Robber’s Cave is a river-cave formation close to Dehradun in the Uttarakhand state of India.
Robber’s Cave, near Dehradun
Robbers Cave, or Guchu Pani, is a 600-meter-long cave with many falls inside, with the highest fall having a height of 10 meters. The ruins of a fort wall structure inside the Cave, near the center, divide the Cave into two main parts.
The Cave is a natural cave formed on a highly narrow gorge in a limestone area. The Cave is dark in color, and the water inside the Cave is very cool and, hence, much sought after during summer.
This stream is known for its strange natural occurrence. The stream appears, then disappears, and again emerges. i.e., The stream waters in this Cave go underground for a few meters before reappearing.
Robber’s Cave is a calm and beautiful tourist place, a little away from the city’s hustle and bustle, and is a weekend getaway place for Dehradun residents.
The British found this Cave and named it. It is said that robbers made this Cave their den after looting people.
The Uttarakhand state government maintains the Guchu Pani cave.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Takpeshwar Temple, alias Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, is close to the Guchu Pani. There are two Shivlingas in this temple that came into existence naturally. This temple attracts a lot of Lord Shiva devotees.
Tapkeshwar Fair is an annual temple fair conducted during Shivratri.
Takpeshwar Temple is within the Garhi Cantonment area, around 5.5 kilometers from the heart of Dehradun. This temple is on the banks of the Tons River, inside a dripping cave known as Drona Cave.
Drona Cave got its name from Dronacharya, the great guru in the epic Mahabharata. Legend is that Dronacharya meditated in this cave to attain the required expertise in archery.
How Do I Go to Robber’s Cave?
Robbers Cave, or Guchu Pani or Guchhupani, is around eight kilometers from Dehradun city and easily accessible by road. You can go by bus up to Anarwala village, where you need to trek a distance of around one kilometer.
Roads, rail, and flights connect Dehradun to all parts of the country. Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to this cave. The nearest railway station to Robbers Cave State Park is Dehradun City. This cave is situated close to Doon Valley, a trekking paradise.
These caves are open to the public. 7 am to 6 pm are the visiting hours. It takes approximately two to three hours to visit Guchu Pani cave. April to October is the ideal season to visit this cave. A small entry fee will be paid to visit the Guchu Pani cave.