Rishikesh to Dehradun Road Trip – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information

Dehradun in India is often considered an iconic holiday destination, especially for those taking the scenic Rishikesh to Dehradun by road route. Surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas, the location offers breathtaking mountain views, abundant greenery, and lots of opportunities for adventures. The quaint hill town is famous for alpine weather, lush environment, dainty cottages, and classic colonial charm

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Why travel from Rishikesh to Dehradun?

Dehradun is located near the Himalayan foothills about 1.5 hours away from Rishikesh. A trip from Rishikesh to Dehradun is one of the closest weekend getaways in Uttarakhand. Dehradun is the largest and the most populated city in Uttarakhand apart from being the administrative capital of the Dehradun district. When you take a road trip from Rishikesh to Dehradun, you can enhance your experience by enjoying everything that lies on the way. With a Savaari, you can turn your drive into a fun-filled journey and also customize the trip to your liking, travel time, and budget.

Traveling from Rishikesh to Dehradun by car

The road from Rishikesh to Dehradun passes through the lower reaches of the Garhwal Mountain Ranges on the Himalayas. Depending on the route you take, you will pass through smaller towns like Mazri Grant, Doiwala, Miyawala on your way. With our completely customizable Rishikesh to Dehradun trip packages, you can stop at any of these places and do a quick sightseeing by opting for our car rental service in Rishikesh. Let us help you discover the best routes to travel from Rishikesh to Dehradun by car.

Rishikesh to Dehradun by cab

Best time to visit

Sitting in the Garhwal Himalayan Region, the weather here can be classified as mountain weather with pleasant summers and cold winters. Depending on your travel goals, you can visit anytime. Dehradun in winter is a different beauty. If you are lucky, you might witness snowfall in late December or January. Otherwise, for outdoor activities, summer is a good time to travel when the temperature here is very comfortable. The best time to visit is between December and April and you can due that by going for a chauffeur-driven cab service in Rishikesh. Always check the weather forecast before traveling.

Popular routes from Rishikesh to Dehradun

Route 1: Distance and Time taken from Rishikesh to Dehradun via Ambala-Dehradun-Haridwar Rd/Ambala Dehradun – Rishikesh National Hwy

This might be a little longer route than the alternative but is the best route to travel between Rishikesh and Dehradun. It is also the fastest because the Rishikesh and Dehradun traffic on this route is minimal, and there are no road closures as of April 2021. The distance between Rishikesh to Dehradun on this route is somewhere around 44KM and takes about an hour. Always check live maps and instant traffic updates for the latest information on Rishikesh to Dehradun road conditions. 

Here’s the basic route map from Rishikesh to Dehradun- 

Rishikesh — Ranipokhari — Jauligrant — Doiwala — Harrawala — Dehradun
Rishikesh to Dehradun Route 1

Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route

  • Waterfall Mine, Sakalana – A waterfall sitting within hills, off the main highway, surrounded by big boulders, mountain bluffs, and camping sites, good for camping or day picnics.
  • Lachhiwala Nature Park, Lachhiwala Range – Local nature park with landscaped gardens, topiary, ponds, and a variety of floral and decorative plants, with boating options, good for a day trip with family and kids.
  • Hidden Lacchiwala Lake, Baskarwala – A small stream and adjoining lake hidden within the Lachhiwala range, good for a short hike or just a refreshing break. 
Lachhiwala Nature Park
Lachhiwala Nature Park

Places to eat along this route

  • Pizza Café, Doiwala – Local café serving pizza, beverages, and other fast food, good for quick stops, kid-friendly. 
  • Salt and Pepper Café, Jolly Grant – Casual diner serving Indian meals, snacks, and beverages, good for groups, lunch, and dinner.
  • Aerodine Multi Cuisine, Mokhampur – Airplane-themed restaurant serving international cuisines in a cabin-like setting, good for groups and families, kid-friendly. 

Rishikesh to Dehradun Condition via route 1:

This is the fastest route to travel between Rishikesh and Dehradun and is used by most travelers. This route has standard highway tolls and the road conditions are better since there are no road closures.

Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Rishikesh to Dehradun via Ambala – Poanta Sahib – Herbertpur – Dehradun – Rishikesh National Hwy

This is a slightly longer route than the previous one but takes almost the same time as the previous route to travel from Rishikesh and Dehradun. But the road conditions on this route are variable. The distance from Rishikesh and Dehradun on this route is about 45KM and takes about an hour and 15 minutes. To avoid road closures, always check for latest updates and follow a live map when traveling to get the best idea of Rishikesh and Dehradun road conditions. 

Here’s the basic route map from Rishikesh and Dehradun- 

Rishikesh — Chidderwala — Mazri Grant– Doiwala — Harrawala — Dehradun
Rishikesh to Dehradun Route 2

Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route: 

  • Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Motichur Gate – An alternative access point to the Rajaji National Park, good for a quick drive-through or a jungle trek. 
  • Fun Valley Park, Haridwar Road – Amusement Park with water rides, slides, wave pool, lazy river, etc., good for day trips with kids and families.
  • Fun Valley Park, Haridwar Road – Amusement Park with water rides, slides, wave pool, lazy river, etc., good for day trips with kids and families.
  • Lachhiwala Nature Park, Lachhiwala Range – Local nature park with landscaped gardens, topiary, ponds, and a variety of floral and decorative plants, with boating options, good for a day trip with family and kids.
  • Hidden Lacchiwala Lake, Baskarwala – A small stream and adjoining lake hidden within the Lachhiwala range, good for a short hike or just a refreshing break. 
Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Rajaji Tiger Reserve

Places to eat along this route

  • Dhaba 90s, Chidderwala – 90s entertainment-themed highway side diner serving fast food, quick meals, tea and coffee, good for groups and families, breakfast and quick stops.
  • Tandoorify, Mazri Grant – Standard highway side diner serving local North Indian dishes and grilled specialties, good for groups, late nights.
  • Pizza Café, Doiwala – Local café serving pizza, beverages, and other fast food, good for quick stops, kid-friendly. 
  • Salt and Pepper Café, Jolly Grant – Casual diner serving Indian meals, snacks, and beverages, good for groups, lunch, and dinner.
  • Aerodine Multi Cuisine, Mokhampur – Airplane themed restaurant serving international cuisines in a cabin like setting, good for groups and families, kid-friendly. 

Rishikesh to Dehradun Condition via route 2: 

This is a longer and slower route to travel from Rishikesh and Dehradun. This route also has tolls, but the road condition is variable due to congestion on NH 34, depending on occasional construction work or rains, which can cause road closures.

Rishikesh to Dehradun best route

Since it’s a very short distance between Rishikesh and Dehradun, you can take either of the above routes. However, depending on the season, you may want to avoid the second route that has possible closures. But at the same time, the second route seems to be more scenic and interesting with more food and sightseeing options. So, choose the best route based on your travel needs and the season of your travel.

Savaari travel magazine

Other means of traveling from Rishikesh to Dehradun

By Train 

You can also travel from Rishikesh and Dehradun by train. There are a total of 3 trains that run between these two destinations. The train distance from Rishikesh and Dehradun is about 41KM and could take somewhere between one and half to two and half hours, depending on the train. The fastest train is MUSSOORIE EXPRESS (14042) which takes about an hour to reach Dehradun. For all train bookings from Rishikesh and Dehradun, visit any online travel portal or Indian Railways’ website for latest information.

By Flight 

There is no flight service between Rishikesh and Dehradun. The nearest airport to reach Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun, which is around 35 kms from the city. There are regular flights to Dehradun from major cities and towns across India. From the airport, you can book a Dehradun airport taxi or rent a car to reach the city.

Attractions in Dehradun for sightseeing 

Whether you want a dose of divinity or seeking adventures like river rafting, trekking, hiking, or more, Dehradun has something interesting to do for every kind of traveler. Rich in nature and culture, Dehradun sightseeing is indeed an incredible experience. Rent a cab in Dehradun & explore the city like a local with our driver. Below listed are some offbeat recommendations

  1. Sahastradhara: Known as the “Thousandfold Spring,” this serene spot features a series of waterfalls and caves, with therapeutic sulphur springs that are believed to have medicinal properties.
  2. Robber’s Cave (Guchu Pani): Explore this unique cave formation where a stream mysteriously disappears and reemerges, creating a fascinating natural phenomenon. You can wade through the cool waters inside the cave.
  3. Malsi Deer Park: A peaceful sanctuary where you can spot various deer species in a natural habitat. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.
  4. Mindrolling Monastery: This Tibetan Buddhist monastery boasts stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere. It houses a 60-meter tall stupa, one of the tallest in India.
  5. Tapkeshwar Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated inside a cave. Water continuously drips on the Shiva Linga, creating a tranquil and mystical ambiance.
  6. Lachhiwala: A popular local hangout spot with man-made pools and natural water springs. It’s an ideal place for a relaxing day in the lap of nature.
  7. FRI (Forest Research Institute) Museum: Explore the rich history of forestry and witness the impressive colonial architecture of the institute. The museum showcases forestry-related exhibits.
  8. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Museum: If you have an interest in geology and the Himalayan region, this museum offers valuable insights into the geology and natural history of the region.
  9. Tiger Falls: A picturesque waterfall located near Chakrata, a short drive from Dehradun. The trek to the falls takes you through lush forests and offers breathtaking views.
  10. Daat Kali Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is known for its unique architecture and peaceful ambiance. It’s a lesser-known gem in Dehradun.

Dehradun’s offbeat attractions offer a delightful escape from the ordinary, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and spirituality. To plan a trip to Dehradun and discover more about the exciting things to do in this charming city, check out our detailed guide. Get ready for an unforgettable journey of exploration and adventure in the heart of Uttarakhand.

Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Dehradun

The food here is a fine blend of traditional Pahadi cuisine and classic colonial-era recipes. Try these restaurants to sample the local flavors –

  • Poquito2Kalsang Café, Rajpur Rd– Generous Chinese, Thai & Tibetan portions served in a colorful eatery that features wall murals.
  • Mirabilia, EC Road– Atmospheric rooftop multicuisine joint with a pool & city views to amplify the experience.
  • Town Table, Hathibarkala Salwala – Healthy food serving restaurant with handmade spices
  • Gourmand Inn Restaurant, Govind Vihar– Vibrant restaurant offering highly palatable food.
  • Pahadi Khaja, Tad Bun- Dhaba style kitchen/restaurant with flexible service hours.
  • Kafaal Restaurant, Uttara haat – Yummy food with reasonable prices. Good for casual lunches. 

Hotels and Resorts – Accommodation in Dehradun

Hotel Name Address Phone Number
Four Points by Sheraton 152, 4, Rajpur Rd, Jakhan, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 0135 660 3300
Hotel Sand Stone Haridwar Bypass, ISBT, Near, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 074099 99992
Old British House 217 Rajpur Road Lane Opp. Hotel Royal Inn, near GRD Academy, Uttarakhand 248009 081716 15791
Lemon Tree Hotel Ground Floor Pacific Mall, Rajpur Rd, near Bajaj Institute of Learning, Jakhan, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248006 0135 273 7777
Hotel Boulevard  59/3 D, Rajpur Rd, Dobhalwala, Chukkuwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 0135 297 0530

Download our Savaari car booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey from Rishikesh to Dehradun.