Hello, travel enthusiasts! If you enjoyed the spiritual rush of Rishikesh, it’s time to explore its serene neighbour, Dehradun. Known as the state capital, Dehradun is famous for its magnificent natural beauty, educational institutions, and unique geological wonders. It offers a perfect blend of history, nature walks, and local charm.
For a short getaway, our 3 Days and 2 Nights Dehradun Itinerary is designed to cover the must-see landmarks without making you feel rushed. Pack your bags, and let’s explore the heart of the Doon Valley!
🗺️ Dehradun Itinerary: 3 Days, 2 Nights
This itinerary balances city exploration with nearby nature excursions.
Day 1: Caves, Sulphur Springs, and Colonial Charm
| Time | Activity | Focus |
| Morning (10:00 AM) | Arrival & Check-in | Arrive at Dehradun Railway Station or Airport and check into your hotel. We suggest staying near Rajpur Road for easy access to markets and dining. |
| Noon (12:00 PM) | Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani) | Head straight for this unique natural wonder. Walk through the 600-meter-long cave where a stream flows mysteriously underground. Wear waterproof footwear, as you will be walking in the water! |
| Afternoon (3:30 PM) | Sahastradhara | Visit the “Thousand Fold Spring.” This area is famous for its waterfalls and sulphur-rich water, believed to have therapeutic properties. You can also enjoy a short Ropeway ride here for great views. |
| Evening (6:30 PM) | Clock Tower & Paltan Bazaar | Visit the iconic Dehradun Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar). Afterwards, immerse yourself in the hustle of Paltan Bazaar for local shopping and street food dinner. |
Day 2: Education, Spirituality, and Serene Forests
| Time | Activity | Focus |
| Morning (9:30 AM) | Forest Research Institute (FRI) | Explore the stunning Greco-Roman architecture of the FRI Campus. This is not just a research hub; it’s a magnificent heritage site and often featured in Bollywood films. Take a guided tour of the various forestry museums. |
| Noon (1:00 PM) | Lunch & Monastery Visit | Have lunch near the city centre. Then, drive to the serene Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India, famous for its massive golden Stupa. |
| Afternoon (3:30 PM) | Tapkeshwar Temple | Visit this ancient cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Water constantly drips onto the Shiva Lingam inside the cave, giving the temple its name (Tapak means water drop). |
| Evening (6:00 PM) | Nature Break at Lachhiwala | Head towards the outskirts to Lachhiwala Nature Park. Relax by the man-made pools fed by the Suswa River. It’s a great spot for bird-watching and a peaceful evening picnic away from the city core. |
Day 3: Wildlife/Birding & Departure
| Time | Activity | Focus |
| Morning (8:30 AM) | Malsi Deer Park or Santala Devi Temple | Option 1 (Nature/Family): Visit Malsi Deer Park (Dehradun Zoo) for a leisurely morning walk among deer and peacocks. Option 2 (Spiritual/View): Take a taxi/short trek up to the Santala Devi Temple for serene views of the valley. |
| Noon (12:00 PM) | Last Meal on Rajpur Road | Enjoy a final meal at one of the many popular cafes or restaurants lining Rajpur Road, known for its vibrant food scene. |
| Afternoon (2:30 PM) | Departure | Check out from your hotel and head to the railway station or airport, filled with memories of Dehradun’s unique charm. |
📌 Essential Tips from Musafir Diary
- The Mussoorie Day Trip: Since this is a 3D/2N Dehradun itinerary, we have kept it focused on Dehradun city. However, Mussoorie (The Queen of Hills) is only about 35 km away. If you can stretch your trip to 4 Days, dedicate an entire day to Mussoorie.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June offers the most pleasant weather. Winters (Dec-Feb) can be very cold and foggy.
- Transport: Auto-rickshaws are common, but for places like FRI and Tapkeshwar, hiring a local taxi for a half-day works best.
- Local Delicacy: Don’t leave without trying the local Garhwali cuisine and sampling fresh baked goods from the old Bakeries near the Clock Tower.
Dehradun offers a slower, more contemplative travel pace compared to its neighbour Rishikesh. It’s a city that rewards those who take the time to explore its hidden forest research grounds and cool, flowing caves.
Have you explored Dehradun? Share your favourite spot in the comments below!
