Dehradun sits at the foothills of the Himalayas, giving Doonites an unmatched advantage—in under two hours, you can drive into misty forests, European-style hamlets, pine-draped slopes and café-filled retreats.
So this World Mountain Day, gift yourself a refreshing escape with these quick, scenic getaways that feel straight out of Europe—perfect for day trips, weekend drives, nature walks and cosy café-hopping.
Landour’s winding lanes, British-era cottages, deodar forests and quiet cafés exude old-world European calm. The air is crisp, the silence comforting, and the views—picture-perfect.
Top Things to Do:
Walk to Lal Tibba for Switzerland-like vistas
Café-hop at Landour Bakehouse, Emily’s & Clock Tower Café
Explore Ivy-covered churches & heritage buildings
Perfect For: slow travellers, café lovers, bookworms, introspective escapes
Distance: ~1 hr 30 min
Endless pine forests, soft fog rolling over the cliffs, and chilly winds—Dhanaulti’s landscapes feel like a scene from Northern Europe.
Top Things to Do:
Soak in the beauty of Eco Park
Walk through dense cedar trails
Visit hidden cafés with mountain views
Perfect For: nature walks, quiet holidays, offbeat travellers
Distance: ~1 hr 45 min
Kanatal is where alpine serenity meets wide-open meadows. With its high-altitude breeze, valley lookouts and boutique stays, it mirrors the charm of small European mountain towns.
Top Things to Do:
Sunset point drives
Valley bridge trek
Camp under starry skies
Perfect For: adventure lovers, couples, slow luxury seekers
Distance: ~2 hrs
Move beyond the crowded waterfall and head to the hilltop cafés and forested trails above Kempty. These upper slopes resemble Scandinavian hill retreats—quiet, green and wonderfully cool.
Top Things to Do:
Visit Lake Mist
Explore forest cafés
Take morning nature walks
Perfect For: café-hoppers, photographers, peaceful retreats
Distance: ~1 hr 30 min
Just outside Doon, Maldevta offers Swiss-style riversides, cliff viewpoints, stone cottages and pine-lined bends. It's the quickest getaway that still feels like a world apart.
Top Things to Do:
Riverside brunches
Short hikes
Scenic cottage stays
Perfect For: spontaneous trips, quick drives, families & friend groups
Distance: ~30 min
Whether you’re craving European-style calm, misty forests, panoramic viewpoints, or a cosy café-by-the-hills moment, these quick escapes from Dehradun offer the perfect way to celebrate World Mountain Day.
Pack a jacket, grab your camera, cue the road-trip playlist—and let the mountains take care of the rest.
