Quick answer: The Indian Military Academy (IMA) sits on Chakrata Road at Prem Nagar, Dehradun. Hotel Golden Leaf is on the same Chakrata Road, just a few kilometres west of the academy near Sudhowala — so families attending the Passing Out Parade (held every June and December) avoid crossing the city on parade morning. Book as soon as the date is announced, because hotels near IMA fill up quickly.

Few days are as emotional for an Indian family as the IMA Passing Out Parade (POP). Parents, grandparents and siblings travel to Dehradun from every corner of India — and from abroad — to watch their gentleman cadet take the antim pag (the final step) and walk out as an officer of the Indian Army. The last thing you want on that morning is to be stuck in traffic or scrambling for a room. This guide covers where to stay near IMA Dehradun, when to book, and what to plan for.

Looking for a comfortable, hygienic stay in Dehradun with in-house dining and dedicated parking? Book directly with Hotel Golden Leaf for the best guaranteed rates.

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When Is the IMA Passing Out Parade Held?

The Indian Military Academy holds its Passing Out Parades twice a year — once in June (Spring Term) and once in December (Autumn Term). The exact date is announced by the academy for each term, and it is usually a Saturday. Your cadet will receive the confirmed schedule and family entry details first, so check with them before booking travel.

Because hundreds of families arrive for the same weekend, rooms near the academy are usually the first to go. If you can, book your hotel the day the POP date is confirmed, and plan to arrive at least a day early.

Where Is IMA Dehradun Located?

The academy is spread across a large campus in the Doon Valley, with Chakrata Road (the Dehradun–Chakrata highway) running between its North and South campuses at Prem Nagar. That makes Chakrata Road the most practical area to stay for the parade. Hotels in the city centre, near Rajpur Road or the Clock Tower, can mean a slow drive across town on a morning when roads around the academy are already busy with security arrangements.

Why Families Choose Hotel Golden Leaf for the POP

  • On the same road as the academy — Hotel Golden Leaf is at 72, Chakrata Road, Sudhowala, roughly 4–5 km west of IMA. No cross-city driving on parade day.
  • Rooms for the whole family — Deluxe Rooms for couples, Premium Rooms with a King bed, and a Family Suite that sleeps up to 4 guests.
  • Secure on-site parking — useful if you are driving in from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana or Himachal.
  • 24x7 front desk and room service — for very early starts on parade morning and late arrivals the night before.
  • In-house restaurant — a proper family meal to celebrate the new officer without hunting for a table in town.
  • Banquet hall and lawn — if you want to host a small get-together or lunch for relatives after the commissioning, our banquet team can arrange it on the same property.

Parade-Day Checklist for Families

  • Entry passes: Family passes are arranged through the academy and your cadet. Confirm how many passes you have and who is named on them before you travel.
  • Photo ID: Carry an original government photo ID for every adult named on the pass.
  • Reach early: Expect security checks and restricted parking near the venue. Follow the reporting time printed on your pass and leave the hotel with plenty of margin.
  • Dress and weather: December mornings in Dehradun are cold, so pack warm layers; June can be hot and humid, so carry water and sun protection.
  • Follow instructions: Rules on bags, phones and cameras can change from term to term — always go by the instructions issued with your pass.

How to Reach IMA and Golden Leaf

Most families arrive via Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), Dehradun Railway Station or by road on the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway. Our detailed guide on how to reach Dehradun and Hotel Golden Leaf covers distances, travel times and tips for each option.

Make a Trip of It

If you are staying an extra day or two after the parade, the Forest Research Institute (FRI) is a short drive away, and Mussoorie is an easy day trip. See our 2-day Dehradun itinerary for ideas.

Coming for the June or December POP? Tell us your dates and how many family members are travelling, and we will suggest the right room mix. Call +91 99270 22080, message us on WhatsApp, or use our contact page to check availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hotel is closest to IMA Dehradun?

Hotels on Chakrata Road near Prem Nagar are the closest to the Indian Military Academy. Hotel Golden Leaf is on Chakrata Road at Sudhowala, roughly 4–5 km west of IMA, so families can reach the academy without driving through the city centre.

When is the IMA Passing Out Parade held?

The IMA holds its Passing Out Parade twice a year, in June and in December. The academy announces the exact date each term, so confirm it with your cadet before booking travel.

How early should I book a hotel for the IMA Passing Out Parade?

Book as soon as the parade date is confirmed. Hundreds of families arrive for the same weekend and hotels near IMA and Prem Nagar fill up quickly.

Does Hotel Golden Leaf have rooms for large families attending the POP?

Yes. Hotel Golden Leaf has Deluxe Rooms, Premium Rooms and a Family Suite that sleeps up to 4 guests, plus secure parking, a 24x7 front desk and an in-house restaurant.

Can we host a celebration lunch after the parade?

Yes. Hotel Golden Leaf has a banquet hall and lawn with in-house catering, suitable for a family lunch or small get-together after the commissioning.