Dehradun Travel Guide: When to Go, Where to Stay, Costs

A practical first-timer's guide to Dehradun covering best seasons, getting there, typical costs, and where to base yourself.

When to go

Dehradun sits in the Doon valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, so it has a milder climate than the plains. Broadly, the year breaks into three stretches: a warm summer from around April to June, a monsoon spell from roughly June to September with heavy rain, and a cooler, drier season from October through to February that most travellers find the most pleasant. Winters can get cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, so carry warm layers if you visit between December and February. We would rather say plainly that we do not have exact temperature figures to hand than guess at them, but as a general rule, October to March suits most first-time visitors, while the monsoon months are worth avoiding if you plan on day trips into the hills nearby.

How to reach Dehradun

Dehradun is connected by air through Jolly Grant Airport, by rail through Dehradun railway station, which is a major terminus, and by road from Delhi and other nearby cities. Several trains and buses run regularly from Delhi. We would suggest checking current train and flight schedules directly, since frequencies and timings change and we do not want to quote numbers we cannot confirm.

What a typical trip costs

Costs vary a good deal depending on how you travel and where you stay. On the accommodation side, homestays through Treeo in Dehradun start from ₹1,500 per night in the Turner Road area and from ₹2,000 per night in the Mothorowala Road area. Beyond stay, your budget will depend on transport choices, meals, and any local sightseeing you arrange, and we do not have reliable figures for these to share here, so it is worth budgeting a little extra for local taxis and entry fees where applicable.

Where to stay

Treeo offers homestays in two localities in Dehradun. One is on Turner Road, with stays starting from ₹1,500 per night, and the other is on Mothorowala Road, with stays starting from ₹2,000 per night. Both are homestay-style properties, which can suit travellers who prefer a quieter, more residential base rather than a busy commercial strip. Depending on your priorities, whether that is proximity to the railway station, local markets, or a calmer neighbourhood, either locality is worth considering when you book.

Things to do

  • Robber's Cave (Guchhupani): a natural rock formation with a stream running through it, popular for a short walk in cool water.
  • Forest Research Institute: a large colonial-era building set in extensive grounds, with museums covering forestry and natural history.
  • Tapkeshwar Temple: a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, set beside a stream, and a well-known local pilgrimage spot.
  • Mindrolling Monastery: a Buddhist monastery known for its large stupa, worth visiting for its architecture and quiet surroundings.
  • Sahastradhara: a spot known for its sulphur springs, often visited as a half-day trip from the city.

Dehradun also works well as a base for those wanting to visit nearby hill towns such as Mussoorie, though travel times and road conditions vary, so it is worth checking current conditions before planning a day trip.

Stays in Dehradun