Dehradun sits in a valley fed by streams coming down from the Mussoorie hills. Once the monsoon arrives, there is water everywhere. Some of it falls through the forest, some of it runs through caves and gorges, and some of it just spreads out into shallow river beds where families set up for the afternoon.
Here are the waterfalls and water spots near Dehradun worth the drive, with how to get there and when to go.
Read this first
Waterfalls look their best in and just after the monsoon. That is also when they're most dangerous. Rocks get slippery, water levels rise very fast, and paths can wash away overnight. Go in daylight, stay out of fast-moving water, and skip the trip entirely after very heavy rain. No photo is worth it.
1. Sahastradhara
The most famous water spot near Dehradun. The name roughly means "thousand-fold spring", and the place is known for its sulphur springs, small caves where water drips from the rock, and a stretch of river that draws big crowds every weekend.
How to reach: drive or take a cab along Sahastradhara Road, about 14 km from the city centre.
Best time: weekday mornings, outside peak monsoon.
2. Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
Not a waterfall exactly. It's a narrow river gorge where you walk through cold, shallow water between tall rock walls. At one point the stream disappears underground and comes back further along, which is half the fun. On a hot May afternoon, there's nowhere better to be in Dehradun.
How to reach: about 8 km from the city centre, via Anarwala.
Best time: early morning, before the crowds. Wear sandals you don't mind getting wet.
3. Shikhar Falls
A quieter forest waterfall above Rajpur, near Kairwan Gaon. You walk a short way from the road, and within a few minutes it feels like you've left the city, even though you're barely out of it.
How to reach: drive towards Rajpur and follow the village road towards Kairwan Gaon, then walk.
Best time: just after the monsoon, when the falls are full but the path has dried out a bit.
4. Maldevta
East of the city, Maldevta is a riverside valley with picnic spots, farmland and a small waterfall nearby. This is where Doon families drive on a Sunday with a flask of chai and not much of a plan.
How to reach: take Maldevta Road from Raipur.
Best time: winter afternoons, or the monsoon if you want everything green.
5. Jharipani Falls
On the old road up to Mussoorie, near Jharipani. A short walk down from the road takes you to a waterfall in the forest. It's a good stop if you're driving up to Mussoorie slowly and don't want to go straight to the crowds.
How to reach: drive towards Mussoorie via Jharipani.
Best time: monsoon and autumn.
6. Mossy Falls
Near Barlowganj on the Mussoorie side, named after the moss-covered rocks around it. It's shaded and cool even in summer.
How to reach: from Barlowganj, a forest walk leads down to the falls.
Best time: summer mornings. Go with company and leave well before dark.
7. Kempty Falls (a full day trip)
Beyond Mussoorie, Kempty is the most famous waterfall in the region. It's busy and very commercial, so don't expect peace and quiet. But if you have a full day and you're already going to Mussoorie, it fits in.
How to reach: via Mussoorie, roughly a two-hour drive from Dehradun depending on traffic.
What to carry
Shoes or sandals with real grip. Flip-flops on wet rock are a bad idea.
A change of clothes and a small towel. You will get wetter than you plan to.
Water and snacks, and a bag to bring your trash back. These spots stay nice only if we keep them that way.
A dry bag or a zip pouch for your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the closest waterfall to Dehradun?
Robber's Cave and Shikhar Falls are both close to the city. Sahastradhara is about 14 km away.
When is the best time to visit waterfalls near Dehradun?
From the end of the monsoon to early winter, roughly September to November. The water is still flowing, and the paths are safer than in peak monsoon.
Is it safe to swim at waterfalls near Dehradun?
It's best not to. Currents and water levels can change very quickly, especially during the monsoon.
Find more on Doon Dekho
Open Explore → Places to Visit → Nature & waterfalls for directions to every spot in this guide. Planning a full trip? See our list of things to do in Dehradun.