Rishikesh

Not only a huge array of temples and ashrams nowadays, Rishikesh gets its new identity in the field of Yoga and adventure sports. Now tourist knew this new Rishikesh as a “World Yoga Capital” and the “Adventure Capital of India”. Located in the foothills of lower Himalayas  and the bank of Holy Ganges Rishikesh is globally known for white water rafting on the Ganges, daily hundred of adventure junkies try their adventure skills on the rafts. Along with river rafting, Rishikesh also hosts a long list of adventure activities like bungee jumping, flying foxing, rock climbing, water repelling, cliff jumping, kayaking, body surfing and much more. Rishikesh is just 45 km from Dehradun and it is the best choice for adventure seekers as a one-day trip option from Dehradun.

Mussoorie

Well, Mussoorie is the complete hill station itself but for the people of Dehradun, it’s just day visit spot. Mussoorie is just 35 km from Dehradun by a motorable road, popularly known as “Queen of Hills”, there are lots of places for the picnic in Mussoorie. One can enjoy here chilled weather with misty atmosphere throughout the year along with the lush green hills, the varied flora and fauna and the majestic view of the Shivalik ranges and the Doon Valley.

paonta sahib

Located on the bank of river Yamuna in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh and just near to Uttarakhand state border as well, Paonta sahib is a sacred site for Sikhs. So, it is believed that the portion of the holy book (Dassam Granth) was written here by the 10th Sikh guru the Guru Gobind Singh here. This prominent gurudwara built here in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh. Hundreds of devotees come here daily for the darshan and took prasad from the langar that is organized by gurudwara committee. Paonta Sahib is just 48 km from Dehradun and a perfect place to visit with your family in a day visit trip.

Kempty Falls

Kempty falls no needs any introductions for tourists who come to Mussoorie or Dehradun for a visit. Located 13 km from Mussoorie and 45 km from Dehradun on Chakrata road, Kempty fall is a most attractive waterfall in Uttarakhand was developed by the British officer John Mekinan somewhere around 1835 as a picnic place near Mussoorie. Tourists like to enjoy the refreshing bath under the 40 ft Kempty Waterfalls. One can also enjoy some boating in the nearby man-made pond. Several shops are there to serve food and other eatables. Summers is the best time to visit here, weekends is very crowded in Kempty falls if you are with your family then avoid in a weekend.

Dhanaulti

Source -:yasirpicz/flickr

Dhanaulti is a small less crowded hill station located 24 km from Mussoorie and 31 km from Chamba in Uttarakhand, as it is situated between the two. Dhanaulti is known for its quite environments amidst the alpine forests of Deodar, Rhododendron, and Oak. The pleasant weather, wooded slopes, invigorating views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas adds peace and tranquillity for the tourists visiting Dhanaulti. With the 60 km of favorable distance, Dhanaulti is one of the favorite one-day picnic destinations from Dehradun.

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is a second Tiger Reserve in the state of Uttarakhand after Jim Corbett National Park. Located in Shivalik range of lower Himalayas and spread over 820 square km Rajaji National Park covers three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal. Rajaji National Park is the home of more than 500 Elephants, 12 Tigers, 250 Panthers and good prey base including Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Barking deer, Himalayan Bear, and over 400 bird species. Park remains open from 15th November to 15th June for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. There are various gates to entering in Rajaji National Park from the various cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers Rajaji National park is the best picnic spot from Dehradun for a day visit.

Asan Barrage

Asan Barrage is a small barrage that is rested at the confluence of eastern Yamuna Canal and Asan River, located 28 km. northwest of Dehradun in the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border region. Asan Barrage recently declared as a bird sanctuary because it serves as a winter passage halt for trans-Himalayan migratory birds. These birds are spotted here on their way to southern India (October-November) and again on their way back (late February-March). This is an ideal place for the bird lovers, Ornithologists and Naturalists alike, who can travel easily up to the Asan barrage, and see thousands of birds, who have travelled miles to be there.

Surkanda Devi

Surkanda Devi is one of the shakti peethas and the most visited temple of goddess Durga. In this place goddess Durga sparkling with the name of Surkanda Devi. This temple situated close to nearby hill stations of Dhanaulti (8 km) and Chamba (22 km)& walking distance of approx 2 km from Kaddukhal, the place where vehicles are parked. Surkanda Devi temple surrounded by the thick backwoods and manages a grand perspective of the encompassing region including the colossal Himalayan range. Dehradun is just 60 km from here, during Navratri season this temple is visited by most of the devotees although you can visit here throughout the year.

Haridwar

Haridwar, Source -:SanatansocietyPicture /wiki

As a prominent Hindu holy pilgrimage and an ancient city, Haridwar can be your choice from Dehradun for one-day visit. Along visiting with a huge array of temples and ashrams, you can also take a holy bath in the Ganges as well and take a part in evening Ganga aarti held on Har-ki-Pauri. Haridwar is one of four sacred sites where maha Kumbh organized in every 12 years. The distance between Haridwar and Dehradun is just 52 km and transport facilities are very frequent between both cities.

Chakrata

Located at the distance of 80 km from Dehradun city in the jaunsar-bawar region of Dehradun district, Chakrata is a beautiful hill station and a cantonment town of Uttarakhand. Chakrata is a pleasant spot far from the group and contamination in the serene environment favoured with characteristic bounteousness and all-encompassing vistas of nature. Tiger falls, Lakhamandal, Koti Kanasar, Deoban are some of the major tourist places you can visit near Chakrata. Thriving by the lush greeneries with dense forests all around, undoubtedly Chakrata is one best choice of day visit from Dehradun.