Weekend gateways near mussoorie
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10 Weekend Gateways Near Dehradun For A Perfect Weekend

Mussoorie – A Dreamy Destination to Visit

Mussoorie

The idea of ​​a holiday cherishes the image of peace, and Mussoorie is the best destination to fulfill all your holiday plans. The hill station is one of the most visited places in Uttarakhand and is an ideal destination for all leisure travelers and honeymooners looking for an unforgettable holiday in the Garhwal Himalayas. Offering the true expanses of the Himalayas in the background, the summer resort of Mussoorie is known for its stunning charm and exotic beauty. If you plan a trip to Mussoorie, it is not just your honeymoon but it can also be a good time for adrenaline rush.

Distance from Dehradun: 33 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: 1-2 hour

Places to Visit: Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls, Happy Valley, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Camel’s Back Road, The Mall Road, Christ Church, Landour, Char Dukan, Sir George Everest’s House

Famous for: Trekking, Cable Car, Nature Walks, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping, Paragliding, Rafting and Shopping

Best Time to Visit: October – June

Best for: Leisure Travelers, Couples, Family and Adventurers

Dhanaulti – Places to Witness Unparalleled Nature’s Beauty

Dhanaulti

Whether you are looking for unique greenery or the enchanting surroundings which include the snow capped Himalayan peaks for your holidays. Dhanaulti is an ideal option. The hill station have all the characteristics of serving as your ideal home-away-home weekend holiday destination. Situated at an altitude of 2826 meters above sea level, Dhanaulti is known for its enduring beauty which includes lush green forests and beautiful parks. Apart from enjoying the beauty of nature, some time can also be spent on pilgrimage and enjoying various adventure sports available here. It is the summer season, in which the hill station acts as a weekend getaway near Dehradun, but as winter season approaches it becomes a major tourist attraction for all travelers, mainly due to snowfall.

Distance from Dehradun: 36 km (Approx. via Maldevta)

Time to Reach: 1-2 hours

Places to Visit: Eco Park, Deogarh Fort, Dashavatar Temple, Adventure Park, and Potato Farm.

Famous for: Sky-walk, Nature, Trekking, Zip Lining, Camping and Rock Climbing

Best Time to Visit: October – June

Best for: Couples, Kids, Family and Leisure Travelers

Sainji – The Corn Village of India

Sainji Corn Village

For a unique reason, India is famous for its diverse geographical and cultural diversity that no one can really expect to unveil in a lifetime. A part of that cultural diversity can be experienced in a small village called Sainji, about 50 km from Dehradun. The locals of the village hang corn on the exterior of their houses to dry for the next season. Not only that, at the entrance of the village, there is a gate like structure which is also adorned with corn.

By hanging corn on the periphery of their homes, the people of Sainji village show the importance of corns in the village. It is often used as a piece of art in every household. There are no special tourist spots to visit in Sainji village, but the love and warmth of the locals as well as its unique practice of hanging corn is certainly enough to make you stay there for at least two days.

Distance from Dehradun: 51 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: 1-2 hours

Famous for: Nature, Heritage and Sightseeing

Best Time to Visit: March – June

Best for: Leisure Travellers and Nature Lovers

Suggested Read: 10 Mesmerizing Places To Visit Near Dehradun

New Tehri – A Peaceful Himalayan Retreat to Rejuvenate Your Senses

Tehri Lake

Amidst the mighty Himalayan mountains, New Tehri is comfortably situated at the confluence of Bhilanga and Bhagirathi River. The untouched and unrestrained beauty of the region leads New Tehri from Dehradun to a fascinating weekend. Apart from the very famous Tehri Dam, there are many other places that you would love to visit in Tehri. You will also be surprised to see the different types of water sports offered to tourists.

Distance from Dehradun: 100 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: 3-4 hours

Places to Visit: Tehri Lake, Tehri Dam, Chandrabadni Temple and Sem Mukhem Temple

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Famous for: Nature, jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, rafting, boating and Pilgrimage

Best Time to Visit: March – June

Best for: Leisure Travellers, Adventurers and Pilgrims

Nag Tibba – An Enticing Weekend Trek

Nag Tibba

A special mention to all those looking for some trekking or camping experience in the weekend approaching Dehradun – Nag Tibba is your best bet. In Tehri district, Nag Tibba is one of the highest peaks (9915 ft) in the lower Garhwal Himalayas, which is adored by many trekkers. This moderate trek passes through dense forests. Not only this, this amazing trek unveils you the magnificent views of Bandarpoonch peak, Kedarnath peak, Gangotri group peaks as well as Changabang peak and Doon valley. You can reach the base point of Nag Tibba peak by driving your bike, car or jeep makes it a weekend trek.

Lying at the mid-point of Nag Tibba, is a special village – Goat Village, which is worth mentioning. The natives of the village work with the Green People community for ecotourism, rural tourism and agro-tourism. The Green People community has established various agricultural retreats and homestays that are managed by locals to provide visitors with a basic lifestyle experience. It also creates employment opportunities for the local people of Goat Village. Not only this, the society has also started exporting the products made by the people of the village.

Distance from Dehradun: 109 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: 3-4 hours

Famous for: Trekking, Camping and Nature

Best Time to Visit: October – June

Best for: Nature Lovers and Adventurers

Kanatal – The Picture-Perfect Nature’s Abode

Kanatal

If you are person who likes to spend some quality time with your family amidst the natural beauty and serene environment of the mountains and rivers, Kanatal may be your best bet. Away from the hustle and bustle of Mussoorie, Kanatal is an ideal family weekend destination located in the suburbs of Mussoorie on the Chamba-Mussoorie road. The heavenly nature and many adventurous activities make this place fun. A leisure time spent in the pristine setting of Kantal is worth a great experience.

Distance from Dehradun: 116 km (Approx. via Rishikesh) 120 km (Approx. via Dhanaulti)

Time to Reach: 2-3 hours

Places to Visit: Nag Devta Temple, Arjuneshwar Temple, Ghunsera Devi Temple, Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, Mahakali Temple, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple and  Chineshwar Waterfall

Famous for: Camping, Nature and Pilgrimage

Best Time to Visit: March – June

Best for: Leisure Travellers, Nature Lover and Pilgrims

Suggested Read: 8 Things You Must Try In Rishikesh

Chakrata – An Ideal Place to Disconnect Yourself from the Outside World

Chakratas

An interesting family weekend destination in Dehradun that can calm your nerves awaits you in Chakrata. Chakrata is a cantonment town located between the rivers of Yamuna and Tons, which is situated at an altitude of 2118 meters above sea level. This place is perfect for those who want to see the lofty views of snow-capped mountains with a blue backdrop. The area of ​​Chakrata is lavishly lush greenery, with beautiful meadows and forests of oak, rhododendrons and conifers.

Not only this, a swarm of stunning waterfalls also serves as the main attraction of the city. Apart from the permanent nature, it is the ancient temples that attract many pilgrims to this place. While vacationing in Chakrata, you get a chance to do various adventure sports like river rafting, trekking, rock climbing, waterfall rappelling and more.

Distance from Dehradun: 90 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: 1-2 hours

Places to Visit: Tiger Fall, Ram Tal Horticultural Garden, Moigad Falls, Kanasar, Deoban, Chilmiri Neck, Kimona Fall, Thanda Danda Peak, Mundali, Budher Caves and Chinta Haran Mahadev Temple

Famous for: Nature, Pilgrimage and Adventure

Best Time to Visit: October – June

Best for: Leisure Travellers, Couples, Kids, Nature Lovers and Adventurers

Also Read:  "Chakrata" - The Cantonment Town of British Indian Army

Haridwar and Rishikesh – The Sacred Destinations in Uttarakhand

Haridwar

The attraction of these holy cities is that even though you are not a religiously inclined person, both Haridwar and Rishikesh will make fall in love with them. Destinations are an excellent location for all those looking for the best family weekend destination from Dehradun as both the destinations are located within a distance of 50 km.

Rishikesh 1

Haridwar, on the one hand, is known for its spiritual significance which includes the sacred ghats and temples. Being a part of the Sandhya Aarti at the Ganges Ghat is one of the things one can experience. On the other hand, Rishikesh is not only a pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, but it also leads to fitness and health and adventure sports tourist destination in Uttarakhand. Ashrams, yoga retreats and cafes behind make Rishikesh a place to not to be missed in Uttarakhand. And yes, undoubtedly you can expect to be treated with bounty of natural beauty in Haridwar as well as Rishikesh.

Distance from Dehradun: Rishikesh – 45 km and Haridwar – 53 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: Rishikesh – 1 hour and Haridwar – 1-2 hours

Places to Visit (Rishikesh): Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, The Beatles Ashram, Shivpuri, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Triveni Ghat, Neer Garh Waterfall, Kaudiyala, Swarg Ashram, Rishi Kund, Kunjapuri Temple and Vashishtha Gufa Temple

Places to Visit (Haridwar): Har Ki Pauri, Bharat Mata Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Bara Bazaar, Bhimgoda Kund, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Kanva Rishi Ashram, Mansa Devi Temple, Shantikunj and Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary

Famous For (Rishikesh): River Rafting, Nature, Rappelling, Bungee Jumping, Giant Swing, Flying Fox, Kayaking, Fitness & Wellness and Pilgrimage

Famous For (Haridwar): Pilgrimage and Nature

Best Time to Visit (Rishikesh): March – June and Late September – November (for rafting)

Best Time to Visit (Haridwar): March – June and October – February

Best for: Leisure Travellers, Pilgrims, Adventurers and Fitness Buffs

Kalsi – Nature, Heritage and History at its Best

Kalsi

Kalsi, a quaint hill town in the Jaunsar-Bawar tribal belt region at the confluence of the rivers Tons and Yamuna, is famous for its heritage significance. This offbeat destination of Uttarakhand is the perfect place to plan a village tour. While staying here, you get a chance to learn about the different cultures of communities like Bhuti, ​​Khils and Mundar. Dotted with lush greenery, this village also gives you impeccable natural beauty. However, the main attraction of the village of Kalsi is the Ashoka Rock Edict, which shows the engraving of the Ashoka – Maurya king, which was written in the year 253 BC.

Distance from Dehradun: 44 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: 1-2 hours

Places to Visit: Paonta Sahib, Timli Pass, Asan Barrage, Dak Pathar, Ashoka’s Rock Edict, Katta Pathar and Vikasnagar

Famous for: Nature, Heritage and History

Best Time to Visit: March – June

Best for: Nature Lovers, Leisure Travellers, Pilgrims

Dakpathar – A Place that Treats Travellers With A Unique Charm

Dakpatthar

Another less famous place in Uttarakhand that is worth visiting is Dakpathar. In Dehradun district, this hilly city is famous for its tranquility and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for all those who are in dire need of a short break from the hustle and bustle of city life. For some fun and adventure, tourists can choose to engage in various water sports activities like boating, water skiing, canoeing and boating. Apart from this, there is also a park – Dakpathar Park which is home to many animals such as rabbits, turkeys, parrots, deer and owls. The park also includes a play area for children with many swings where your children can spend their best time. Also, in Dakpathar, do not forget to admire the exotic grandeur of the Shivalik range, which can be effortlessly observed from the town. Dakpathar is one of the weekend gateways in Uttarakhand where you can take your Kids on children-friendly weekend.

Distance from Dehradun: 40 km (Approx)

Time to Reach: 1-2 hours

Places to Visit: Dakpathar Park, Kalsi, Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary, Dakpathar Barrage, and Tulas Auditorium

Famous for: Nature and Sightseeing

Best Time to Visit: March – June and October – November

Best for: Kids, Nature Lovers and Leisure Travellers

Suggested Read:

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