Two days is genuinely enough for a family trip to Dehradun, and this dehradun 2 day itinerary is built around exactly that pace. The city’s attractions are spread out but not far apart, and most of them, caves, deer parks, monasteries, are exactly the kind of low-effort, high-interest stops that keep kids entertained without wearing anyone out. Here’s how to split the two days.
Quick Overview
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park, evening at Clock Tower Market |
| Day 2 | Buddha Temple or Mindrolling Monastery, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple |
Day 1: Nature and Wildlife
Start the morning at Robber’s Cave, locally called Gucchupani. It’s a natural limestone gorge with a shallow stream running through it that kids can wade through barefoot, cool, shallow, and genuinely fun rather than just scenic. Pack a change of clothes, since most kids end up at least ankle-deep in the water. Budget around 2 to 3 hours here, and it’s free to enter.
From there, head to Malsi Deer Park, about 10 km away on the Mussoorie Road. What started as a deer park has grown into a small zoo, with leopards, peacocks, and a range of birds alongside the deer, plus a playground with slides and rides that gives kids a chance to run around while the adults rest. It’s an easy, low-stress stop, roughly 1 to 2 hours, and works well for a picnic lunch if you bring one.
Wind down the evening at Clock Tower Market, one of the city’s older shopping and street food areas. Try local sweets like bal mithai or singori, and let the kids browse the shops while you take in the everyday buzz of the city before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2: Culture and Calm
Start the second day at either Buddha Temple in Clement Town or Mindrolling Monastery, both large Buddhist sites with striking architecture and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. Kids tend to enjoy the colorful murals and open courtyards even if the spiritual significance goes over their heads, and it’s an easy, unhurried stop to start the day with.
From there, head to Sahastradhara, known for its sulphur springs and small waterfalls. It’s a good midday stop, cool water, open space, and enough natural scenery to keep everyone occupied for an hour or two without much walking required.
Close the trip at Tapkeshwar Temple, a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva with a small stream running through it. It’s a short, easy visit, and its cave setting tends to fascinate kids more than a standard temple would.
A Few Practical Tips
- Pack for water: Both Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara involve some contact with water, so bring a spare change of clothes and closed sandals rather than regular shoes
- Stay hydrated: Carry water bottles and light snacks, especially if you’re visiting in summer
- Book ahead on weekends: Popular family spots and nearby resorts can fill up fast on weekends, so reserve accommodation in advance if you’re traveling then
- Keep a loose schedule: With young kids, build in slack between stops rather than packing the day too tightly
Getting Around
Most of these attractions sit within a reasonable driving radius of central Dehradun, so a hired taxi or cab for the two days works better than trying to manage public transport with kids in tow. Auto-rickshaws are an option for shorter hops, like the ride to Malsi Deer Park, but a private vehicle keeps things simpler across a packed two-day schedule.
Best Time for This Trip
March to June and September to November offer the most comfortable weather for a family trip, mild temperatures that make outdoor stops like Robber’s Cave and Malsi Deer Park genuinely pleasant rather than draining. Dehradun itself doesn’t usually see snow, so if your kids are hoping for that, a short add-on trip to nearby Mussoorie in winter is worth considering.
Quick Answer
For a 2 day dehradun itinerary with kids, spend Day 1 on Robber’s Cave and Malsi Deer Park with an evening at Clock Tower Market, then use Day 2 for a monastery visit, Sahastradhara, and Tapkeshwar Temple. This family trip dehradun plan keeps the pace relaxed, mixes nature with culture, and avoids overloading either day.
FAQs
Is two days enough for a Dehradun family trip? Yes. The main family-friendly attractions, Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park, Sahastradhara, and a couple of temples or monasteries, are all manageable within two days without feeling rushed.
What are the best things to do in Dehradun with kids? Robber’s Cave and Malsi Deer Park are the top picks, both offering hands-on, low-effort fun. Sahastradhara and Tapkeshwar Temple are good add-ons for a second day.
What is the best dehradun weekend itinerary for family with young children? Keep outdoor, water-based stops like Robber’s Cave earlier in the day when energy is higher, and save calmer spots like temples or monasteries for later, when a slower pace suits tired kids better.
Does Dehradun see snowfall for a winter family trip? No, Dehradun itself rarely sees snow, though nearby Mussoorie and Dhanaulti do during winter, making them an easy add-on if snow is part of the plan.