Jolly Grant is mostly known for its airport and its hospital, so people assume there’s nothing to do here. Not true. You’re sitting between the Doon Valley, the sal forests of the Shivaliks and the Ganga at Rishikesh. Even a couple of free hours can turn into something nice.
We’ve sorted these by how much time you’ve got.
Timings, fees and opening days change, especially in the monsoon. Check with the forest department, temple or site before you go.
Got 2 or 3 hours?
Lachhiwala
Lachhiwala is a forest picnic spot on the Dehradun to Haridwar highway near Doiwala, a short drive from Jolly Grant. Tall sal trees, shade, and shallow stream fed pools where kids love to paddle. It gets busy on weekends and in summer, so a weekday morning is the nicest time.
The Thano forest road
The road from the Jolly Grant side towards Thano and Raipur cuts through thick sal forest. There’s no single sight to tick off. The drive is the whole point, with green on both sides and hardly any buildings. Go in daylight and drive slowly, because this is forest land and animals do cross.
Tea and snacks in Doiwala or Bhaniyawala
Not glamorous, but the markets at Doiwala and Bhaniyawala are lively and close. Good for chai, local sweets and stocking up if you’re on a hospital stay.
Got half a day?
Rishikesh
About 30 to 45 minutes away. Walk along Ram Jhula, wander the ghats and ashrams around Swarg Ashram, and if your timing works, stay for the evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat around sunset. The cafés around Laxman Jhula and Tapovan are great for a meal with a river view. Directions are in our Jolly Grant to Rishikesh guide.
Haridwar and Har Ki Pauri
About an hour away. The evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri is one of the most famous in India. Get there by mid afternoon to find a spot, and leave your luggage behind because the area is packed. See Jolly Grant to Haridwar.
Rajaji National Park, in season
Rajaji stretches across the Shivalik hills between Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. Elephants, deer, leopards and lots of birds live here. Jeep safaris run from several gates, including Chilla near Rishikesh and Haridwar. Safaris generally run in the dry months, roughly mid November to mid June, and the park closes to tourists in the monsoon. Book through the Uttarakhand forest department or an authorised operator and confirm dates first.
Got a full day?
Dehradun
Pick two or three, not more, because city traffic eats time: the Forest Research Institute with its grand old building and museums, Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani), the sulphur springs at Sahastradhara, and the bakeries and cafés along Rajpur Road. Getting there is covered in Jolly Grant to Dehradun city.
Mussoorie
Roughly two hours each way, so it’s a long day. Start early, walk Mall Road, head up to Landour for quieter lanes and views, and come down before dark. The route is in our Dehradun Airport to Mussoorie guide.
Kunjapuri at sunrise
The Kunjapuri Devi temple on a hilltop above Rishikesh is known for sunrise views over the Himalayan peaks on clear days. It means a very early start and a hill drive, so it works better if you’re staying in Rishikesh.
If you’re here for a hospital stay
- Keep outings short and close: Lachhiwala, a forest drive or an evening in Rishikesh, so you can get back quickly.
- Keep your phone charged and let the ward know where you’ll be.
- Skip long hill drives in the monsoon. Landslides and slow traffic can delay your return.
Related guides
- Best hangout places in Jolly Grant and Bhaniyawala
- Where to stay near Jolly Grant
- Best time to fly into Dehradun
Frequently asked questions
Visit Lachhiwala near Doiwala, take the forest drive towards Thano, or explore the local markets. With a bit more time, Rishikesh is 30 to 45 minutes away.
Yes, if you have at least four or five hours. You can see Ram Jhula and the ghats, and catch the evening Ganga Aarti if the timing works.
Generally in the dry season, roughly mid November to mid June. The park closes to tourists in the monsoon, so confirm dates with the Uttarakhand forest department.
Lachhiwala is near Doiwala on the Dehradun to Haridwar highway, a short drive from Jolly Grant.
