One day in Dehradun — the darbar, the forest institute and Robber's Cave
A day that covers what Dehradun is known for. It opens at the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, moves to the Forest Research Institute for its brick buildings and museum, takes in the cave temple of Tapkeshwar, and ends in the gorge of Robber's Cave. For two days with Mussoorie, see the two-day plan.
Photos: DesiBoy101 (CC BY 4.0) · Kuldeepburjbhalaike (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Daniel Romanson (CC0) — via Wikimedia Commons, resized.
Who this is for
First-time visitors, families and anyone with a free day between the plains and the hills, in any month outside the wettest of the monsoon.
Day by day
Day 1The old town, a brick landmark and a cave
4 stops · 35 min on the road
The old town, a brick landmark and a cave
Four stops, ending in the gorge at Robber's Cave.
- 09:00Guru Ram Rai Darbar SahibThe 17th-century darbar that tradition links to the city's name, with its domes, minarets and old murals. It is about 6 minutes from the centre.
- ↓ 10 min by road · 6 km11:00Forest Research InstituteThe Greco-Roman brick landmark opened in 1929, about 10 minutes from the centre, with a museum of six sections.
- ↓ 11 min by road · 6 km13:30Tapkeshwar TempleThe Shiva temple built over a natural cave, where water drips on the linga.
- ↓ 14 min by road · 8 km15:00Robber's CaveThe 600 m river cave in a narrow gorge, about 14 minutes from the centre. Wear shoes that can get wet.
Getting there
Dehradun is about 217 km from Delhi by road and has its own railway station and, 20 km out, Jolly Grant airport. See the hub guide for the arrival table.
Where to stay
Stay in Dehradun itself. We have no verified lodging, prices or booking rules.
Know before you go
- Robber's Cave involves wading in a stream; skip it after heavy rain, and wear shoes that can get wet.
- Cover your head and remove your shoes at the darbar and the temple.
- We have no verified opening hours for the museum or the temples on this day; check before you go.
Places on this route
Going together
No one has started a group going on this plan yet. Start one and other travellers can ask to come along.
Other ways to do it
All Dehradun itineraries →
More places nearby
All of Dehradun →
Nearby destinations
All destinations →
Questions people ask
What can you see in Dehradun in one day?
The Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, the Forest Research Institute, the cave temple at Tapkeshwar and the river cave at Robber's Cave, all within about 15 minutes of each other by road. They are 6 to 14 minutes from the centre on our routing, so a day is comfortable, with time for lunch.
Is one day enough for Dehradun?
Yes for the main sights in town. The city is mostly a gateway, so many visitors spend a day here and move on to Mussoorie or Rishikesh. If you want the Tibetan monastery near Clement Town as well, take the two-day plan, which adds it and a day in Mussoorie.
Does Robber's Cave need a guide or a permit?
We have found no published permit rule for Robber's Cave. Wikipedia says the site is maintained by the state and that buses run to Anarwala, from where it is a short walk. Conditions in the gorge change with rain, so ask locally on the day and stay out of the cave if the stream is high.