Thrilling Robbers Cave in Dehradun, India

Dehradun in India has some hidden gems to explore that will surprise you thoroughly. One of them is Robbers Cave, locally known as Guchhupani, located in Anarwala Village, 6 km away from the main city. Popular for its natural cave-river formation, the place received its name for being robbers' hideout during the reign of Britishers. Today, the place is a popular picnic and tourist hot-spot due to its rich scenic and peculiar beauty. Besides, reaching the Robbers Cave is quite easy. You can travel by train or flight - the closest one is Dehradun Railway Station or the Jolly Grant Airport, from where you can choose buses/cabs to reach Anarwala and explore the thrilling Robbers Cave. 

Popular amongst geologists and photographers

Locals believe that the water flowing inside has medicinal properties. Maybe it is due to this reason that several people are seen bathing here along with their friends and family. Some people also visit the place to enjoy a good picnic day with loved ones. When I visited the place, it was hard to believe that once robbers used this place for hiding, but it was a good feeling to visit it, knowing the legend. Today, it is quite well-maintained by Uttarakhand Tourism, which encourages several geologists and photography enthusiasts to learn more about the natural cave formations here. 

Once inside, you will marvel at the gorgeous rock formations and water gushing from different corners. As you go deeper into the cave, many locals say that the water level increases and it reaches almost till the chest level. However, when I went inside, some areas were blocked due to natural stone deposition and hence, I did not encounter that high water level. Some narrow creaks, gorges with water dripping from them, are especially enticing but humans cannot go through them due to their tiny size.

Tips for travellers 

Carry an ample of water with you as you walk inside the cave, as it can be quite humid and overwhelming. Hence, hydrating oneself can make the walk enjoyable and quite fun. Also, keep a few energy-rich snacks close as there are no food options inside. Moreover, do not forget to carry your cameras as you would not want to miss gorgeous rock formations. Further, if you want to learn more about the unexplored parts of the Robbers Cave, you can also hire a travel guide,  either from Dehradun itself, for a more authentic experience, or choose one near the Robbers Cave. 

Plan your itinerary accordingly, as the cave opens from 7 am to 6 pm, and the trip takes around 2-4 hours to explore nearly 1 km long stretch. Also, wear non-slippery and sturdy slippers that allow you to walk comfortably. Although, you can also get slippers and lockers on rent. It is advisable to wear cool and comfortable clothes, especially shorts, to walk around the Robbers Cave easily. The best time to visit is during monsoons, when the water strongly gushes through the cave, making the experience more enjoyable and exciting. Further, if you are a fitness freak, then the trip is sure to offer a good cardio workout for the body as well as a relaxing sensory experience. 

Robbers Cave (Gucchupani), Dehradun, India

Gucchupani, Malsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248003, India

Next time you are in India, do not forget to visit Dehradun and ask the locals about Gucchupani or the thrilling Robbers Cave, which definitely offers fun, excitement and even uncertainty at times. All of that is no less than an adventure ride for the meandering traveller in you. Go visit solo or with your favourite people but you are sure to enjoy your visit to this exotic place.