Living in or visiting Dehradun comes with a hidden advantage, some of Uttarakhand’s most peaceful destinations are just a short drive away. You don’t need long vacations or detailed planning to escape the city. Sometimes, all it takes is a free weekend and a tank of fuel.
This guide to the best weekend getaways from Dehradun is ideal for travellers looking for short trips, quiet nature escapes, and relaxed hill experiences without spending hours on the road.
Why Dehradun Is Perfect for Short Weekend Trips
Dehradun’s location at the foothills of the Himalayas makes it an ideal base for short travel. Surrounded by hills, rivers, and forest routes, the city connects easily to nearby escapes without exhausting drives.
That’s why Dehradun works so well for:
Minimal travel time
Easy one- or two-night trips
Flexible, spontaneous plans
Couples, families, and solo travellers
Many travellers combine these short trips with longer plans covered in this guide to top tourist destinations near Mussoorie.
1. Mussoorie – The Classic Weekend Escape
Distance: ~35 km
Ideal for: First-time visitors, couples, relaxed sightseeing
Mussoorie is the most popular weekend getaway from Dehradun. A short uphill drive takes you from city streets to misty roads, viewpoints, and cool mountain air.
Mussoorie is ideal for:
One- or two-night stays
Scenic walks and viewpoints
Café hopping and slow evenings
For travellers who prefer calm over crowds, staying away from Mall Road makes a noticeable difference. Explore peaceful places to stay in Mussoorie that offer better views and quieter surroundings.
If you’re short on time, this guide answers is 2 days enough for Mussoorie and helps plan a relaxed trip.
2. Landour – Quiet, Colonial & Timeless
Distance: ~38 km
Ideal for: Couples, writers, slow travellers
Located just above Mussoorie, Landour feels like a different world. With forest-lined roads, colonial homes, and near-total silence, it’s perfect for travellers who want to disconnect.
Landour is ideal if you want:
Long, peaceful walks
Minimal tourist activity
A slower pace of travel
It’s one of the most underrated quiet places near Mussoorie, especially for travellers who enjoy offbeat experiences highlighted in hidden gems and things to do in Mussoorie.
3. Maldevta – Riverside Calm Near the City
Distance: ~18 km
Ideal for: Day trips, nature lovers, families
Maldevta is a quiet riverside destination close to Dehradun. It’s perfect for travellers who want nature without overnight planning.
This spot works well for:
Riverside walks
Light picnics
Photography and relaxation
Maldevta pairs well with city stays before heading to longer hill escapes like Mussoorie or Landour.
4. Sahastradhara – Nature & Scenic Views
Distance: ~14 km
Ideal for: Short visits, nature photography
Sahastradhara is one of the quickest one-day trips from Dehradun. Known for sulphur springs and scenic rock formations, it’s best visited early morning to avoid crowds.
It’s a good add-on if you’re planning a longer hill stay later in the weekend.
5. Dhanaulti – Quiet Hills & Forest Views
Distance: ~60 km (ideal extended weekend)
Ideal for: Peace seekers, families, nature lovers
Though slightly beyond 50 km, Dhanaulti is worth mentioning for travellers who want silence and forest views. It’s far less crowded than Mussoorie and ideal for slow weekends.
Many travellers prefer Dhanaulti-style calm when choosing luxury homestays in Mussoorie located away from busy centres.
6. Chakrata – For a Longer Weekend
Distance: ~90 km
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, offbeat travellers
Chakrata offers dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and minimal commercial activity. While it requires more travel time, it’s perfect for a longer weekend when you want untouched hill experiences.
This destination suits travellers already familiar with Mussoorie and looking for something quieter.
How to Choose the Right Weekend Getaway from Dehradun
| You Want | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Quick escape | Maldevta |
| Hill station experience | Mussoorie |
| Silence & charm | Landour |
| Forest & calm | Dhanaulti |
| Offbeat adventure | Chakrata |
Many travellers balance busy sightseeing with calm stays, especially when following a flexible Mussoorie travel itinerary.
Best Time for Weekend Trips from Dehradun
March to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for hills
September to November: Clear views and greenery
December to February: Quiet escapes and winter charm
If Mussoorie is part of your plan, this guide on the best time to visit Mussoorie helps with seasonal planning.
Stay Strategy: Why Your Base Matters
Choosing the right base, either in Dehradun or Mussoorie; makes weekend trips smoother and less tiring. A peaceful, centrally located stay allows spontaneous departures and relaxed returns.
Explore comfortable stays by The Manor House designed for travellers who prefer calm over congestion.
Travel Tips for Short Trips from Dehradun
Start early to avoid traffic
Keep itineraries flexible
Avoid weekends for popular spots if possible
Choose peaceful stays over crowded centres
Final Thoughts: Dehradun Is the Gateway to Easy Escapes
Dehradun’s biggest advantage is how effortlessly it connects you to hills, forests, and quiet spaces. These weekend getaways from Dehradun prove that you don’t need long vacations to feel refreshed.
Sometimes, the best trips really are the shortest ones.
