Picnic spots in Dehradun are unlike anywhere else in India — this is one of the few cities where you can finish breakfast and be sitting beside a river by 10 AM. Step a little outside the traffic, and suddenly you’re surrounded by dripping limestone caves, emerald waterfalls, silent monasteries, and forests where sunlight falls in broken patterns.
If you’re searching for the best picnic spots in Dehradun, this list brings you the places locals actually go to — calm riversides, secret waterfalls, family-friendly parks, and quiet corners where the mountains feel close enough to touch.
Here are 9 picnic spots in Dehradun that truly make your day feel like a mini-vacation.
1. Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)
Walk into a narrow cave where icy water runs over your feet and echoes bounce off the rocks. The 600-metre rock corridor hides a river that mysteriously disappears underground and reappears a little ahead — a natural wonder that never stops surprising people.
Best for: Adventure lovers, winter picnic vibes
Entry: ₹35 | Parking ₹50
Timing: 7 AM – 6 PM
Tip: Reach before 9 AM to enjoy it in peace
Distance: 10 km
2. Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park)
Massive lawns + wildlife = perfect family day
Few places in Dehradun feel as relaxed as the lawns of Malsi Deer Park. Kids run around freely, adults spread mats under trees, and deer peacefully graze nearby. With the aquarium, canteen, swings and mountain backdrop, it becomes a perfect family picnic.
Best for: Families, children, wildlife lovers
Entry: ₹50 adults | ₹20 kids
Timing: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Mon)
Distance: 12 km
3. Maldevta & Song River
The most-loved riverside picnic spot in Dehradun
If Dehradun had to pick one favourite picnic place, it would be Maldevta. The Song River flows cold and clear over white pebbles, forming little pools where people sit with feet dipped in water for hours. If you don’t want to carry food, Maldevta Farms serves farm-style meals with mountain views.
Best for: Riverside lovers, swimmers, photography
Entry: Free
Distance: 20 km
Tip: Weekdays = peaceful paradise; weekends get busy after 11 AM
4. Sahastradhara
Waterfalls, ropeway views & the classic Doon picnic
Sahastradhara (“The Thousand-Fold Spring”) has been Dehradun’s iconic picnic spot for decades. Sulphur springs drip from limestone caves, the ropeway gives sweeping views, and the waterfalls are always photogenic.
Best for: Mixed groups, elders, kids
Entry: Free | Ropeway ₹250
Distance: 14 km
Tip: Avoid weekends for a calmer picnic
5. Mindrolling Monastery (Buddha Temple Gardens)
For quiet souls who want peace, not noise
If a picnic for you means silence, shade and soft grass — this is the place. The golden Buddha statue rises over Japanese gardens, bonsai corners, prayer wheels and lawns where you can sit undisturbed for hours.
Best for: Aesthetic, peaceful, no-noise picnics
Rules: No non-veg, alcohol or loud music
Entry: Free
Distance: 8–10 km
Bonus: Café inside serves great Tibetan thukpa & coffee
6. Lachhiwala Nature Park
Forest pools + fun group hangout
Natural streams fill up man-made pools at Lachhiwala, making it a favourite for big groups and families. Swim, relax on the grass, or stroll around sal forest trails.
Best for: Big groups, swimmers
Entry: ₹60 + ₹30 parking
Timing: 8 AM – 5 PM
Distance: 18 km (Haridwar Road)
7. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Ancient cave + riverside picnic charm
Inside the cave temple, water drips naturally onto the Shivling. Outside, the small waterfall and riverbank create shady, breezy spots perfect for picnics — especially in monsoon when the whole area glows fresh and green.
Best for: Nature + spirituality
Entry: Free
Distance: 7–8 km
8. Shikhar Falls
Dehradun’s secret waterfall
A short 20-minute trek brings you to an emerald-green waterfall surrounded by forest and rocks. Since there are no shops, it stays peaceful and clean — ideal for a quiet picnic.
Best for: Trek lovers, clean & silent picnics
Entry: Free
Tip: Go with someone who knows the trail
Best Time: July–October
9. Asan Barrage & Bird Sanctuary
Sunset views that look painted
This wetland near Paonta Sahib becomes a haven for migratory birds from October to March. Thousands of ducks, herons and geese settle on calm waters while the sky turns gold in the evening.
Best for: Bird lovers, romantic picnics, sunset photography
Boat: ₹300–500
Best Months: Nov–Feb
Distance: 40 km
In Dehradun, picnic spots are more than just day trips; they are little getaways woven with mountain sunlight, icy river water, and pine-scented breezes. Whether you’re wading through the disappearing river of Robber’s Cave or watching birds float across Asan Barrage, these picnic spots in Dehradun show how close nature always is.
Bring your mat, snacks, trash bags, and let these serene Dehradun picnic spots turn an ordinary day into something memorable.
After your picnic day, don’t forget to explore Dehradun’s famous food joints. For the full list of must-try places, click here.