A Dehradun Weekend Guide Beyond Mussoorie

Once a sleepy, British-era cantonment town ringed by the Shivalik Hills and dotted with garden houses and orchards, Dehradun has evolved today into a dynamic capital city that wears its colonial charm and modern-day verve with equal ease. It is not hard to fathom why. As glittering malls and glass-encrusted towers begin to mushroom across Dehradun, institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Forest Research Institute (FRI), and its elite boarding schools continue to serve as enduring reminders of its heritage character.

Those whose association with the city - and its mountain cousin Mussoorie - remains limited to Ruskin Bond’s novellas might be surprised to learn that there is much to see and many things to do in Dehradun, excluding Mussoorie. If wanderlust beckons and you have a weekend to spare, here is a comprehensive guide to Dehradun and beyond.

• Clock Tower: The Clock Tower is to Dehradun what Big Ben is to London - an iconic symbol of the city's identity and pride. Inaugurated by Sarojini Naidu in 1953, the hexagonal monument is engraved with the names of the region’s freedom fighters. The gigantic clock has undergone multiple repairs over the years, its classic chime being a long-loved feature of the bustling city streets below.
• Tapkeshwar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this cave temple is believed to have been the abode of the sage-teacher Dronacharya in the Mahabharata. It is located on the bank of the Tons River. During the festival of Mahashivratri, the temple hosts the Tapkeshwar Mela when the precincts come alive with lighting, rituals, and floral decorations.
• Mindrolling Monastery: The Mindrolling Monastery houses one of the leading institutes of Tibetan Buddhism in India. With its towering Great Stupa, ornate wall paintings, colossal Buddha statue, fluttering Tibetan prayer flags and views overlooking the verdant Doon Valley, the monastery merits a visit as much for its spiritual significance as for its beauty and tranquillity.

• Malsi Deer Park: Spread over 25 hectares, the Malsi Deer Park, also known as Dehradun Zoo, is one of the top places to visit in Dehradun, regardless of the season. Home to a variety of birds and wildlife, this zoological park is lush with expansive green spaces, making it an excellent recreational space for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
• Forest Research Institute (FRI) & Indian Military Academy (IMA): A drive up the Chakrata Road leads you to two institutions that have long defined Dehradun’s cityscape - the FRI and IMA. The former is known for its Greco-Roman architecture, museums, and forested campus. While entry to the latter is restricted, you could drive past to catch a glimpse of the Academy’s impressive red and white Chetwode Building.

Rishikesh: About an hour’s drive from Dehradun’s city centre brings you to Rishikesh, also known as ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. A soul food carnival studded with ashrams, temples, Ayurvedic centres, and meditation camps, this charming river town sees sadhus, backpackers, holiday-makers, and pilgrims jostle for space and be welcomed with equal grace. On a tight schedule you can visit the Beatles Ashram, go white-water rafting on the Ganga, see the Neergarh Waterfall and partake in the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

Dhanaulti: Located a picturesque 2.5-hour drive from Dehradun, Dhanaulti exudes a different sort of energy with its forested peaks, oaks, deodars, and seasonal rhododendron blooms. Dhanaulti’s sylvan landscape and salubrious air make it a perfect retreat for the city-weary. If adventure sports appeal to you, you can choose from paragliding, rappelling and zip-lining. If you prefer something more leisurely, head to Amber and Dhara Eco Parks for nature walks, bird-watching, photography or simply lounging.

Chakrata: Perched above the Yamuna Valley, Chakrata, a former British summer retreat, is a scenic 3-hour drive from Dehradun. Chakrata still has its feral charms intact with pine-scented forests, wildflower-spangled meadows, rugged tracks, and idyllic hamlets defining much of the landscape. Worth a visit are the Tiger Falls, Budher Caves, and Moila Top region. For trekkers, the deodar-lined trails to Deoban and Kanasar promise a real treat, as does the Lakhamandal Temple to history aficionados. Those with a penchant for offbeat experiences will scarcely be able to resist camping overnight under the starlit sky.

Ideas for a Weekend Itinerary

Offbeat yet easily accessible from Dehradun, Dhanaulti is brimming with adventure and aesthetic appeal in equal measure. Here’s a practical two-day itinerary for a Dehradun-to-Dhanaulti escape.

DAY ONE:

• Wake up early in Dehradun and start for Dhanaulti, stopping for breakfast on the way.
• Once you reach Dhanaulti, indulge in adventure activities, go for a short trek, or simply enjoy a picnic under the trees at the Eco Parks.
• Enjoy a relaxed evening over food and conversation around a bonfire. Spend some time stargazing before calling it a day.

DAY TWO:

• Start for Dehradun after dawn. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the way.
• Stop at the Malsi Deer Park on your way down.
• Spend the late afternoon and evening wandering Dehradun. Based on your mood and pace, you could visit the Mindrolling Monastery, Tapkeshwar Temple and FRI.
• End the day with a drive past the IMA.
• Enjoy a hearty dinner at your hotel in Dehradun.

With a hectic weekend ahead, it is important to find a place that provides a comfortable stay and a welcoming ambience. Choose Gateway Dehradun as your base to effortlessly explore the city and beyond.

While our tastefully furnished, amenity-rich rooms will take away your tiredness, our restaurants and their culinary offerings – both local and global – will delight your palate. Whether you stay with us before you set off for or after you return from them, our spa, swimming pool and fitness centre are excellent places in which to unwind and recharge. Last but not least, the warmth of our service sets us apart from all other hotels in Dehradun. Every moment you spend at this Gateway Hotels will be one you will cherish long after you have left.

Begin your excursion to Dehradun and beyond with Gateway Dehradun. Make a reservation now.