Whether you live here or are travelling to the city, a quick trip to some of the best hill stations near Dehradun promises the perfect adventure for mountain enthusiasts.
Resting in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, Dehradun is a captivating city renowned for its year-round pleasant weather and rich cultural history. Tucked away in the rolling Doon Valley, it is surrounded by undulating mountains and verdant greenery, romanticising the destination as the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Dehradun’s proximity to the mountains means that several charming hill stations are just a few hours away. Cities like Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Shimla, Lansdowne and more serve as perfect getaways for a mountain retreat.
A guide to the best hill stations near Dehradun
Mussoorie
Located just an hour away from Dehradun, Mussoorie is a beloved hill station in North India, drawing Delhites for frequent road trips to this charming town. When in Mussoorie, explore the iconic Mall Road, and embrace the scenic views of George Everest Peak, Kempty Falls, Company Gardens and Lal Tibba. For guidance on where to stay and what to eat, refer to our comprehensive guide on cafes and hotels in Mussoorie. Enhance your visit with a day trip to Landour by following our detailed Landour travel guide.
Distance from Dehradun: 35 km
Best time to visit: April to June
Book your stay at JW Marriott Mussoorie via Booking.com
Book your stay at JW Marriott Mussoorie via Agoda
Dhanaulti
Nestled in the Garwhal Himalayan ranges, Dhanaulti offers another enchanting escape amidst natural beauty. This small town is a haven for hikers and trekkers, serving as the base point for trails covering Chandrabadni, Kunjapuri and Surkanda Devi Temple. Adventure enthusiasts can partake in thrilling activities like zip-lining and rappelling in the wild.
Distance from Dehradun: 36 km
Best time to visit: April to June
Rishikesh
Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Rishikesh is the perfect destination for you! As the yoga capital of the world, it beckons travellers from across the globe with its exceptional yoga schools and thrilling adventure camps. Head to the Beatles Ashram, Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Neergarh Waterfall, Ram Jhula, or refer to our detailed travel guide to make the best of your time. Enjoy a leisurely vacation at one of these gorgeous homestays in Rishikesh.
Distance from Dehradun: 43 km
Best time to visit: March to May
Book your stay at Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa via Agoda
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Kanatal
For a camping adventure amidst Uttarakhand’s nature, Kanatal is the ideal destination. This offbeat hill station has garnered recent attention for its untouched natural beauty and stunning views of snow-clad mountains, even in the summer. Thrill-seekers can go for a jungle safari in the Kaudia Forest or try tight-roping along the cliffside. Immerse yourself in nature by picking apples in a fruit-laden orchard or enjoy glamping in one of the many campsites. Learn all about camping in Kanatal with our detailed story.
Distance from Dehradun: 72 km
Best time to visit: March to June
Book your stay at the Hermitage Kanatal via Booking.com
Book your stay at the Hermitage Kanatal via Agoda
Chakrata
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Chakrata, where you can partake in rock climbing, river rafting and waterfall rappelling in dense forests. As another camping destination in Uttarakhand, you will enjoy panoramic vistas of the Yamuna Valley while relaxing by a bonfire with your loved ones. Explore the Deoban Forest to spot wildlife like wildfowl, spotted deer and panthers. Embrace nature by visiting Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck and Budher Cave for more thrilling adventures in Chakrata.
Distance from Dehradun: 87 km
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
Book your stay at Dandelion By The Hills via Booking.com
Book your stay at Dandelion By The Hills via Agoda
Chamba
Beyond Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand is home to a hill station named Chamba. Though relatively less developed than its namesake, the beauty of Uttarakhand’s Chamba lies in its untamed nature and rustic lifestyle. The upcoming tourist destination is an unexplored hidden gem, and the undulating hills are adorned by pine and deodar trees. A great escape from the fast-paced city life, key attractions include the Tehri Dam, the highest dam in India, and the Surkanda Mata Mandir. The dam has become a hotspot for water sports activities like jet skiing and banana boat riding. The cable car ride to Surkanda Mata Mandir offers a thrilling adventure to embrace the sweeping beauty of the outdoors.
Distance from Dehradun: 87 km
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
Lansdowne
Once the military garrison of Britishers, Lansdowne is a quaint hill station that offers old-world charm amidst Uttarakhand’s natural beauty. This tiny town has gained recognition for its lush forests, and travellers thoroughly enjoy a road trip to Lansdowne. Primarily a cantonment area, the best thing to do here is simply relax in the abundant nature, If time permits, explore the Garhwali Museum, Bhulla Tal Lake, and local churches and temples. Peruse our travel guide to explore Lansdowne like a pro.
Distance from Dehradun: 155 km
Best time to visit: April to June
Book your stay at the Woods Retreat via Booking.com
Book your stay at the Woods Retreat via Agoda
Kasauli
Nestled in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli is a charming city filled with lush and fragrant forests that captivate tourists with their allure and natural beauty. Besides the greenery, the hill station features several colonial buildings dating back to British rule, adding historical richness to its charm. Adventurers can indulge in treks to Monkey Point, Gilbert Trail and Sunset Point. Follow our detailed travel guide to Kasauli and have a relaxing trip to this rustic town.
Distance from Dehradun: 181 km
Best time to visit: March to June
Book your stay at Suryavilas Luxury Resort & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Suryavilas Luxury Resort & Spa via Agoda
Shimla
Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla is a popular choice for those seeking a quick vacation in the mountains. The restored colonial houses take travellers back in time, offering a glimpse of colonial architecture amidst undulating hills and beautiful orchards. A sought-after honeymoon destination, Shimla charms newly married couples with scenic views. Plan your itinerary to Shimla with tourist hotspots like the Mall Road, Kali Bar Temple, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Gorton Castle and the Viceregal Lodge to experience the town’s culture. Enjoy the scenic ride on the Shimla Toy Train, and don’t forget to explore neighbouring villages like Mashobra and Chharabra.
Distance from Dehradun: 224 km
Best time to visit: May to June
Book your stay at Radisson Shimla via Booking.com
Book your stay at Radisson Shimla via Agoda
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Nainital
Embraced by seven majestic mountain ranges, the heart of Nainital is the mango-shaped Naini Lake, creating a majestic destination. As a former British hill station, Nainital is a premier destination in Uttarakhand, offering a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the capital city. From boating in Naini Lake and hiking to Tiffin Top to shopping at the Mall Road and exploring the Eco Cave Gardens, follow our list of things to do and places to see in Nainital on your next trip to make the most of the city. Embark on a delicious adventure by checking out these vibrant cafes in Nainital.
Distance from Dehradun: 282 km
Best time to visit: March to June
Book your stay at the Sakley's Cottages via Booking.com
Book your stay at the Sakley's Cottages via Booking.com
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(Feature image credit:Jignesh326/Pixabay)
Related: Plan A Mountain Vacay To These Indian Hill Stations With Airports
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the best hill stations near Dehradun within 50 km?
Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Rishikesh are the best hill stations near Dehradun within 50 km.
– What are the best hill stations near Dehradun within 100 km?
Kanatal, Chamba and Chakrata are the best hill stations near Dehradun within 100 km.
– What are the best hill stations near Dehradun for honeymoon?
Mussoorie is the most beloved destination near Dehradun for a honeymoon, just 35 km away. Kanatal, Nainital and Shimla are also great hill stations near Dehradun.
– What are the best hill stations near Dehradun for a bike trip?
Kanatal, Chamba, Chakrata, Nainital, Shimla, Mussoorie, Kasauli, Lansdowne, Rishikesh and Dhanaulti are the best hill stations near Dehradun for a bike trip. The winding roads and the lush forests of the hills make for a scenic ride.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. ..Read More
