Overview
This long-weekend plan combines the highlights of Dehradun with a classic day trip to Mussoorie. It’s a balanced itinerary with cave temples, stream walks, heritage gardens, cafés, and a breezy hill station evening. The drives are short, giving you more time to actually enjoy the sights rather than being stuck in traffic. Perfect for families, couples, or first-time visitors who want a complete Doon + Mussoorie experience.
Day 1 — Dehradun Highlights
09:00 — Tapkeshwar Temple
Begin your journey with blessings at this ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Water drips naturally over the Shivalinga, creating a mystical atmosphere that draws devotees. Surrounded by sal forests and the Tons River, it feels both spiritual and natural. Early morning is peaceful, with fewer crowds and cooler air.
11:00 — Robber’s Cave
Wade through the cool waters of this limestone gorge, locally called Gucchupani. The narrow gorge and small waterfall are fun for families, especially kids. Folklore suggests robbers once hid here during British times. Carry sandals or floaters, as sneakers get heavy when wet.
13:00 — Rajpur Road Café
Take a long lunch break at one of Rajpur Road’s hill-view cafés. Expect fresh bakes, coffee, and warm meals, often served with Mussoorie glimpses. It’s also a great chance to shop boutique stores or just recharge before the evening sightseeing.
16:00 — Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Admire the colonial Greco-Roman architecture of FRI. The massive colonnades and domes are iconic, and the inside museums cover forestry, timber, and wildlife heritage. Even without entering, the gardens and corridors are excellent for photos. A favorite Bollywood shooting location.
18:00 — Clock Tower & Paltan Bazaar
Wind down at the Clock Tower area, a historic landmark. Paltan Bazaar is buzzing in the evenings with shops and food stalls. Try momos, bun tikka, or sweets like bal mithai. A great way to blend food, shopping, and people-watching before you call it a day.
Day 2 — Mussoorie Excursion
08:00 — Drive to Mussoorie
Set off early for the 1.5 hr drive through winding roads. The route offers sweeping valley views, especially on clear mornings. Hiring a cab is recommended so you can enjoy the scenery without the stress of hill driving.
10:00 — Mall Road
Walk along Mussoorie’s most popular promenade. Mall Road has cafés, shops, and photo viewpoints overlooking the valley. Try classic hill station snacks like roasted corn or hot chocolate. Vehicles are restricted, so be prepared to walk.
12:30 — Company Garden
A landscaped garden with colorful flowers and a boating pond. Great for families with kids. Seasonal blooms make it especially photogenic in spring and summer. You’ll also find food kiosks for a quick snack.
15:30 — Lunch & Rest
Pick a local restaurant serving Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa, or try Indian thalis. Mussoorie cafés often have valley views, perfect for a mid-day pause before sunset trekking.
17:00 — George Everest House
A short trek leads you to Sir George Everest’s former residence. The ridge offers one of the best sunset spots with views of both the Doon Valley and snow peaks. Carry a light jacket—winds can be strong after dusk. Arrive at least 30–40 mins before sunset to grab a good spot.
19:00 — Return to Dehradun
Drive back carefully after sunset. Roads can be foggy, so it’s safer to let a local driver handle night driving. Keep warm clothes and snacks handy for the journey down.
Day 3 — Easy Morning in Dehradun
09:30 — Malsi Deer Park / MDDA Park
Spend the morning with a nature walk. Malsi Deer Park is family-friendly, set in sal forests with enclosures and trails. MDDA Park, meanwhile, offers a panoramic view over the Doon Valley. A calm way to wrap up the trip.
12:00 — Brunch & Shopping
Stop at a local bakery or café for brunch. Dehradun is famous for rusks and plum cake. You can also buy spices, woolens, and souvenirs from Paltan Bazaar or Rajpur Road shops. A nice way to take a piece of Dehradun home.
14:00 — Departure
Check out and depart for your onward journey. If heading to Delhi, keep buffer time for traffic on the Dehradun–Haridwar route. This relaxed morning ensures you leave refreshed, not rushed.
Maps
Routes for Day 1 (Dehradun) and Day 2 (Mussoorie).
Travel Tips
- Leave early for Mussoorie—traffic builds quickly on weekends.
- Carry a light jacket; evenings in Mussoorie are breezy even in summer.
- Parking on Mall Road is limited—use cabs or walk.
- Wear comfortable shoes for George Everest ridge walk.
- On return day, allow buffer time if traveling to Delhi/Haridwar.
Quick FAQs
Is this family-friendly?
Yes. Distances are short, and the mix of nature, culture, and leisure works well for families with kids.
How long is the drive to Mussoorie?
About 1.5 hours from Dehradun, longer on weekends/holidays.
Budget for the trip?
₹2,500–4,000 per person for 3 days, excluding hotels (food, entries, local transport).