Post Independence, the city grew but did not lose its pace. Families moved for the schools. Pilgrims came for Tapkeshwar and the ashrams. Weekend travelers discovered Robbers Cave, Sahastradhara, and the easy hop to Mussoorie and Landour. The older parts still feel like memories, the newer parts feel like plans. It is a city that lets you wander without hurrying you along, a feeling that stays even when you leave.
Destinations
Dehradun - What to expect
Awaken to a cool breeze, the soothing birds’ melodies, and a sky that appears meticulously washed. Enjoy the morning bun tikki and catch up on the latest community news from a nearby vendor. The sudden impacts of drizzle create the stunning effect of painting the roads with silver. In the afternoon, take a stroll through a lane covered with pine fumes and relish the unscripted adventures. Life’s simple yet profound moments can be enjoyed after sipping some hot Chai in the evenings.
Brief History
Dehradun sits in the Doon valley between the Ganga and the Yamuna. Long before cafés and camera phones, this was Garhwal land with old temples, forests, and quiet villages. The Gorkhas came for a time. Then the British arrived and left behind churches, tea gardens, and a love for long walks. Institutions like the Forest Research Institute and the Indian Military Academy gave the city a studious heart. That mix of nature and learning still shapes how people live here.
Average costs in this area
Transportation - Dehradun is accessible by bus, train and flights. A Delhi-Dehradun bus ride costs ₹500 to ₹1,200, a train journey costs ₹400 to ₹1,500 and a ony way flight can range between ₹3,000 and ₹8,000. Within the city you can take bus, auto or Vikram rides which cost you from ₹15 to ₹200. App cabs within the city cost between ₹200 to ₹700 while a day cab for Mussoriee cost between ₹2000 to ₹3500.
Accomodation - You can opt for hostels and guesthouses that range between ₹600 and ₹1200, budget hotels and homestays for ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, mid range boutique stays for ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 and premium to luxury for upwards of ₹8,000.
Food - You can get street breakfast or snacks from ₹100 to ₹250; café meals or casual lunch from ₹250 to ₹600; dinner at a nice place from ₹600 to ₹1,200 and a special night out from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500
Suggested daily budget – ₹1,800 to ₹2,800 for a bagpacker, ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 for a comfort traveller and upwards of ₹12,000 for those who want to splurge
TIps for first visit
1. Start early – Hill roads are kinder in the morning and the light is beautiful. You get Robbers Cave almost to yourself and the tea tastes better when the city is still yawning.
2. Use Dehradun as your base – Do day trips to Mussoorie and Landour, George Everest, Rajpur heritage lanes, and Sahastradhara. Return to Doon for calm evenings, good bakeries, and real sleep.
3. Pack light layers and say yes to walks – Weather turns in minutes. A light jacket and rain cover save the day. The city reveals itself best on foot. A fifteen-minute walk can become your favorite memory.
Do’s and don’ts
Carry a little cash for small eateries and local rides, and give the local flavors a try—bun tikki, a hearty Garhwali thali, and hot jalebis on a cold evening. Ask before taking photos and follow temple customs. Keep a refillable bottle and use the bins because the valley deserves care. Most of all, chat with locals; you’ll get better directions and even better stories.
Skip the litter on trails, streams, and viewpoints, and don’t feed monkeys near temples or springs. Distances in the hills can be tricky, so plan for extra time. Avoid wandering into unknown forest paths alone, especially in the monsoon. And go easy on the horn through the ghats—patience here is safer and kinder.
