Excursions

In under an hour's drive, we have endless opportunities to see the many sights and experiences around the Dehradun area:

• Mussoorie: known as the 'Queen of the Hills', this popular hill station boasts beautiful views, cool weather in the summer and snow in the winter! When the skies are clear, you can see the big snow peaks of the Himalayas.
• Local Hikes: explore mountain paths and villages, take in the dramatic mountain scenery, and find hidden waterfalls to cool you off! Drink sweet, hot chai from a tiny tea stall along the way!
• Forest Research Insititute: A popular selfie spot and a beautiful architectural feature of Dehradun, This institute is over 100 years old. It houses a Forestry museum, and is at the center of forestry and environmental education efforts in the Himalayan region.
• Mindrolling Monastery: The 190-foot Buddhist Stupa in Clementown is an impressive piece of local architecture, and provides an opportunity to learn about culture and beliefs of the large Tibetan Buddhist refugee community residing in Dehradun.

• Duration: 1/2 to 1 day

About 2 hours from Dehradun, you will visit the famed city of Haridwar on the banks of the holy river Ganga (Ganges). It is here that the Ganga exits the mountains and flows into the plains, earning the city the nickname the "Gateway of the Ganga". This city is packed with pilgrims, devotees, and temples, and is 100% vegetarian. Explore and learn about Hindu religion, myth and history, and observe the Ganga Aarti, the twice-daily ritual of worship on the riverside ghat.

This trip can easily be combined with a day-trip to visit Rishikesh, a beautiful little city nestled in the mountains along the winding Ganga river, made famous by the Beatles' visit in 1968, and attracting large numbers of foreigners seeking yoga, meditation, and spiritual insight. Here visitors also enjoy outdoor adventure sports like river rafting and ziplining.

• Duration: 1 or 2 days

Explore the immense impact that various historical Empires and rulers have had throughout India's long and fascinating history.

Discover Delhi's ancient architectural gems, from Lal Quila (the Red Fort) to innumerable mosques and mausoleums. Take in the breathtaking splendor of the incomparable Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Learn about India's unique ability to absorb Empire after Empire without ever relinquishing its essential character. This trip includes visits to the cities of Delhi and Agra.

• Duration: 3-4 days