Dehradun, India - Travel Guide

Dehradun is a charming city nestled in the Himalayan foothills, offering a blend of natural beauty, spiritual sites, and educational institutions. It serves as a gateway to popular hill stations like Mussoorie and is known for its pleasant climate and lush greenery.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$150/day

Known For

Doon ValleyUttarakhandMussoorieRishikeshHaridwar

🇮🇳 Country Information: India

CapitalNew Delhi

CurrencyIndian rupee (₹)

Language Hindi , English, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Assamese

Phone Code+91

Electricity230V (Type C, D, M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants (5
10% or rounding up), for hotel staff, and drivers (small amounts)
For guides, a tip of 200
500 INR per day is common

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas
It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors and rural areas
There isn't a significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, or homes
Greet elders with respect, often by touching their feet
Eating with your right hand is customary, especially when eating Indian food

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018. While acceptance is growing, LGBTQ+ individuals may still face societal challenges, particularly in rural areas.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age varies by state, generally 18 or 21
Drug laws are very strict, and possession of even small amounts of drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Public display of affection can be frowned upon
Photography near government buildings or military installations may be restricted
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites

Common Phrases

NoNahi (nah-hee) नहीं

YesHaan (hah-n) हाँ

HelloNamaste (nah-mah-stay) नमस्ते

PleaseKripya (krip-yah) कृपया

Excuse meKshama Kijiye (kshuh-maa key-jee-yeh) क्षमा कीजिए

Thank youDhanyavaad (dhun-yah-vahd) धन्यवाद

Climate

Dehradun is located in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, influencing its climate.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season: Jul
Sep

Getting There

Fly to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) from major Indian cities like Delhi (1h, $50
100)
Trains from Delhi (6
8h, $10
30)
Buses from Delhi and other nearby cities (5
7h, $5
15)

Getting Around

Auto
rickshaws and cycle
rickshaws are common for local transport
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Ola are available
Local buses connect different parts of the city

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid)
No specific altitude sickness concerns for the city itself, but if trekking in higher Himalayas, consult a doctor
Probiotics can be helpful for new diet
Malaria risk is low in Dehradun itself, but consider if visiting other parts of India

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available from major Indian providers like Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea
Airalo and Nomad eSIMs can be used for international travelers

Local Cuisine

Garhwal ka Fannah regional_speciality

A popular dish from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, where Dehradun is located. It is made from flattened rice (poha) cooked with various spices and

Bal Mithai dessert

A famous sweet from Uttarakhand, often found in Dehradun's sweet shops. It is a brown chocolate-like fudge, made by cooking roasted khoa (milk solids)

Kachori with Sabzi street_food

A quintessential North Indian breakfast or snack, this deep-fried, flaky pastry filled with spiced lentils or peas is served with a tangy potato curry

Singori regional_speciality

A unique sweet wrapped in a maloo leaf (a local tree leaf) that imparts a distinct aroma. This conical sweet is made from khoa, often flavored with co

Aloo Ke Gutke snack

A simple yet flavorful snack made from boiled potatoes seasoned with local spices, mustard oil, and *Jakhiya* (a local spice). This dry preparation is

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Accommodation Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

Dehradun, especially its nearby hill stations like Mussoorie, experiences high tourist traffic, making popular resorts and quality accommodation fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons.

Dehradun to Mussoorie Bus/Private Transport Transport

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Mussoorie is a major attraction near Dehradun; seats on comfortable bus services (like AC Volvo) or desirable private taxis/transfers can be limited, especially during holiday periods.

Fun Facts

1. Dehradun's history includes an Afghan connection, as the Afghan Emir Dost Mohammad Khan was exiled there by the British following the First Anglo-Afghan War, staying in Mussoorie for over six years.
2. The city's original name is thought to have been "Dronanagari," linked to the legendary teacher Dronacharya from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.
3. The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun holds the distinction of being the only institution of its kind to exist in India.
4. Dehradun once served as a spiritual retreat for freedom fighters, and India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was notably fond of the city.

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