Everyone must spend some time exploring Uttarakhand’s capital, Dehradun, before setting off on a road trip to nearby destinations. You can explore the Doon city also called city of love at your own pace in a rented self-drive car and go to these must-see locations in Dehradun.
Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)
Tucked away just a short drive from the city center, Robber’s Cave — or Gucchupani as the locals call it — is a natural wonder you just can’t miss in Dehradun. Imagine walking through a narrow gorge with cold water flowing right beneath your feet and towering rocks on both sides. It’s a surreal experience — especially if you’re up for a bit of light adventure.
Locals say it once served as a hideout for robbers during the British era (hence the name Robbers-Cave), but today it’s one of the coolest places to chill, especially on a warm day. If you’re using a self drive car rental for visiting, just park nearby and take a short nature walk to the entrance — the journey is as fun as the destination itself.
Pro tip: Bring an extra pair of slippers or go barefoot — wading through the water is half the fun!
Sahastradhara
Next up on your self-drive rental adventure is Sahastradhara, and trust me — the name says it all. “Sahastra” means thousand and “dhara” means streams — and once you see the cascading water flowing over limestone rocks, you’ll get why it’s such a vibe!
This place isn’t just beautiful, it’s therapeutic too. Content of Sulfur is high in water here, and locals believe it has high healing properties and best for skin diseases. Whether you believe in that or not, just dipping your feet in the cool spring water feels super refreshing. And if you’re into photography or just love soaking in scenic views, the lush hills and natural caves around will have you snapping pics non-stop.
It’s about a 30–40 minute drive from central Dehradun, and the roads are pretty smooth — so driving here in your own rental car is a breeze. There are food stalls, ropeways, and even small pools you can splash around in — perfect for a chill afternoon.
Mindrolling Monastery (Buddha Temple)
Buddha Temple is a must visit place in Dehradun for a calm and spiritual retreat . Even if you’re not deeply into Buddhism, the peaceful vibe of this place instantly makes you feel peaceful and the Buddhist market looks like you are walking in streets of Tibet. The grounds in monastery grounds are well maintained and will make you want to sit and relax in evenings, there are many prayer wheels, also colorful Tibetan Architecture structure.
You can come here in a self drive car rental and ample parking space is availabe here. Whether you’re walking through the serene paths or just sitting quietly in the meditation hall, this place really gives you a break from the usual city noise. It’s a great spot for both reflection and amazing photos. And don’t forget to grab some momos from the little food stalls outside!
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple is a must visit temple in Dehradun and should be on your itinerary when visiting Dehradun. Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva sits inside a natural cave. The best part? In Tapkeshwar Temple water droplets automatically trickles down over the Shiva Lingam from the caves 24/7, giving the place a magical, peaceful vibe.
Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas, is believed to have lived in the caves, which are now called Drona Cave. The whole area near the Temple is super relaxing, with a river flowing near the temple which later merges with Yamuna River, lush greenery all around. It is a place where you can take a deep breath and enjoy the calm of this place away from city noise. It doesn’t matter what religion you follow, you must visit this place and experience the magical spiritual feeling for once.
Forest Research Institute (FRI)
If you’re into history, nature, or even just cool architecture, the Forest Research Institute—better known as FRI—is a place you shouldn’t miss while exploring Dehradun with a self-drive car. As soon as you drive up to its grand colonial-style entrance, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set (and fun fact: several Bollywood films have been shot here!). The FRI campus is surrounded by lush greenery and massive forest that seem to whisper stories from the British era. Inside, in the museum gallery you can find about forestry, wildlife, and environmental conservation. It’s not just educational but it’s peaceful, scenic, and a great place for a relaxed family picnic. FRI has been featured in multiple Bollywood movies such as “Paan Singh Tomar”, “Student of the Year”, and “Student of the Year 2.
This Place is a heaven if you are a photographer or an enthusiast, a nature lover or just looking for some relaxed and chill time alone or with friends and family.
Conclusion
Alright, so if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably as excited as we are about discovering Dehradun’s charm — and honestly, there’s no better way to do it than on your own self drive rental car. From dipping your toes in the cool waters of Robber’s Cave to catching peaceful vibes at the Mindrolling Monastery, every place on this list becomes even better when you’re in the driver’s seat.
With a self drive car rental in Dehradun, there’s no waiting around, no fixed schedules and you can drive and enjoy at your own pace, just you, your crew, and the open roads of Dehradun. It’s flexible, it’s fun, and it lets you explore at your own pace. So go on, plan that trip, grab the keys, and let Dehradun surprise you!
