For a small city, Dehradun has a lot of sacred places, and they're nothing alike. There's a Shiva temple inside a cave by a stream, a hilltop shrine you have to climb to, a Sikh darbar that gave the city its name, and one of India's largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
Here are eight worth visiting, whether you're going to pray or just want an hour of quiet.
1. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tapkeshwar is a Shiva temple built into a natural cave beside a stream in Garhi Cantt. Water drips from the rock onto the Shivling inside, and that dripping (tapakna) is where the name comes from. It's one of the most loved temples in the city and gets very crowded around Shivratri.
Local tip · go on a weekday morning to skip the queues.
2. Prakasheshwar Mahadev Temple
On the Mussoorie road, Prakasheshwar Mahadev is a Shiva temple where a lot of people stop on their way up to the hills. If you're doing a Mussoorie day trip, it's an easy stop to add.
Local tip · stop on the way up, when traffic is lighter.
3. Santala Devi Temple
A hilltop temple to the west of the city that you reach by walking uphill. The climb is part of the visit, and the view over the valley at the top makes up for it.
Local tip · go early in the morning and carry water.
4. Chandrabani Temple
In the forested hills on the southern edge of Dehradun. Even though it's not far from town, it feels miles away from the city noise.
Local tip · combine it with a drive along the Chandrabani forest road.
5. Darbar Sahib (Jhanda Sahib)
In Jhanda Mohalla in the old city, Darbar Sahib is the historic darbar of Guru Ram Rai. His camp, or dera, is where the name Dehradun comes from. The annual Jhanda Mela brings huge crowds to the old city.
Local tip · dress modestly and cover your head inside.
6. Mindrolling Monastery
In Clement Town, Mindrolling is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India. The tall stupa, the prayer halls and the gardens make it one of the calmest places in Dehradun, even when it's busy.
Local tip · climb the stupa's upper floors for the view, then browse the small Tibetan market outside.
7. Laxman Sidh Temple
On the Haridwar road side of the city, Laxman Sidh is a forest temple with a steady stream of regular visitors, especially on Sundays.
8. Daat Kali Temple
On the Dehradun-Saharanpur road near the southern edge of the city. Many people stop here to pray before a long journey or after buying a new vehicle, so don't be surprised to see a freshly garlanded car outside.
Visiting tips
- Take off your footwear where asked. A small cloth bag for your shoes saves a lot of hassle.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Mornings are calmer and cooler at every temple on this list.
- Ask before taking photos inside a shrine.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most famous temple in Dehradun?
Tapkeshwar Mahadev, the cave temple in Garhi Cantt, is the best known.
Is there a Buddhist monastery in Dehradun?
Yes. Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India.
Which temple in Dehradun is inside a cave?
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is built into a natural cave beside a stream.
Find more on Doon Dekho
Open Explore → Places to Visit → Temples & monasteries for directions to each temple. For more ideas, see our list of things to do in Dehradun.