UttarakhandTimings 2026Free Entry

Tapkeshwar Temple: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

Tapkeshwar Temple, also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, is a temple in Dehradun dedicated to Shiva. The temple is on the bank of the Tons River, built on top of a natural cave, which holds the temple's main shivalinga.

By Kishan Rajyaguru|Updated 18 October 2026

Location Uttarakhand

Entry Fee Free

Best Time May to June and September to October

Railway Station ~5 km

Nearest Airport ~24 km

About Tapkeshwar Temple

Tapkeshwar Temple: Key Facts

TempleTapkeshwar Temple
LocationUttarakhand
StateUttarakhand
Entry FeeFree (general darshan)
Best Time to VisitMay to June and September to October
Nearest Railway StationDehradun railway station, ~5 km
Nearest AirportDehradun (DED), ~24 km
GPS30.35727, 78.01668

Tapkeshwar Temple Timings 2026

Tapkeshwar Temple is open every day, usually from early morning to late evening with a break in the afternoon. Darshan and aarti timings change with the season and on festival days.

MorningOpens early morning (around 5 to 6 AM)
AfternoonShort break around midday at many temples
EveningEvening aarti around sunset, closes by about 8 to 9 PM

Ask the temple office on arrival for the day's aarti schedule.

Dress Code & Temple Rules

DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days

How to Reach Tapkeshwar Temple

LocationUttarakhand
By AirDehradun (DED), about 24 km
By AirShimla (SLV), about 121 km
By TrainDehradun railway station, about 5 km
By RoadTaxis, autos and state buses from the railway station and nearby cities

Distance from Nearby Cities

From	Road Distance (approx.)	Travel Time (approx.)
Dehradun	32 km	1 hr
Shimla	158 km	4 hr
Chandigarh	160 km	4 hr
Kullu	244 km	5 hr
Pantnagar	265 km	6 hr

Best Time to Visit

May to June and September to October. Mountain roads are open and weather is pleasant. Many high-altitude shrines close in winter and the monsoon (July–August) brings landslides, so check the opening dates before you plan. Weekday mornings are the least crowded; expect long queues on weekends, holidays and festivals.

Open in Google Maps

History of Tapkeshwar Temple

The Tapkeshwar Temple has a natural shivalinga in the cave, which became a place of reverence for the local people.

It is also believed that this was used as a residence by Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Hindu epic Mahabharata; the cave is called Drona Cave after him. Dronacharya's wife Kalyani was unable to breastfeed their newborn son Ashwatthama. As Dronacharya was unable to afford a cow or cow's milk, Ashwatthama prayed to Shiva, who then fed him milk dripping from the shivalinga in the cave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tapkeshwar Temple located?

Tapkeshwar Temple is in Uttarakhand, India. GPS location: 30.3573, 78.0167.

What are the timings of Tapkeshwar Temple?

Tapkeshwar Temple is open daily from early morning to evening, usually with an afternoon break. Timings change on festivals, so confirm with the temple office before you go.

Is there an entry fee at Tapkeshwar Temple?

General darshan is free. Special pujas, sevas or quick darshan may have a separate fee set by the temple.

What is the best time to visit Tapkeshwar Temple?

May to June and September to October. Mountain roads are open and weather is pleasant. Many high-altitude shrines close in winter and the monsoon (July–August) brings landslides, so check the opening dates before you plan.

Which is the nearest railway station to Tapkeshwar Temple?

Dehradun railway station is the nearest railway station, about 5 km away.

How far is Tapkeshwar Temple from Dehradun?

Tapkeshwar Temple is about 32 km by road from Dehradun (approx.).

Which is the nearest airport to Tapkeshwar Temple?

Dehradun (DED) is the nearest major airport, about 24 km away in a straight line. Shimla (SLV) is the next option.

What is the dress code at Tapkeshwar Temple?

Wear modest, traditional clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Remove footwear before entering. Shorts and sleeveless tops are best avoided.

Is photography allowed inside Tapkeshwar Temple?

Photography is usually not allowed inside the sanctum. Outer areas may allow photos; follow the signs and staff instructions.

Which other temples are near Tapkeshwar Temple?

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Radha Raman Temple are close by and can be covered on the same trip.