Location: 5.5 kilometers from the city bus stand
Tapkeshwar Temple, located on the banks of a small runnel in Garhi Cantonment about 5.5 kilometers from the city bus stand is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This holy abode of the God of destruction is a celebrated cave temple of the city Dehradun. The rivulet that flows alongside the temple enters the temple cave from the top and the droplets of the water pierce the rock and drizzle right on the Shiva Lingam placed in the sanctum of this shrine. This is a really gratifying and divine spectacle to behold. The Deity Lord Shiva seated in this cave temple receives the name ‘Tapkeshwar’ from this marvelous phenomenon of water naturally dribbling from the roof of the cave. The term ‘Tapkeshwar’ has derived from a Hindi word ‘Tapak’ meaning ‘to drip’. The Tapkeshwar Temple is also known by another name 'Guchhu Pani’. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva used to reside in this cave and during the Mahabharata Era, He poured milk from here for Ashwathama; the son of Guru Dronacharya.

Location: About 7 kilometers from Dehradun city
Chandrabani Temple, located about 7 kilometers from Dehradun city on the Dehradun-Delhi Road is a much revered site of the legendary Gautam Kund. As stated in the Hindu Mythology, this is the place where Maharshi Gautam along with his consort and their daughter Anjani used to reside. Furthermore, it is also believed that Chandrabani is the sacred venue where the holy river Ganga, the daughter of heaven had appeared from the paradise. Today, the Gautam Kund is a highly venerated locale and Maharshi Gautam and his family are worshipped by the people here. The water of the Kund is believed to be very auspicious and devotees make it a point to take a dip into that heavenly nectar. The holy Gautam Kund and the temple set up adjacent to it are thronged by innumerable devotees as well as tourists every year. The blessed water tank nestled about 2 kilometers from the main road in the midst of the lofty Shivalik Ranges is a very beautiful and much sought after pilgrim as well as picnic destination near Dehradun.

Location: Nearly 15 kilometers from the heart of the city
Santala Devi Temple, situated nearly 15 kilometers from the heart of the city is a much apotheosized and exalted place of worship near Dehradun. Pilgrims from all over the state of Uttarakhand flock the temple to pay homage at the feet of Goddess Santala and her warrior brother. As the myth goes, Santala Devi and her brother were involved in a fierce battle against Mughal Army. On realizing that they were not capable and equipped enough to fight the mighty Mughal force, Santala Devi along with her brother discarded the weapons and started praying. Suddenly there occurred a flickering of a bright light and both of them were transformed into stone statues.
These stone idols are placed in the sanctum of the Santala Devi Temple and worshipped by the devotees. Santala Devi Temple is a vital embodiment of the faith in the power of the Almighty. This temple, boasting of its immeasurable cultural and religious significance is constructed inside a fort premises. To reach the shrine of Goddess Santala you can avail bus till Jaitunwala; take a jeep or any other light vehicle to Punjabiwala (located 2 km from Jaitunwala) and finally undertake a 2 kilometers long trek. The temple celebrates a special festival every Saturday commemorating the day of Santala Devi’s transformation into the stone.

Location: At Jhanda Mohalla in the center of the city
The ‘Ram Rai Darbar’ is a Gurudwara located at Jhanda Mohalla in the center of the city Dehradun. Constructed by Baba Ram Rai, the son of the 7th Sikh Guru Har Rai and the founder of the city Dehradun, this Sikh Temple is a headquarters of ‘Ramraiya’, the ‘Panth’ of the followers of Ram Rai. Baba Ram Rai, when excommunicated by his father Guru Har Rai came to this place and settled down here. Established in 1707 AD this magnificent Gurudwara entirely built in white marble holds tremendous historical and religious appraisal. Acknowledged to be one of the oldest Gurudwaras of the Doon Valley, this Sikh Temple was erected with the financial support of the great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This mausoleum is surrounded by four small tombs located in the garden courtyard which are dedicated to the four wives of Baba Ram Rai.
The grand entrance of the Gurudwara is embellished with multicolored murals. The Baba Ram Rai Darbar worships the holy book of Sikhism ‘the Adigrantha’ which is placed in the Santorum on an elevated platform. The Gurudwara runs a Langar that provides free food to the devotees. Accommodation is also provided for those who want to spend some days in the holy premises of the Gurudwara. The ‘Ram Rai Darbar’ is particularly renowned for its annual festival called ‘Jhanda Mela’ celebrated on the fifth day after Holi. This festival of flags beckons myriads of Sikh devotees as well as other tourists of different religious backgrounds from every corner of the country.

Location: About 8 kilometers on the Rajpur Road
Sai Darbar Temple, positioned about 8 kilometers on the Rajpur Road along the city Clock Tower is an epitome of the secular spectrum of Indian Society. Entirely constructed in the dazzling marble stone this astounding shrine dedicated to Sai Baba; the greatest and most worshipped India Saint is a popular pilgrim destination of the state Uttarakhand. Perched in the lap of the hilly terrains of the Shivalik Ranges, this marvelous Darbar of Sai Baba offers an awe inspiring spectacle due to its architectural artistry. The idol of Sai Baba is placed in the center of the temple and the interiors are decorated with exquisite paintings made with bright colors. The tranquil and peaceful ambiance of the Sai Darbar Temple provides the devotees with a serene setting to meditate and introspect. The evening prayers even add to the spiritual appeal of the Sai Darbar placed away from the hustle bustle of city life. This unique shrine of the Saint of secularism and fraternity attracts millions of devotees irrespective of their religion, caste and creed.

Location: Is located in the Clement Town area of the city
Erected by Rigzin Tendak Lingpa in 1676 AD, Mindrolling Monastery is a magnificent Buddhist Monastery of the Tibetan Nyingma tradition. One of the most prominent Buddhist Shrines of Dehradun, Mindrolling Monastery is located in the Clement Town area of the city. Locally reckoned as the ‘Tibetan Monastery’, this monastery has survived innumerable enemy plunders as well as countless natural calamities. The name ‘Mindrolling Monastery’ has derived from Tibetan Language where ‘Mindrolling’ means the Place of Perfect Emancipation. The present structure of the Monastery is ascribed to Khenchen Rinpoche. Considered to be one of the largest Buddhist Viharas in India, Mindrolling Monastery is particularly recognized far and wide for its spiritual school.
This Spiritual School is one of the eminent study centers of Buddhist Monks that also accommodates a college that offers advanced Buddhist studies. This college, widely known by the name ‘Ngagyur Nyingma College’ or ‘Institute of Advanced Buddhist Studies’ is attended by a number of Buddhist monks. This institute has been imparting knowledge in various areas including Buddhist Scriptures, Tibetan Lunar Calendar, Astronomy, Calligraphy, and Tibetan Medicine and so on for last 300 years. Amongst the chief attractions of the Mindrolling Monastery is a ‘Great Stupa’ that was constructed as a symbol of world peace and inaugurated on 28th October, 2002. This, 185 feet tall and 100 sq. feet wide stupa is the world’s largest stupa. Remarkable for its architectural adroitness, this monastery is one of the most visited tourist destinations of Dehradun.

Location: In the Rajpur area of Dehradun
Shakya Centre, located in the Rajpur area of Dehradun is a personal monastery of Sakya Trizin, established by him in the year 1964. This non profit Buddhist organization is the chief pivot of Sakya Tradition of Tibet in India. Inhabited by over 200 monks ranging from the age 5 to 80, this Shakya Centre is stationed about 12 kilometers to the north of Dehradun. Most of the monks that reside at this Tibetan Gompa Centre are from Tibet, while some of them also belong to India, Bhutan, Nepal and other neighboring terrains. Most of the time of the day is spent by the monks in prayers, rituals, various poojas and study every day. Along with the traditional Tibetan curriculum, the monks at this Sakya Centre also study Math, English, Hindi and such other subjects. This Buddhist Monastery festooned with frescos poses a gorgeous vista to perceive. Next to this Shakya Centre is situated a center for Tibetan Medicine. Today, a small encampment of Tibetans is settled adjacent to this monastery.

Location: 14 km from the heart of the city Dehradun
The term ‘Sahastradhara’ means a ‘thousand fold spring’. Located approximately 14 km from the heart of the city Dehradun, Sahastradhara is a cold Sulfur water spring that is believed to be having certain medicinal values. There is an enchanting waterfall positioned against the backdrop of picturesque environ that offers a calm and placid ambience in the midst of infinite natural beauty. The pulchritude of the locale is even augmented by the nearby caves and the profuse Baldi River. The pond of the therapeutic water created by the lovely waterfall here is believed to be having the capability of curing certain skin diseases.
This vicinity, blessed by astounding natural splendor experiences salubrious climate which makes it an ideal location visited all round the year. Yet, the glamour and the radiance of the venue are at their best during the rainy season. The surging water of Sahastradhara that cascades down the rocky platform of caves and hills wearing the lush green carpet at the drop of 9 meters creates a mesmerizing panorama. Water dances to the tunes of natural symphony and the tranquility as well as the scenic beauty of the place makes this a dream destination for the tourists. A noteworthy characteristic of this place is that the lime mixed the waters of Sahastradhara contributes to creating the formation of projecting ridge that eventually takes the shape of a cave. This is one of the must visit places near Dehradun and an ideal picnic spot both for the locals as well as the tourists.

Location: Nestled about 8 kilometers from the Dehradun City and just 1 kilometer from Anarwala Village
Robber’s Cave, also known by other appellations such as ‘Guchu Pani’ and ‘Guchhipani’ is a beautiful locus adorned with a peerless natural elegance perched in the Dehradun Suburbs. The prime theme of this pristine locale is ‘adventure in the midst of beauty’. Robber’s Cave receives its name after the belief that robbers used to conceal themselves from British Officials in this cave. Nestled about 8 kilometers from the Dehradun City and just 1 kilometer from Anarwala Village, this cave, enclosed by majestic hills offers an electrifying impression. A kilometer away from the cave appears a rejuvenating rivulet that would vanish after sometime and reappear few kilometers away. Robber’s Cave is one of the most visited tourist attractions around Dehradun. The place is particularly flocked by the tourists who want to witness the mysterious phenomenon of the stream evanescing and then restoring. The refreshing and soothing environ near the robber’s cave and its adventure appeal beckons innumerable visitors to this place to enjoy in the wilderness and embrace the glory of the Mother Nature.

Location: Roughly 5 km from the City Bus Stand along the Dehradun Rajpur Road
Tapovan, situated roughly 5 km from the City Bus Stand along the Dehradun Rajpur Road is a beauteous ground basking in the glory of its mythological background. Nestled on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Tapovan holds an important position in the religious fabric of Dehradun. It is popularly believed by the natives that this is the very vicinity where Dronacharya, the mythical master of Pandavas and Kauravas had undergone a severe penance. Enveloped by the lush verdure of the milieu and the sweet melody of the aristocratic river Ganga, this locus offers such a divine and soothing ambience that it calms all your worldly tensions and worries. Today this place is especially inhabited by sages and sadhus performing religious rituals and penance. The chanting of litanies and Vedic Mantras render this place a sublime and serene domicile. Tourists who want to perform several religious rituals and ceremonies throng this place all round the year.

Location: In a secluded village named Goolar Khalla
The Tiger View Jungle Camp, located in a secluded village named Goolar Khalla, at post Saura, via Rajpur of Dehradun is an extraordinary venture that offers an incredible opportunity to observe the ‘King of the Jungle’ in its natural habitat. The Indian Tiger, one of the most endangered species in the world is conserved in this Tiger View Jungle Camp near Dehradun. Spotting a tiger in the dense jungle of Goolar Khalla is an unparallel and unforgettable experience full of adventure and amazement. Other than the daily Jungle Safaris, the Tiger View Jungle Camp also provides exceptional prospects of camping in the jungle in the midst of abundant natural beauty accompanied by the threat of tiger arrivals. Camping in the wilderness is an exciting as well as equally flabbergasting venture. This is a perfect get away for the adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Location: About 1 kilometer from the city on the Dehradun Mussoorie Road
Malsi Deer Park located about 1 kilometer from the city on the Dehradun Mussoorie Road at the footings of the sublime Shivalik Ranges is a brilliantly developed mini zoological park. Reckoned as one of the speedily flourishing tourist attractions of Dehradun, Malsi Deer Park also houses a beautifully landscaped Children’s Park and a number of recreational joints. This recently emerged Deer Park provides a natural habitat to two horned deer, Neelgai, Peacock, Tiger, other wild animals and a variety of birds. A Bird House is set up in the park from where we can spot the birds of different colors and species. Sprawling over the terrain of an acre, adorned with the majestically rolling hills and titanic trees and magnified by its friendly weather and verdant greenery, this zoological park is a perfect picnic spot and an excursion site to enjoy.

Location: 820 square kilometers
Rajaji National Park established in the year 1983 is spread over the extensive area of about 820 square kilometers. Nestled in the verdant valley of Shivalik Mountain Ranges, this park is a symbol of a well balanced ecosystem. Three wildlife sanctuaries namely Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla were integrated in the year 1983 and Rajaji National Park was constituted. Named after the highly revered freedom fighter Late Raja Gopal Chariya, the landscape of the Rajaji National Park reveals a variety of terrain including ravine, chirpine forest, and broad leaf mixed forest, grassy pasture lands and scrub land. The imperial Ganga River flows through the Rajaji National Park for 24 kilometers. Moreover, a number of rivulets and brooks render the geography of the park rich and diverse. Rajaji National Park thickly covered with Sal Forest, Khair-Sissoo Forest, Savannah Woodlands, Western Gangetic Moist and Northern Dry Deciduous Forest houses a large variety of flora and about 23 species of mammals and 315 species of avi-fauna. The best time to pay a visit to this national park is between November and June. The Safari ride that leads you through the park is an experience of lifetime.

Location: Near General Mahadev Singh Road at Khurbura, Dehradun
‘Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology’ of Dehradun is a widely reckoned autonomous research institute that works in the area of science and technology under the Government of India. Their vision is the ‘Application of emerging knowledge about the earth processes for fostering sustainable development and secured living in the Himalayan region.’ And their mission is to continuously strive to unravel the geological truths related to mountain building, particularly Himalaya, for improving understanding of geodynamic processes, climate variability, natural resources, evolution of life, assessment and mitigation of natural hazards. The four commissions that the institute undertakes include:

• Carryout research towards the development of new concepts and models for the geodynamic evolution of the Himalaya through an interdisciplinary approach.
• Develop exploration strategies and management of natural reserves like minerals, industrial material, glaciers and water.
• Plan and coordinate research towards understanding physical processes causing natural disasters, evaluate their hazard potential and suggest remedial measures.
• Serve as the National Reference Center for the database on the geology of Himalaya.

Acknowledged as a National Laboratory of Global Repute having a distinguished research facilities, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is named in the honor of Sri D. N. Wadia; the founder of the organization. Sri D. N. Wadia is a famous figure in the discipline of geological research. Other than training and aiding new research scholars, this research institute also administers several research stations in the isolated regions of Himalaya. The institute carries out research in Himalayan Geology along with a number of other related fields such as mountain building processes, geodynamic evolution, seism tectonics, natural resources, etc. The library set up here is rich with more than 25,000 books, journals as well as monographs related to Earth Sciences. The museum of the institute is a noteworthy for its educational and informative exhibits like geological maps, charts, models and samples. Even the films and the videos screened in the museum provide much knowledge in the field of Himalayan and general geology. Presently, the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has about 61 scientists, 65 technical staff and 76 administrative and supporting staff.

Location: Near Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun
‘Forest Research Institute’ is an academy run by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education that functions in the area of the Forestry Research in India. Established in the year 1906 at Dehradun and raised to the status of a deemed university in the year 1991 by UGC, this is the earliest institute of its kind. Forest Research Institute is positioned in the midst of Dehradun Cantonment to its north and the Indian Military Academy to its south. The western boundary of the FRI is enclosed by the river Tons. Covering the total area of over 4.5 sq. km. the Forest Research Institute is nestled alongside the Himalayan Sierras. The central building of FRI is constructed in Colonial and Greco-Roman style of architecture. The institute houses a number of laboratories, a library, arboreta, herbarium, experimental field areas, printing press and a museum. The FRI campus hosts IGNFA (Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy) and CASFOS (Central Academy for State Forest Services). The museum of forestry located in the Forest Research Institute campus is divided into six sections; Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and Entomology Museum.

Location: In Eastern Canal Rd, Dalanwala, Dehradun
The Survey of India is one of the oldest Engineering and Scientific Departments of the Government of India responsible for National surveying and mapping. Established in the year 1767 in order to consolidate the Indian Territories under the British East India Company, the head quarters of the Survey of India is located at Dehradun. Working under the Department of Science & Technology, the Survey of India carries out a special responsibility of ensuring that the country's domain is explored and mapped suitably and all the resources contribute to the progress, prosperity and security of our country with their full measure now and for generations to come.

Location: 8 kilometers from the heart of the city
Indian Military Academy (IMA) located at Dehradun is an officer training school of Indian Army. Established in the year 1932, IMA is stationed at the foothills of the Himalayas on Dehradun-Chakrata Road approximately 8 kilometers from the heart of the city. The academy started at the Indian Railways' Railway Staff College with the batch of 40 cadets with Brigadier L.P. Collins being the first commandant. The training began on 1st October 1932 and the academy was officially inaugurated at the end of the first term on 10th December 1932 by Field Marshal Chetwode. The pioneer batch passed out in December 1934. IMA was renamed as the National Defense Academy (NDA) on 1st January, 1950 and later as ‘Military College’. In the year 1960, the academy retrieved its original name and on the 30th anniversary of the academy on 10th December 1962, the second President of India; Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan presented it new colors. By the year 2007, the 75th anniversary of the academy, it had trained over 46,000 officers who are now commissioned in the armies of various nations of the world. Today, the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun beckons tourists and enthusiastic travelers to visit the War Memorial, the Museum, the Shooting Demonstration Room and the 18-holes FRIMS Golf Course located here.

Location: Nestled at the footings of the Shivalik Mountain Ranges
RIMC; the Rashtriya Indian Military College, originated from the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College is one more feather in the proud hat of Dehradun. Inaugurated by the Prince of Wales; Prince Edward VIII on 13th March 1922, RIMC is located adjacent to Garhi Village in Dehradun Cantonment. Nestled at the footings of the Shivalik Mountain Ranges RIMC is spread over an extensive area of 138 acres. The fundamental aim of this institute is to provide Indian cadets with proper training and education in order to ensure a high admission rate at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst for Indians.

Location: In Vill-Mazhon P.O. Poundha, VIA Pram Nagar
Jaspal Rana Institute of Education and Technology, established on 16th March, 2002 is headed by Jaspal Rana, the very renowned Indian Shooter and a gold medalist at the 1994 Asian Games, 2006 Commonwealth Games, and 2006 Asian Games. Affiliated to the Uttarakhand Technical University, this institute aims at providing the best facilities for the upliftment of physical education and sports in India and preparing highly skilled and competent leaders in the discipline of sports and physical education. The institute offers a 1 year Bachelor of Physical Education Course, a 3 year Bachelor of Physical Education Course and a 1 year Computer Course.

Location: Along the Sahastradhara Road near Dehradun
The Kalinga War Memorial located along the Sahastradhara Road near Dehradun is the one and only war memorial of its kind in the whole world set up by the British in the honor of their enemies, the Gurkhas who gallantly fought with the British in Anglo-Nepalese War between 1814 and 1816 in which the Gurkhas were expelled from Nalapani and Dehradun came under the British control.

Location: In the midst of the commercial center of the city on the Rajpur Road
One of the most prominent landmarks and the most significant architectures of the city Dehradun is its six faced Clock Tower. Also known by another nickname ‘Ghanta Ghar’ this clock tower located in the midst of the commercial center of the city on the Rajpur Road is a pre independence structure renowned for its exceptional formation. Owning a prestigious status in the history of Dehradun, the Clock Tower is one of its kinds in the entire Asia Continent. Today, this clock tower is not functional, but it is said that earlier the chime of these clocks was audible from far-off places of the city. This Ghanta Ghar, a memento of the bygone era of Dehradun is visible even from a distance.

Location: About 45 kilometers from the city
Dakpathar, located about 45 kilometers from the city on the Dehradun-Chakrata Road along the banks of the river Yamuna, is a recently developed leisure niche near Dehradun. Naturally surrounded by verdant woods and carpeted with exotic gardens and lush green landscapes, Dakpathar is developed as a tourism hub by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. A government guest house constructed here provides cozy and comfy accommodations for the visitors and the refreshing water of the swimming pool set up here relieves all your stress and tension. Other than the natural pulchritude of the place several tourist attractions such as Yamuna Hydel Scheme, Rock Edict of King Asoka located at Kalsi, Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort Complex, Lakha Mandal and The Paonta Sahib Gurudwara beckon the travelers to this vicinity from far and wide.

Location: About 40 km to the west of Doon Valley
Asan Barrage Bird Sanctuary, located about 40 km to the west of Doon Valley of Dehradun on Dehradun Paonta Road is a famous reservoir acclaimed for bird watching. Popularly known as Dhalipur Lake, the Asan Barrage was established at the confluence of two rivers Asan and Yamuna in the year 1967. The Asan Barrage Bird Sanctuary is widely reckoned for attracting over 53 species of water birds including Brahminy Duck, Common Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard, Egrets, Common Teal, Herons, Lapwings, Coot, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, and Shoveller and so on. This bird sanctuary is a small man made reservoir covering the total area of 4 square kilometers. The best season when the sanctuary is throbbing with migratory birds is from October to April.

Location: Approximately 3 kilometers from Doiwala and 22 kilometers from Dehradun on Haridwar-Rishikesh Road
Lacchiwalla is a favorite picnic spot positioned approximately 3 kilometers from Doiwala and 22 kilometers from Dehradun on Haridwar-Rishikesh Road. Characterized with graphical setting, verdant woodlands, fruit orchards, unpolluted atmosphere, unruffled nature and tranquil ambience, Lacchiwalla is one of the most sought after destinations near Dehradun.

Location: Around Dehradun
‘The Char Siddhs’ is a group of four temples located around Dehradun. This cluster of temples includes Lakshman Siddh, Kalu Siddh, Manak Siddh and Madu Siddh. It is believed by the natives that if you pay homage to all the four Siddhs in a single day, all your wishes will be fulfilled and all your dreams will come true. Lakshman Siddh is situated about 12 kilometers from Dehradun along the Dehradun-Rishikesh Road. Kalu Siddh is placed near Baniyawala. Manak Siddh is positioned near Shimla Bypass Road, while Madu Siddh is set up near Premnagar. All these temples are located in extremely scenic locale and at the same time they are unspoiled and untouched by modern commercialism.