Places to visit near Dehradun and Mussoorie
One of the perks of going on a trek is that you get to explore a destination not only as a trekker but also as a tourist. Dehradun acts as a base site for many treks like Nag Tibba, Har ki Dun, and Rupin Pass. If you are going for any of these treks, here are some of the best tourists spots you can visit in Dehradun and Mussoorie.
1. Robber’s cave, Dehradun
Also known as Guchhupani, Robber’s Cave is an adventurous tourist spot in Dehradun. Hidden amidst the hills, it is a popular picnic spot where a river flows through a narrow, cavelike gorge. The cave is believed to be the spot of Lord Shiva. This place is a must-visit in Dehradun for fun-loving enthusiasts.
2. Sahastradhara, Dehradun
Sahastradhara or ‘thousand-fold water springs’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. A lot of people visit this place for alluring charm and ecstatic beauty. The sulphur water springs are also known for their medicinal and therapeutic value. The falls are located 11 km from the city and can be reached by taking a taxi.
3. Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun
Built inside a natural cave, Tapkeshwar Temple holds a religious importance among the locals. The temple is revered to Lord Shiva where a lot of pilgrims come to pay their devotion all around the year. Located on the bank of the rivulet, the water from the cave ceiling trickles down on Shiva Linga.
4. Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun
Do some soul-searching at Mindrolling Monastery which means Place of Perfect Emancipation in Tibetan language. This 300 years old monastery is the largest vihara in India. The monastery is dedicated to learning of Buddhist scriptures, Tibetan Lunar calendar, Traditional medicine and calligraphy. The monastery is located 7 km from Dehradun City and can be reached using private taxi.
5. Kalinga War Memorial, Dehradun
On the way to Sahastradhara, Kalinga War Memorial is a museum constructed to pay tribute to Gorkha regiment. It is the only war memorial of its kind built by the Britishers to honor their foe. The memorial stands erect as a symbol of pride for Gorkha community.
Since Mussoorie is about 30 km away from Dehradun, you can put the places to visit in Mussoorie on the list too.
1. Kempty Falls, Mussoorie
Most visited tourist spot in Mussoorie, Kempty Falls are much-touted waterfalls in the vicinity. The milky waterfalls falling from a height make for a spectacular view. There are many delis near the falls where you can enjoy a hot piping cup of tea with some Maggi. The falls can be reached easily by road by car or bus.
2. Landour, Mussoorie
A little hamlet in Mussoorie, Landour is a quaint and peaceful place where you can enjoy the nature at its best. The old, little houses in Landour appear to be out from a Ruskin Bond’s novels. There are a few good cafes in Landour where you can enjoy the views with coffee.
3. Mall Road, Mussoorie
Mall Road is the most happening place in Mussoorie. Always bustling with people, the streets have got some of the best cafes and restaurants to dine in. with so many shops on the streets, you can even buy a souvenir from your trek. Look out for wooden crafts work, local jewelry, Garhwal paintings, and woolen items.
4. SOHAM Heritage Art Centre, Mussoorie
If art and culture interest you, then you must visit SOHAM. The museum exhibits Kumaoni and Garhwali Art and Heritage. The paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and murals displayed in the museum depict the diversity and wisdom of Himalayas all at single place.
5. Cambridge Book Shop, Mussoorie
Visit Cambridge Book Shop for two reasons; a) love of books, & b) Ruskin Bond. This famous book shop is where Ruskin Bond comes every Saturday to interact with his fans and fellow readers. This place is a paradise for every bookworm.
6. K Devbhoomi Wax Museum, Mussoorie
Why go to Madam Tussaud’s when Mussoorie has got its own Wax Museum. It displays the lifelike figure of famous historical figures and celebrities like Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio. This place has added to must-visit place in Mussoorie.
Next Read: Top 10 Treks In Uttarakhand