoorie is trying to gain momentum in the number of visitors. Unfortunately, the average occupancy in hotels in June 2024 has been 50%. 

However, this quaint hill station has many places to explore, and you must take advantage of them. 

⁍ Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun for couples. Developed by a British Officer in the 1830s, Kempty Falls has water cascading from a 1,364-metre height. 

The name Kempty is an alteration of the words Camp Tea. Britisher loved having tea parties near the Falls. 

⁍ Company Garden

Dr. H Fackner planned this beautiful garden, and the Garden Welfare Association of Mussoorie maintains it currently. 

Birds, fountains, and lush greenery are the main attractions of this park. There is an artificial lake inside the garden where you can ride a boat. 

⁍ Lal Tibba

At an elevation of 2,275 meters, Lal Tibba, or Red Hill, is one of the best viewpoints in Mussoorie. Behold the Kedarnath, Badrinath, Nanda Devi, and Bandarpunch peaks from this place.

The sky looks red when you stare at it during sunrise and sunset. Thus, the viewpoint got its name, and the Telescope House has a powerful telescope to see the beautiful hills. 

⁍ Gun Hill Point

At a 2,024-meter elevation, Gun Hill Point is the second-highest peak in Mussoorie. You can see the following mountains from this peak.

⦿ Pithwara Himalayan Ranges

⦿ Gangotri

⦿ Srikantha

⦿ Bunderpunch

Do you know how this place has got its name? In the Colonial era, there was a custom to fire a gun from this point every afternoon. Local people used to adjust the time on their watch with the time of this gunshot. 

⁍ Jharipani Falls

Watching a cascading fall after a small drive and trek is a fulfilling experience. This place has various blooms on one side of the fall. On the other side of the fall, the beautiful Dehradun Valley expands, and you can also see many steep farming fields, giving you an entry to the local culture. 

⁍ Sir George Everest’s House

Sir George Everest’s House, built in 1832, is a big draw for mountaineering enthusiasts and history lovers. Visit the observatory in the house to learn how Sir George Everest measured the height and distance of the tallest mountains and surveyed the meridian arc from India’s southernmost part to Nepal in the north. 

Also, as many know, Mount Everest was named after him in 1865 by the Royal Geographic Society. 

⁍ Cloud’s End

“This is where the clouds end!” These were the words of the British officer who named this place. He was in love with the heavenly beauty of the place. Amidst the oak and deodar forests, Cloud’s End is the place to immerse in your solitude and the magic of nature. 

⁍ Mussoorie Lake

Mussoorie Lake is artificial and is famous for activities such as zip lining and water zorbing. You can also try paragliding at a small distance.

Do you want to collect souvenirs? Explore the shops here. 

⁍ Devalsari

Devalsari, 55 km from Mussoorie, is the base camp for many famous trek routes, including the Nag Tibba or Serpent Peak trek. 

Further, it is home to the Koneshwar Mahadev Temple, a revered site for religious and spiritual souls. In addition, Devalsari is a paradise for birders and nature enthusiasts. It has 60 species of birds and 70 species of butterflies, including the rare ones. 

⁍ Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

The dense vegetation of pine and cedar trees is the main attraction of the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. You will also find many species of birds here. 

Dehradun: One Of The Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

Dehradun is not just about the beautiful valleys; it also includes historical places to visit. Northern India has many prestigious educational centers. 

There are institutions like Doon School and Welham, which are the schools for personalities like Olympian Abhinav Bindra, Former PM Rajiv Gandhi, and author Amitav Ghosh. So, this is a perfect amalgamation of mythology and history. 

In addition, the capital of Uttarakhand is an important business hub with headquarters of the Survey Of India, Forest Research Institute, ONGC, etc. So, for an eclectic experience, Dehradun will be your next destination. Plan your trip between March and June to explore the historical places in Dehradun and more!