15 Best Places to Visit Near Dehradun Within 100 kms (My Top Picks)

The best places to visit near Dehradun within 100 kms are Mussoorie (35 km, 1.5 hrs) and Dhanaulti (60 km, 2 hrs). Both are easy weekend drives and deliver proper hill country air without eating up your whole day.

Most people living in or visiting Dehradun do not realize that some of Uttarakhand’s finest spots sit within a 100 km radius. I have driven these roads more times than I can count, and every single trip reminded me why leaving the city for even a day is always worth it. The places to visit near Dehradun within 100 kms range from misty hill stations and spiritual towns to wildlife zones and adventure hubs.

Whether you want cold mountain air, white water rafting, a quiet forest walk, or a temple trek, the options around Dehradun cover all of it. You do not need a long vacation. A Saturday morning start and a Sunday evening return is enough for most of these destinations.

Here is a quick overview of all 15 places covered in this guide.

All distances are approximate, measured from Dehradun city centre. Driving times reflect normal road conditions and may increase on weekends or during peak season.

The Classic Hill Stations Near Dehradun

These five destinations are the ones most weekend travelers from Dehradun head to first. Each one offers a different experience, and together they cover everything from snow-covered forests to quiet cantonment lanes.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie sits just 35 km from Dehradun but takes around 1.5 hours by road because of the steep gradients and heavy traffic near Gandhi Chowk, especially on weekends. It is the most visited hill station in the region and offers a proper mix of viewpoints, mall road walks, and waterfalls.

My personal tip is to start before 7 AM if you are going on a Saturday or Sunday. Getting past Gandhi Chowk before the traffic builds up saves you at least 30 to 40 minutes each way. I always park near the library end and walk from there rather than crawling through the main stretch.

• Distance from Dehradun: 35 km
• Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
• Top Activity: Kempty Falls, Mall Road walk, Lal Tibba viewpoint

You can check the official destination page on Uttarakhand Tourism for entry details and updated travel advisories before you go.

Landour

Landour is just 2 km above Mussoorie at 37 km from Dehradun, but it feels like a completely different world. It is a quieter cantonment area with old stone cottages, bakeries, and forested walking trails that see a fraction of Mussoorie’s crowd.

I always recommend Landour to anyone who finds Mussoorie too busy. Char Dukan, the small cluster of old eateries near the top of Landour, is a genuinely peaceful spot to sit with a cup of tea and look out over the valley. The lanes here are narrow, so leave your car at the base and walk up.

• Distance from Dehradun: 37 km
• Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
• Top Activity: Walking the Landour loop, Char Dukan, Camel’s Back Road

Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti sits at an altitude of 2,286 metres, which means it gets real winter snow, unlike Dehradun itself. The main draw is the Eco Park, a forested government-maintained area with tall deodar trees, walking trails, and clean mountain air. It is 60 km from Dehradun and takes about 2 hours.

The official Uttarakhand Tourism page for Dhanaulti has good seasonal information if you are planning a winter trip specifically for snow. I have been here in January and the snow cover on the Eco Park trails is solid, but road conditions after Mussoorie need checking before you head out.

• Distance from Dehradun: 60 km
• Best Time to Visit: December to February for snow, April to June for clear weather
• Top Activity: Eco Park walk, snow viewing in winter, Surkanda Devi temple nearby

Kanatal

Kanatal is a small, largely undeveloped village at 75 km from Dehradun on the Mussoorie-Chamba road. It sits at around 2,600 metres and is known mainly for camping, apple orchards, and some of the most unobstructed Himalayan views you can get from a roadside location in this region.

This is the one I take friends to when they want quiet over convenience. There is no mall road, no crowd, and no noise. A few good camps operate here year-round and most offer bonfire nights, which makes it an ideal one-night trip, especially between October and February.

• Distance from Dehradun: 75 km
• Best Time to Visit: October to March for cold and clear skies, April to June for mild weather
• Top Activity: Camping, Himalayan view walks, apple orchard visits

Chakrata

Chakrata is 90 km from Dehradun and one of the most underrated destinations in the entire region. It is a cantonment town sitting above 2,100 metres, surrounded by dense forests, and is home to Tiger Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Uttarakhand at around 312 feet.

One thing to sort out before you go: Chakrata is a cantonment area, and while Indian nationals do not need a permit to enter, foreigners are required to obtain one in advance. I always tell friends to confirm this rule before planning a trip with any international guests. The road to Tiger Falls requires a short trek of about 1 km from the parking point, so carry good footwear.

• Distance from Dehradun: 90 km
• Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
• Top Activity: Tiger Falls trek, Deoban viewpoint, forest walks

Spiritual Escapes & River Adventures

The Ganga flows through all three of these destinations, but the experience at each one is completely different. Rishikesh gives you a balance of both worlds, Haridwar pulls you toward stillness and ritual, and Shivpuri throws you straight into the rapids.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is 45 km from Dehradun and is one of the most well-known towns in all of India, not just Uttarakhand. It sits at the point where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills and enters the plains, which gives it a geography that supports both meditation retreats and grade 3 to 4 river rapids.

I have visited Rishikesh at least a dozen times and the town still surprises me. Early mornings on Laxman Jhula with no tourists around, just the sound of the river and temple bells, feel genuinely different from what you get anywhere else close to Dehradun.

Key Highlights:

• Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges
• White water rafting from Shivpuri or Brahmpuri stretches
• Yoga and meditation ashrams along the riverbank
• Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) for a quiet heritage walk
• Triveni Ghat evening aarti

Haridwar

Haridwar is 55 km from Dehradun and operates at a completely different pace from Rishikesh. This is a city built entirely around devotion. The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri every evening is one of those experiences that stays with you regardless of whether you are religious or not. Hundreds of diyas floating on the river after dark is not something you forget quickly.

The crowds at Haridwar can be intense, particularly on weekends and during religious festivals. I recommend arriving by late afternoon, spending a couple of hours at the ghats, attending the aarti at sunset, and heading back. Trying to stay for dinner in peak season means navigating very tight lanes with heavy foot traffic.

Key Highlights:

• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri every evening at sunset
• Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples via cable car
• Rajaji National Park entry point nearby
• Holy dip at the ghats

Shivpuri

Shivpuri is 60 km from Dehradun and is the primary base camp for white water rafting on the Ganga in this region. Most rafting operators running trips out of Rishikesh actually start their longer routes from Shivpuri, covering around 16 km of river with multiple rapids.

If the Haridwar experience is about stillness and surrender, Shivpuri is the exact opposite. The rapids here, including names like Golf Course and Club House, are reliable and run through a gorge stretch that looks spectacular even from the bank. Beach camping overnight on the riverbank is a popular add-on that many operators offer.

Key Highlights:

• Grade 3 to 4 white water rafting on the Ganga
• 16 km rafting route from Shivpuri to Rishikesh
• Overnight beach camping on the riverbank
• Cliff jumping and kayaking options

Nature Spots, Lakes, and Wildlife

These four destinations are for travelers who want open skies, water, and wildlife over crowds and cafes. Each one delivers a different kind of outdoor experience within 100 km of Dehradun.

Asan Barrage

Asan Barrage is 45 km from Dehradun and is one of the best birdwatching spots in Uttarakhand. The reservoir attracts a large number of migratory birds between October and March, including bar-headed geese, brahminy ducks, and various wading species. Outside of migration season it is still a pleasant spot for a quiet morning by the water.

I have been here in November and the volume of birds on the water is genuinely impressive. Carry binoculars if you have them and arrive early before the light gets too harsh for good sightings.

Key Highlights:

• Migratory birds at their peak between October and March
• Water sports including kayaking and rowing
• Quiet picnic spot on the Yamuna river stretch
• Good photography location at sunrise

Dakpathar

Dakpathar is 45 km from Dehradun and sits on the Yamuna river just before Asan Barrage. It is a barrage town with scenic river views and is popular as a half-day picnic destination. The setting is calm and the drive from Dehradun through the Yamuna valley is itself worth the trip.

Key Highlights:

• Yamuna river barrage with scenic surroundings
• Quiet picnic and photography spot
• Easily combined with Asan Barrage in a single day trip
• Smooth, well-maintained road from Dehradun

New Tehri

New Tehri is 95 km from Dehradun and is built around the massive Tehri Dam reservoir on the Bhagirathi river. The lake is enormous and the water sports options here are among the most developed in Uttarakhand, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking.

Key Highlights:

• Jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides on Tehri Lake
• Tehri Dam, one of the tallest dams in Asia
• Dobra-Chanthi suspension bridge nearby
• Scenic mountain lake views year-round

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is approximately 60 km from Dehradun via the Chilla gate entry point. It covers over 820 square kilometres and is home to elephants, leopards, tigers, and over 400 bird species. The Chilla range is the most accessible zone for a day safari from Dehradun.

One critical planning note: Rajaji National Park closes every year from mid-June to mid-November due to the monsoon season. If you are planning a wildlife trip, the window between November and June is your only option. I always double-check the exact opening dates before booking anything since they can shift slightly year to year.

Key Highlights:

• Elephant and jeep safaris at Chilla range
• Over 400 bird species including great hornbill and pied kingfisher
• Park open mid-November to mid-June only
• Tiger and leopard sightings possible on early morning safaris 

Offbeat Heritage & High-Altitude Treks

The three places in this section do not show up on most weekend itineraries, which is exactly what makes them worth including. Chamba is a genuine forest town, Kalsi holds a 2,000-year-old piece of history that most people drive past without stopping, and Surkanda Devi rewards the effort it takes to reach it.

Chamba

Chamba is 85 km from Dehradun and sits on the Mussoorie-Tehri road surrounded by pine and deodar forests. It is a small town that most travelers pass through on their way to Dhanaulti or Kanatal without actually stopping. That is a mistake worth correcting.

The town has a quiet, unhurried quality that is hard to find this close to Dehradun. There are no major tourist attractions in the commercial sense, which is precisely the point. It is a place to slow down, walk the forested paths around town, and stay a night in one of the small guesthouses that look out over the valley.

Key Highlights:

• Dense pine and deodar forest walks around the town
• Calm base for exploring the Mussoorie-Tehri corridor
• Good overnight stop between Dhanaulti and New Tehri
• Uncrowded roads and minimal tourist infrastructure

Kalsi

Kalsi is 45 km from Dehradun in the Yamuna valley and contains one of the most historically significant stops in this entire region: the Ashoka Rock Edict. This is a large rock inscription dating back to the 3rd century BC, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka and written in the Brahmi script. It is one of the best-preserved edicts of its kind in northern India.

Most people driving toward Chakrata pass right through Kalsi without realizing what is there. I made that mistake on my first trip and only stopped on the way back. The edict is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is easily accessible from the main road. It takes about 30 minutes to visit properly and is completely free to enter.

Key Highlights:

• Ashoka Rock Edict from the 3rd century BC in Brahmi script
• Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India
• Located at the confluence of the Yamuna and Tons rivers
• Free entry, easy roadside access, suitable for a short stop

Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple is 67 km from Dehradun and sits at an altitude of roughly 2,750 metres, making it one of the higher points you can reach on a road trip from Dehradun. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is considered one of the Shakti Peethas of the region.

Getting to the temple involves either a 1.5 km uphill trek from the base parking area or a ropeway ride that covers the same distance with a lot less effort. I have done both and the trek, while short, has a steep final stretch that catches people off guard, especially in winter when it gets icy. The views from the top across the Himalayan range on a clear day are among the best I have seen from any accessible point near Dehradun.

Key Highlights:

• High-altitude Shakti Peetha temple at 2,750 metres
• Short 1.5 km trek or ropeway from base to summit
• Panoramic Himalayan views on clear days
• Best visited between April and June or September to November

Final Thoughts on Road Trips from Dehradun

Dehradun is one of the best-positioned cities in India for short road trips. Within 100 km you get snow-covered hill stations, Ganga rafting, ancient rock edicts, migratory bird sanctuaries, wildlife safaris, and high-altitude temples. The 15 places covered in this guide are all real, road-accessible, and worth your weekend. Start with whichever vibe matches the season you are traveling in, plan your departure early to beat the traffic, and always check road and park conditions before heading out, particularly during and just after monsoon season.

FAQs

Which is the closest hill station to Dehradun?
Mussoorie is the closest hill station at 35 km, though it takes around 1.5 hours by road due to steep gradients and weekend traffic near Gandhi Chowk.

Is it safe to drive to Chakrata during the monsoon season?
It is not advisable. The roads to Chakrata pass through hilly terrain that becomes prone to landslides and waterlogging between July and September. The safer travel window is March to June and September to November.

Which place near Dehradun is best for a one-night camping trip?
Kanatal at 75 km is the best option for an overnight camping trip. Several established camps operate year-round and the location offers clear Himalayan views with minimal crowd.

Can I visit Rajaji National Park for a day trip from Dehradun?
Yes, the Chilla gate is about 60 km from Dehradun and an early morning start allows a comfortable day safari. Remember the park stays closed from mid-June to mid-November every year, so plan accordingly.

What is the best time of year to visit places near Dehradun?
March to June and September to November are the most reliable months across almost all destinations in this guide. Winters between December and February work well for Dhanaulti and Kanatal specifically if you want snow. For wildlife at Rajaji, stick to the November to June window. You can check updated travel conditions on Uttarakhand Tourism’s official site before finalizing any trip.

Do I need a permit to visit Chakrata as an Indian citizen?
No. Indian nationals do not require a permit to enter Chakrata. The permit requirement applies only to foreign nationals visiting the cantonment area.