Best Tourist Places Near Dehradun and Mussoorie

Best Tourist Places Near Dehradun and Mussoorie

Dehradun and Mussoorie serve as gateways to hidden trails, colonial charm, peaceful forests, and riverside escapes. The region offers quiet treks like Nag Tibba, serene locations such as Maldevta, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural heritage sites like George Everest’s House. It’s a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you are a photographer, a nature enthusiast, or a weekend adventurer, these destinations provide an ideal mix of excitement and adventure. Here’s a curated list of the best tourist places near Dehradun and Mussoorie: 

1. George Everest’s House – A View Worth the Climb

George Everest’s House, also known as Park Estate, is located on a quiet mountain ridge. This historic site perfectly blends a sense of solitude with sweeping views of the Himalayan mountains. It used to be the residence of Sir George Everest, the Surveyor General of India. Now, it’s one of the Best Tourist Places in Dehradun that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling area of Mussoorie Mall Road. It is an ideal location for photography, picnics, or simply enjoying the tranquility, making it a favorite among locals and offbeat travelers alike.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
• Highlights: Sunset views, colonial ruins, light trek, photography, George Everest Peak, Winter Line
• Distance: 6 km from Mussoorie
• Driving Time: 20–25 minutes

2. Benog Tibba Trek – A Quiet Retreat for Nature Lovers

Tucked away on the outskirts of Mussoorie, the Benog Tibba trek is a peaceful haven for trekkers, bird watchers, and those seeking solitude in nature. It’s known for rich biodiversity and is part of the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, which is ideal for spotting rare Himalayan birds and enjoying serene forest trails. 

• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• Highlights: Birdwatching, nature walks, Himalayan views, peaceful atmosphere
• Distance: 11 km from Mussoorie
• Driving Time: 35–40 minutes

3. Lambi Dhaar Mines – A Place of Haunting Beauty

Lambi Dhaar Mines is one of the haunted Trekking places near Mussoorie that used to be a busy limestone mine. This place was closed due to an unfortunate accident that took the lives of more than 30 miners. Despite it’s tragic past, the Lambi Dhar Mines is known for it’s in natural beauty that makes it one of the best tourist places near Dehradun and Mussoorie. 

• Best Time to Visit: September to November for misty, moody scenery
• Highlights: Haunted history, dramatic landscapes, unique photo ops
• Distance: 10 km from Mussoorie
• Driving Time: 30 minutes

4. Bhadraj Temple Trek – Serenity at the Summit

The Bhadraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. This is one of the lesser-known treks that offers wide views of the Jaunsar Bawar region. A tranquil and spiritually significant destination, especially popular during the annual fair. Which takes place in mid-August. 

• Best Time to Visit: July to September (during the Bhadraj Fair) or March to June for trekking
• Highlights: Panoramic views, spiritual ambiance, meadows, offbeat trek
• Distance: 11 km (starting point) from Mussoorie
• Driving Time: 35 minutes to Cloud’s End, then a 6–7 km trek

5. Maldevta – A Riverside Escape Just Outside Dehradun

Maldevta picnic spot is situated on the outskirts of Dehradun, it’s a peaceful spot where forested hills meet the glistening Song River. A favorite among Doonites for weekend getaways. This peaceful Song River valley offers a refreshing change of pace with its natural pools, clean mountain air, and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy riverside picnics, splash in the shallow streams, or simply relax under a canopy of trees with birdsong in the background. Maldevta is also a popular destination for nature walks, light hiking, and amateur camping, making it an ideal half-day escape without the long drive.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to early December
• Highlights: Riverside picnic, swimming, bird calls, camping spots
• Distance: 18 km from Dehradun
• Driving Time: 35–40 minutes

6. Sahastradhara – Healing Springs Amid Limestone Caves

Meaning “Thousandfold Streams” in Sanskrit, Sahastradhara is one of the most iconic natural tourist attractions in Dehradun. It is known for its cascading waterfalls, therapeutic sulfur ponds, and limestone-rich surroundings. Sahastradhara is about 14 km from the Dehradun city center, This destination is as popular for its scenic beauty as it is for its believed medicinal properties. Visitors often take a dip in the cool mineral-rich pools or ride the ropeway up to the top of the hill for sweeping views of the Himalayan foothills. It’s a blend of nature, wellness, and soft adventure.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June (summer escape) and September to November (post-monsoon freshness)
• Highlights: Sulfur springs, cave formations, ropeway ride, natural pools, scenic valley views
• Distance: 14 km from Dehradun city center
• Driving Time: 35–4m minutes

7. Shikhar Fall – A Gentle Trek to Tranquility

Tucked away in the Rajpur area on the outskirts of Dehradun, Shikhar Fall is a serene waterfall that remains blissfully untouched by heavy tourism. It’s a short, enjoyable trek through rocky trails, small streams, and forested patches that leads you to the Shikhar falls, where cool, shallow waters flow gently over smooth boulders. 

• Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon (September to November) or spring (March to May)
• Highlights: Light trek, clear water, picnic spot, peaceful setting
• Distance: 13 km from Dehradun
• Driving Time: 30 minutes

8. Nag Tibba Trek – The Serene Summit of the Serpent’s Peak

Towering at 9915 feet, the Nag Tibba Trek is one of the highest points in the lesser Himalayan range of Uttarakhand. Ideal for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike, this scenic trail passes through thick forests, alpine meadows, and remote villages before opening up to breathtaking 360° views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kedarnath, and Gangotri peaks from the summit. You can camp under a starlit sky, wake up to misty pine woods, and experience the raw charm of the lower Himalayas—all in just two days. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo retreat or an adventurous weekend with friends, Nag Tibba offers a rewarding, peaceful, and adventurous escape.

• Best Time to Visit: October to April (snow in winter adds a magical touch)
• Highlights: Himalayan views, camping, beginner-friendly trek, sunrise vistas
• Distance: 90 km from Dehradun to Pantwari (base village)
• Driving Time: 3–3.5 hours (then 7–8 km trek)

9. Landour – Colonial Calm and Café Trails Above the Clouds

Just a few kilometers uphill from Mussoorie, Landour is a world apart—a quiet, colonial-era cantonment where the air is cleaner, the crowds thinner, and time seems to slow down. Landour is a haven for writers, artists, and anyone craving a peaceful retreat. It offers winding lanes, stone cottages, and views stretching across snow-clad Himalayan ranges. Here, you can explore the iconic Char Dukan area for hot chocolate and pancakes, drop into Landour Bakehouse for old-world pastries, or take a gentle walk to Lal Tibba for breathtaking panoramas. Whether you’re café hopping or just wandering, Landour invites you to breathe deeper and live slower.

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but best in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)
• Highlights: Colonial architecture, Char Dukan, Landour Bakehouse, tranquil vibe
• Distance: 5 km uphill from Mussoorie
• Driving Time: 15–20 minutes

10. Asan Barrage – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The Asan Barrage is a peaceful wetland and bird sanctuary that offers a refreshing contrast to the busy hill stations nearby. It is recognized as a Ramsar Site for its ecological importance, it becomes a haven for migratory birds in the winter months, bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, cormorants, and dozens of other species flock here from as far as Siberia and Central Asia. With options for boating, light nature walks, and birdwatching, it’s a perfect day trip for wildlife lovers, photographers, or anyone in search of stillness and scenic beauty near Dehradun.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February (peak bird migration)
• Highlights: Birdwatching, boating, quiet nature trails, Ramsar site
• Distance: 42 km from Dehradun
• Driving Time: 1 hour

11. Jabarkhet Nature Reserve – Mussoorie’s Best-Kept Wilderness

Nestled just off the busy roads of Mussoorie, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve in Uttarakhand’s first privately owned and managed nature reserve, offering a rare experience of conservation-driven ecotourism. Spread across 100 acres of protected forest, the reserve is a haven for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking quiet immersion in nature. Well-marked trails take you through lush oak and rhododendron woods, home to leopards, langurs, wild mushrooms, and over 180 species of birds. It’s ideal for slow travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June (spring bloom) and September to November (post-monsoon freshness)
• Highlights: Guided nature walks, birdwatching, biodiversity, peaceful hiking trails, conservation learning
• Distance: 8 km from Mussoorie Mall Road
• Driving Time: 40 minutes

Conclusion 

Whether you’re searching for the Best Places to Visit Near Dehradun or planning an offbeat Mussoorie getaway, this region offers everything from trekking and waterfalls to heritage sites and bird sanctuaries. Ideal for weekend trips, nature escapes, or cultural exploration, these destinations near Dehradun and Mussoorie guarantee a refreshing travel experience in the heart of Uttarakhand.