Maldevta Picnic Point (Dehradun)

If you have searched for a pet friendly river spot in Dehradun and come up with nothing but vague hotel listings, Maldevta Picnic Point is the actual answer. Located just outside Dehradun, it is the kind of place that lets you disconnect from traffic, crowds and city life for a few hours - fresh mountain air, flowing water, dense forest on both banks, and a shallow stretch of the Song River that is genuinely safe for dogs to wade and swim in.

A peaceful riverside escape for dog parents driving from Delhi NCR

What stands out most about Maldevta is the atmosphere. The Song River runs clear over a stony bed, with green hills and forest forming a proper backdrop. The river is mild, not glacial-cold even in June, and shallow enough across most of its width that a nervous swimmer or a small dog can wade in safely while a confident dog like Apple can actually swim. The current is gentle.

Apple was in the water within minutes. Captain waded to his knees and stayed there happily. Kimchi found a shallow pool and sat in it like a bath. None of them needed convincing - the temperature and the gentle slope into the river do the work for you.

Tea, Maggi, and the simple pleasures

Do not come expecting restaurants. What you get instead are small roadside stalls serving hot tea, Maggi and pakoras - and somehow a cup of tea beside this particular river tastes better than it has any right to.

Manbhawan River Resort - the café that makes this work for a half day

Right next to the riverbank on Maldevta Road is Manbhawan River Resort - not a resort to book into, but a café and sitting area overlooking the river. They have a proper sitting area to watch the river from above, parking, and a washroom where you can change out of wet clothes for a ₹10 fee. They also deliver food straight to the riverbank. Open until midnight.

Getting there

Maldevta Picnic Point is about 17-20 km from central Dehradun - roughly 17-18 km from Clock Tower. The road is motorable throughout but has uneven patches, noticeably worse during monsoon - the spot itself closes during that season due to water levels and road conditions.

Watch our visit