Are you looking for a break from the noise and chaos of the busy city? A stress-free road trip to some of the lesser-known places around Dehradun can do wonders for your soul. With beautiful drives, peaceful riversides and mountain views, these lesser-known destinations can be just the thing for a weekend trip.
Regardless of whether you kick your trip off with Delhi car rental or decide to rent a private car locally, a reputable car rental company can make your trip trouble-free and easy. Let’s uncover five pieces of tranquility, relaxation, and peace.
1. Lakhamandal – Historical Serenity along the River
Distance from Dehradun: 75 km
Best Suited For- Spiritual travelers, history enthusiasts, individual travelers
Hidden deep within the Yamuna Valley, Lakhamandal is a mystical Shiva temple complex of ancient origin. Unlike Rishikesh or Haridwar, this destination is untouched by tourist mayhem, making it ideal for personal introspection.
What to Do:
- Visit ancient rock temples and sculptures.
- Take riverside picnics along the Assan River.
- Walk through forest trails under oak and pine trees.
Travel Tip: Rent a car outstation early morning from Dehradun. If you’re traveling from Delhi, local driver’s car rental services can prove to be a time-saver on winding mountain roads.
2. Majkhali – Riverside Relaxation in Pure Tranquility
Distance from Dehradun: 48 km
Best Suited for- Couples, solo travelers, weekend warriors
Hidden along the Ganges upstream of Rishikesh, Majkhali provides the luxury of peace without tourist trappings. Imagine morning yoga by the river and unbroken views of the Himalayas.
What to Do:
- Relax on the riverbanks with a book or cup of tea.
- Attempt light hiking along nearby meadows.
- Book budget cottages or guesthouses for an intimate night.
Travel Tip: Select Zeta Car for best self drive car that includes 0 extra cost. Perfect for short round trips from Delhi or Dehradun.
3. Tarsali – Whispering Pines & Quiet Streams
Distance from Dehradun: 35 km
Best Suited for: Couples, nature lovers, writers
A river-fringed retreat that is shrouded in forests, Tarsali is the epitome of nature. With its cedar-shaded lanes and quiet streams, this one is literally a breath of fresh air.
What to Do:
- Camp under a deodar tree canopy.
- Bathe your feet in the Song River.
- Gaze at the stars wrapped in a woolen shawl.
Travel Tip: Hire a private car rental and travel to this location via Chakrata Road. Self-drivers should consider having experience driving on narrow mountain roads.
4. Purola – Himalayan Solitude Unplugged
Distance from Dehradun: 90 km
Best Suited For- Off-grid travelers, photographers, digital detox
Away from the din of urban life, Purola is a treasure trove of unscathed meadows, snow-capped mountains, and original Uttarakhand culture. A true retreat where mobile reception vanishes, and tranquility prevails.
What to Do:
- Discover village culture with a homestay with locals.
- Stroll through pine-oak forests and see exotic birds.
- Capture Himalayan landscapes at sunrise and sunset.
Travel Tip: Hire an SUV from a car rental agency that provides durable cars for hill drives. Choose chauffeur-driven services if you don’t mind sitting back and enjoying the sights.
5. Jakhan – Looking Over the City, Hidden in Silence
Distance from Dehradun: 10 km
Best Suited For- Quick escapes, solo treks, sunset enthusiasts
Near the city but far away from the experience, Jakhan commands stunning views over Dehradun and the surrounding hills. Ideal for a half-day outing or sunset picnic.
What to Do:
- Hike forest trails to nearby hilltops.
- Meditate or write with a valley panorama.
- Wind up the evening with dinner in Dehradun city.
Travel Tip: A short trip is best done with a compact rental car option. Choose flexible hourly rental packages from trusted car rental services.
Travel Smart – Choosing the Right Self Drive Car Rental Option
Your vehicle sets the tone for your entire journey. Here’s how to pick the right one:
✅ Compare Options
- Delhi vs Dehradun rentals: Delhi-based rentals might charge extra for hill destinations.
- Local vs outstation car hiring: Dehradun-based operators tend to offer more local insight and cost-effective packages.
✅ Vehicle Type
- Sedans for flat terrain (Majkhali, Jakhan)
- SUVs for mountainous routes (Purola, Tarsali)
✅ Know the Policies
- Check mileage limits
- Verify if fuel is covered
- Know cancellation and refund policies
Why Less-Crowded Destinations Matter in Today’s Travel Culture
With overtourism ruling the age, busy tourist spots, and check-ins on social media, increasingly traveling nomads are turning their attention towards unconventional and peaceful retreats. No longer is the search all about “where to go,” but “how the place feels about you.” And that is why offbeat locations near Dehradun are becoming perfect for an introspective getaway. These places enable you to get in touch with nature, tap into your inner calm, and experience genuine local culture—away from rowdy mobs and inflated prices.
The serene villages of Purola, the temple peace of Lakhamandal, and the forest stillness of Tarsali provide something that even five-star hotels can’t—feeling like you belong to nature. Envision strolling barefoot along pine-needle-lined paths or having a cup of tea with a villager who has lived in the village for generations. These moments of humanity are the highlight of today’s road trip, and this is only possible when we take the less traveled road.
Further, visiting these serene destinations boosts local economies. From using local guides and dining in family-owned Dhaba’s to staying in eco-friendly homestays, your money flows where it is most needed. It’s not a vacation; it’s an ethical way of traveling.
And we must not forget the independence a good car provides. With the right car rental service, you are free to set your own pace, drive uncharted byways, and stop wherever your heart commands, “Tarry awhile.” Whether you opt for a chauffeur-driven private car hire with a driver who is familiar with the local lore or an auto-drive, rent a car package for maximum discretion; ease dictates your entire experience.
The post-pandemic era has also educated us about the need for stillness, wellness, and authentic connection. A weekend getaway to serene spots around Dehradun provides you with just that—silence without compromise. It’s not about checking off trending places; it’s about coming home feeling lighter, in the mind and in the heart. It’s about experiences that don’t just leave you with memories but provide clarity, appreciation, and happiness.
So, when you’re planning your next escape from Delhi’s chaos or Dehradun’s daily hustle, choose serenity. Choose authenticity. And most importantly, choose freedom—because every quiet trail deserves your footprints, and every peaceful horizon waits to whisper its stories into your soul.
Day Road Trip Itinerary from Dehradun
Day 1:
Dehradun → Jakhan → Back
Evening: Sunset point, dinner at a local café
Day 2:
Dehradun → Majkhali → Lakhamandal (Overnight stay)
Activities: River lounging, visit to ancient temple
Day 3:
Lakhamandal → Tarsali → Purola → Return to Dehradun
Activities: Picnic, photography, return trip
Perfect Zeta Vehicle: Self-drive SUV with unlimited km
Car Rental Tip: Check out weekend combos from well-known car rental firms.
Bonus Spot – Kyarkuli Bhatta – A Forested Secret Close to Mussoorie
Distance from Dehradun: 38 km
Best Suited For: Walkers, poets, meditative calm
Overlooked by the Lesser Himalayas’ popularity, Kyarkuli Bhatta is a quiet deodar and rhododendron forest that provides mystical quiet.
What to Do:
- Walk bare feet on pine-needle-floured tracks.
- Watch clouds roll over the hill in silence.
- Journaling under a tree for hours without interruption.
Tip: Drive in the morning through car rental facilities and return late in the afternoon. It is a perfect half-day spiritual retreat.
Local Delicacies to Savor on the Journey
- Aloo ke Gutke: Spiced potato treats originating in Garhwal
- Mandua Roti: Finger millet roti, best had with ghee
- Jhangora Kheer: Millet grain pudding sweetened
Most homestays and roadside Dhaba’s serve this fare with local affection.
Budget & Safety Advises
- Book in advance to escape the weekend rush.
- I prefer homestays to hotels for real experience.
- Pack light but bring a power bank, first aid, and offline maps.
- Steers clear of night driving on hill roads.
- Carry cash for expenses in out-of-the-way villages.
- Let someone know your route if you’re going off-grid.
- Load a navigation app with offline capabilities.
Ask locals for information on road conditions and animal activity where forests are involved.
Final Thoughts
The Himalayas are not all about crowded hill stations and packed weekends. With intelligent planning, the appropriate car rental services, and an appreciation for serene landscapes, you can find a world of tranquility just around the corner from Dehradun.
So why wait? Pack your weekend bag, pick up the phone to your favorite car rental company, and drive off to peace on a road trip.
May the road take you to the quiet your heart is seeking.
