Kimadi or Maldevta: Which is Better for a Short Trip from Dehradun

If you are looking for a short escape from Dehradun, Kimadi and Maldevta are two places worth considering. These can be covered as a quick outing, but you can reach them through different parts of the city. Kimadi is visited via Mussoorie-Kimadi Road, while Maldevta is reached through Raipur-Maldevta Road.

Both places are natural and less developed, that makes them more about enjoying the surroundings rather than tourist facilities and attractions.

Here, you will find what to expect from both places to help you decide which one is better for your short outing.

Quick Summary: Kimadi Vs Maldevta

Which is Better Kimadi or Maldevta?

There is no single winner. The better choice depends on what kind of outing you are looking for, how much time you have and who you are travelling with.

• Choose Kimadi if the drive, hills, views and peaceful surroundings are the main reason for your outing.
• Choose Maldevta if you want greenery, water-side surroundings and a place where you can spend several relaxed hours with friends or family.

How a Day Outing in Kimadi is Different from Maldevta?

Kimadi is about the journey as much as the destination. Drive towards hills, stop at various places to enjoy views and take photographs. There is no long list of attractions to fill the day. Journey through hill road, quieter surroundings, river streams and mountains are large part of the experience. You can also visit Kimadi Waterfall which requires a short trail, but avoid going there during monsoons. 

Prefer Kimadi if you simply want to get out of Dehradun, drive towards the hills and enjoy the day without following a fixed itinerary.

Maldevta is more about spending time at the destination. Maldevta offers a different kind of outing, with green surroundings and Song River water forming a major part of the experience. Here, Locals often visit with family and friends for picnic, take short walks and spend relaxed time around the riverside.

Visitors also get into the river to cool-off, If you plan to get in, check the weather first because during monsoons water flow is strong.

Prefer Maldevta if you want to reach one place, settle in and enjoy time with your group rather than spending the day driving around.

How Much Time Do You Need for Kimadi and Maldevta?

For Kimadi- Around 2-3 hours are enough for a short outing if you mainly want to enjoy the drive, views, photographs and some walking. But if you are planning to explore waterfall it may take longer.

For Maldevta- It depends, around 2-4 hours works well if you are planning a picnic, spending time around the river and taking a short walk. For a relaxed outing with family or friends, you can easily spend longer here.

Can You Visit Both Places in One Day?

Yes, it is possible to visit Kimadi and Maldevata in one day as both are within a short drive from Dehradun. If you want to explore multiple places and make most of your day you can combine them.

However, if you want to spend a relaxed day, visiting just one is a better option.

How Are the Roads to Kimadi and Maldevta?

Kimadi Road: The road to Kimadi becomes narrower and more winding as you continue towards the hills. The road is well-paved, but the final section through the forest can feel more like a typical hill road. Drive slowly around bends and avoid stopping at narrow sections.

Maldevta Road: Drive to Maldevta is comparatively easier, with a mostly paved road and gentler bends. After rainfall, conditions can change, especially around the river and lower-lying sections.

During monsoons, rain can affect both routes. Landslides usually happens on Kimadi road, while water level around Maldevta can rise quickly making the travelling risky.

Are Parking, Food and Basic Facilities Available?

Neither Kimadi nor Maldevta has the kind of facilities as these are not developed tourist areas, so it’s better to go prepared for both.

• Parking: No proper parking available. Park at roadside at both places. Finding a suitable place can be harder on busy weekends. Avoid leaving your vehicle on narrow sections of the road.
• Food: You can find small food stalls, tea or Maggi around both areas, but options are very limited compared with Dehradun. If you are travelling with family or planning to stay for several hours, carry some snacks with you.
• Washrooms: Public toilet facilities are limited, so do not depend on finding a clean restroom at the destination.
• Water: Carry your own drinking water rather as the shops may not be available around both Kimadi and Maldevta.

Are Kimadi and Maldevta Usually Crowded?

Kimadi is generally quieter. Couples, bikers and small groups usually stop along the way to enjoy the views. It can get busier on weekends and during pleasant weather but mostly it remains quieter.

Maldevta usually has a more social crowd than Kimadi, especially during some weekends. But mostly it retains quieter surroundings. You may find families, friends, and local people there spending time and enjoying picnic near the river.

Both places are surrounded by the hills and greenery, but each has its own natural highlight. Kimadi has its waterfall and mountain surroundings, while Maldevta is known for the Song River, where visitors often spend time in water and relaxing riverside.

If you want a hill drive and waterfall, choose Kimadi. If you want to spend long hours by the river, choose Maldevta.

Looking for more ideas for a short outing? From waterfalls, hill towns to nature spots, there are many places to explore around Dehradun. See our guide to places to visit near Dehradun within 100 km.