5 Best Hill Stations Near Dehradun

Dehradun is one of the most popular places to visit in India. Located about 240 km from Delhi, it is the perfect place for backpackers and family vacations. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, it is the capital city of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by the Sal Forests and dense mountain ranges, the city has a lot to offer all types of travellers. Dehradun is the gateway to many famous hill stations and famous pilgrimage sites like Rishikesh and Haridwar.

The city of Dehradun offers the perfect blend of modern amenities and unparallel beauty. From heritage monuments, quaint cafes, street shopping, mesmerising hill stations, and local bazaars, Dehradun has it all! If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway and escape from the hustle and bustle of life, then visiting a hill station near Dehradun is your best bet.

Best Time To Visit Dehradun 

Dehradun is known for its pleasant weather all year round. However, the best time to visit Dehradun is between March to June and October to December. One of the oldest cities in India, it attracts people from all around the globe who come here for a rejuvenating experience. From lounges and cafés to bazaars, and heritage sites, you can never get bored in Dehradun.

Top 5 Hill Stations Near Dehradun 

Dehradun is surrounded by several beautiful hill stations that are located within a distance of 100 km. These hill stations offer the most stunning views and adventure activities that you’ll love!

1. Mussoorie – The Queen of the Hils

Situated atop a beautiful mountain valley, Mussoorie is one of the most stunning and captivating hill stations near Dehradun. Known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, this hill station has a majestic charm that attracts a large number of tourists every year. From the cascading waterfalls and the old-world architecture to the stunning landscapes and the rich flora and fauna, this hill station is an ideal destination for honeymoon couples and leisure travellers. Overlooking the magnificent Doon Valley, it is an amazing place for adventure sports and trekking.

Distance: 34 km

Places To Visit In Mussoorie

• Devalsari
• Everest Café and Nature Reserve
• Benog Tibba
• Dehradun Mussoorie Ropeway
• Kellogg Memorial Church Landour
• Lambi Dehar Mines

Activities In Mussoorie

• Shopping: Mussoorie is a shopper’s paradise as you can find plenty of stores and shops selling artefacts, apparel, and handicrafts. The popular Mall Road in Mussoorie is a famous shopping hub for tourists.
• Nature Walk: Mussoorie is known for its lush greenery and spectacular landscape, making it the perfect place for nature walks. Enjoy a relaxing nature walk with family and friends and explore the beautiful surroundings and the picturesque views that will leave you spellbound.
• Adventure Sports: When it comes to adventure, Mussoorie has a lot to offer adventure seekers and tourists looking for an exciting experience. Feel the adrenaline rush while you indulge in various activities like rappelling, day hikes, rock climbing, zipline, and sky walking.
• Camping: Camping is another exciting thing that you can do while in Mussoorie. Hike near George Everest House region and Hathipaon and enjoy camping on George Everest Peak.

2. Dhanaulti – The Perfect Holiday Destination 

Dhanaulti is another popular destination near Dehradun that you must visit for a memorable vacation. Known as ‘the cloud-kissed valley’, this hill station is a small but beautiful destination for a peaceful escape. Perched at a height of about 2286 meters, this hill station is situated a little further away from Dehradun. This little tinsel town is now emerging as a famous winter destination due to its panoramic views and tranquil vistas. The hilly town of Dhanaulti is surrounded by oak forests and deodar and velvety rhododendrons that offer tourists a calm and relaxing experience. During the winter months, tourists flock to Dhanaulti to experience the heavy snowfall that’s simply magical.

Distance: 36.5 km

Places To Visit In Dhanaulti

• Aaloo Khet
• Kanatal
• Dhanaulti Eco Park
• Kaudia Forest
• Chamba
• Surkanda Devi Temple

Activities In Dhanaulti 

• Nature Walks: Surrounded by dense trees and lush greenery, it’s no surprise why Dhanaulti is the perfect place for relaxing nature walks. It’s the perfect place to indulge in hiking as it offers some great trails that take you through the quaint hamlets, lush forests, and pristine rivulets.
• Adventure Activities: Eco Park offers plenty of exciting adventure activities that are available for tourists to enjoy. Some popular activities include horse riding, rappelling, hiking, and Burma Bridge.
• Camping: Dhanaulti has very few accommodation options and that’s the reason it’s the perfect place for camping under the open sky. Adventurers and tourists visit Dhanaulti for the best camping experience. Tents are available for rent if you’re looking to camp in Dhanaulti.
• Shopping: Dhanaulti offers plenty of shopping options where you can purchase different items like stoles, shawls, throws, and scarves that are made using only natural dyes. Pashmina, wool, eri silk, and high-quality handloom products are something to watch out for when in Dhanaulti.

3. Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh, the white-water paradise is one of the major and most famous pilgrimage sites in India. Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, here, one could get lost in the deep chants of the Hindu prayers and soak themselves in the holy water of the Ganges. Rishikesh is a place filled with amazing backdrops of various holy places that not only attracts the religious but also tourists looking for an exciting experience. This place boasts of not only piousness but also an adventure. One of the holiest cities in India, Rishikesh is visited by not only Indians but also foreign tourists who visit the place in search of peace and spirituality.

Distance: 45 km

Places To Visit In Rishikesh

• Ganga Aarti
• Anand Prakash Ashram
• Jumpin Heights
• Andhra Ashram
• Himalayan Yog Ashram
• Madhuban Ashram

Activities In Rishikesh 

• Pilgrimage: Rishikesh is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination that attracts a large number of devotees from around the globe who visit the place for a spiritual experience. Visit the land and indulge in spirituality by taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges to cleanse your soul.
• Rafting:Rishikesh is known to be a popular destination for adventure activities, especially rafting. The turbulent waters of the river Ganges make it the perfect place for activities like rafting. Adventure seekers from all over the country visit Rishikesh to enjoy river rafting.
• Yoga and Meditation: Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, spiritual seekers and tourists visit Rishikesh to learn the ancient techniques of meditation and yoga. Visit Rishikesh to practice yoga and meditation and to find inner peace.
• Adventure sports: Rishikesh is also popular for adventure activities like flying fox, bungee jumping, body surfing, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and rappelling.

4. Kanatal – A Picturesque Escape

Kanatal is a picturesque destination situated in the Garhwal Himalayas. This charming and majestic hill station is the perfect getaway for tourists looking for peace. Surrounded by tall coniferous trees and sun-kissed peaks, this hill station is relatively unexplored. Perched at a height of about 8,500 feet, Kanatal is magical during the winter months, making it a perfect destination for tourists looking to experience snow. For tourists looking for a secluded place to relax and unwind, Kanatal is the best option. Here, you can enjoy a stroll around the quaint village, breathe in the fresh air, enjoy photography, or pay a visit to the apple orchards for a unique experience.

Distance: 76 km

Places To Visit In Kanatal

• Tehri Lake
• Kaudia Forest
• Surkanda Devi Temple
• New Tehri

Activities In Kanatal

• Hiking: Kanatal offers the perfect landscape for adventure activities like hiking and trekking. Visit Kanatal during the summer months to indulge in trekking and camping.
• Nature Walks: Kanatal is known for its abundant flora and hence it’s the perfect place for nature walks and nature lovers looking to experience the beauty of nature.

5. Chakrata – The Perfect Offbeat Destination 

Chakrata is a secluded hill station located in the Dehradun district. Known for its stunning beauty, this hill station is an ideal destination for travel enthusiasts and backpackers looking for a relaxing escape. Chakrata is known for its caves, ancient temples, and pine trees that make it a traveller’s delight. Surrounded by tall coniferous forests, Chakrata is one of the best hill stations near Dehradun to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Distance: 88 km

Places To Visit In Chakrata

• Tiger Falls
• Deoban
• Chilmiri Neck
• Kanasar
• Kalsi
• Ram Tal Horticulture Garden

Activities In Chakrata 

• Trekking and Hiking: The landscape offers trekking and hiking opportunities for tourists visiting the hill station. One can also enjoy trekking to a few popular waterfalls in Chakrata.

These beautiful hill stations in Dehradun have a lot to offer all types of travellers. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation in the hills, then these five hill stations offer you the best experience. Check Thomas cook to make your holidays memorable and affordable. Plan a vacation to Dehradun with Thomas cook and avail of great deals and discounts online!