Top Five Must Visit Weekend Getaways Near Dehradun
Dehradun is the state capital of Uttarakhand, and the place is famous as one of the best hill stations that northern India has to offer. Dehradun city is situated amidst the alluring backdrops of Garhwal Hills at an altitude of 1400 feet. Being such a beautiful destination itself, the place remains filled with tourists who are here to explore the numerous sacred temples, canals, rivers, and waterways, etc. Apart from this, people come here to experience the rich culture and tradition of the city, which makes it different from other places.
If you have been living in Dehradun for a long time or are a student here, as Dehradun is also said to be the educational hub of India with some of the best engineering colleges and have explored it enough, you don’t need to worry because still there are some more staggering places around the city that will make an impactful impression on you. These destinations are not far from Dehradun, and hence, are perfect places for planning a short weekend trip. This article will give you the handpicked list of the places where you can expect a weekend getaway along with your friends and family. Want to know which places are they? Take a look.
Mussoorie:
Want to spend a holiday in full serenity while relishing the beauty of nature, and reveling in the silence in the air? If yes, then the ‘Queen of Hills’ -Mussoorie is the best destination to materialize all your vacation plans. This is the most popular hill station among travelers across the country. There are so many attractions in Mussoorie for tourists like Cloud’s End, Gunhill, Camel’s back, Mall Road, and so on. Its proximity to Dehradun makes this place a perfect weekend getaway from here.
Distance From Dehradun: 35km
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Rishikesh:
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is popularly known as the Place of Sages”. The city acts as a gateway to the Garhwal region and is also known as the starting point of Char Dham. With numerous trekking and rafting opportunities, the place is known as the adventure capital of India. The ashrams, yoga retreats, and the laid back cafes altogether make Rishikesh a not-to-miss place in Uttarakhand. If you want to spend an adventurous weekend without missing the serenity of nature, then this is the place where you should go.
Chakrata:
This place is situated amidst the majestic Himalayas which makes Chakrata a weekend destination near Dehradun that can soothe your mood. This place is an epitome of serenity and splendid views. Chakrata is an ideal escape for the people who want to stay away from the chaotic life of the city as it is not an overly crowded tourist spot. You can also relish the local attractions and adventure sports at this place. The region involves waterfalls and meadows which are also attractive places to enjoy. The major tourist attractions here include Budher, Tiger Falls, Chilmark, and Mundali meadows. It also has few ancient temples such as Lakhamandal Temple and Manjhgaon Temple.
Distance From Dehradun: 85km
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Lansdowne:
It is perched at an elevation of 1780 meters and the area of Lansdowne is surrounded by dense forests of oak and pine. Lansdowne is located in the district of Pauri Garhwal. This area is built by the British as a cantonment town, and thus, several colonial buildings can also be visited at this place. The city is visited by tourists who are in search of solace and adventure. It’s a picturesque hill town and is best if you want to spend a laidback weekend with your loved ones because this small hill station is neither too urbanized nor too commercialized. And that is why it has maintained the sanity of the hills as well as its rich history and striking scenery that make Lansdowne one of the most exotic and peaceful weekend getaways from Dehradun.
Distance From Dehradun: 150km
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Chopta:
Chopta is situated on the Gopeshwar-Ukhimath Highway Road which is approx 40 kilometers from Gopeshwar. The geographical boundaries of this famous hill station in Rudraprayag district allow travelers to savor numerous natural grandeurs including dense forests, snow-crowned Himalayan ranges, and luxuriant meadows. Besides nature, what makes Chopta a superb destination is the trekking trails. The village is the base point of the famous trek to one of the Panch Kedar temples — Tungnath along with the thrilling Chandrashila Peak. The town boasts an ideal setting for all those who seek a place to relax and unwind the mind, body, and soul with a treat of nature. This is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Dehradun.
Distance From Dehradun: 252km
Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to February
These are a few beautiful and fun places in the foothills of the Himalayas which you should explore in the coming weekends.