Dehradun is the gateway to the famous hill station of Mussoorie and the pilgrimage spots of Haridwar and Rishikesh. Dehradun became an elite town during the British times with many fine institutions like the Doon School, Welham School for girls and boys, Indian Millitary Academy (IMA) and Forest Research Institute (FRI) being established. Some of the prime tourist attractions include Tapkeshwar temple, Malsi Deer Park and Sahastradhara.
Location of Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand is located at the foothills of the Himalayas amidst the Shivalik ranges at an altitude of 2,200 feet above sea level. It is located in the Doon valley, 280 kilometers north of Delhi. Dehradun is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north, Shivalik Hills in the south, the river Ganga in the east, and the river Yamuna in the west.
What to see in Dehradun?
Tapkeshwar Temple: Situated on the banks of a rivulet, Tapkeshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an ancient place of worship. It is so named as water droplets originating form a rock falls on the Shivling placed in the shrine. It is best to visit in March during Shivratri celebrations.
Sahastradhara: Sahastradhara literally meaning the ‘thousand fold spring’ is located about 14kms from the city. People from far off places visit this sulphur spring as it is believed to have excellent healing properties. It also makes an ideal picnic spot with lots of lush green surroundings.
Forest Research Institute (FRI): Established as Imperial Forest Research Institute in 1906, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun, is a premier institution under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). Styled in Greeko Roman Architecture by C.G. Blomfield, the main building is a National Heritage which was inaugurated in 1929. More about FRIMalsi Deer Park: 8km from Dehradun enroute to Mussoorie is Malsi Deer Park. It is an excellent picnic spot where you can in fact see some deer nibbling at the green grass. But you should not go near them, as they would run away at the slightest alert.
Laxman Siddh: 12 kms from Dehradun is an ancient temple known as Laxman Siddh where it is believed that a sage underwent penance here.
Robber’s Cave: 8kms from Dehradun is another picnic spot called the Robber’s Cave which is famous for its picturesque surroundings. It is also famous for a strange phenomenon where a stream of water suddenly disappears from sight and reappears again after a few meters.Other places of interest near Dehradun include Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar
Excursions from Dehradun
Lacchiwala: Lacchiwala is located 22 kms from Dehradun, on the Hardwar/Rishikesh road. It is a beautiful picnic spot and the place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled in the greenery.
Rajaji National Park: Founded in 1966, Rajaji National Park covers an area of 820 sq.kms. Perched in the lush green valley of Shivalik, the park has a magnificent ecosystem. It has a mixed flora of chirpine forest, scrub land and grassy pasteur lands. There are 23 species of mammals and 315 of avi-fauna here.Dakpathar: Dakpathar, a beautiful tourist spot is 45 kms from Dehradun. It is located in the western Doon Valley, amidst the Shivalik range. Accommodation is available in a Tourist Rest House with swimming pool facilities.
Dhirdham Temple: Built along the lines of Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu, Dhirdham temple was built in 1939.
Observatory Hill: Situated on the Mall, this hill has significant religious importance because of a Mahakal temple worshipped both by Hindus and Buddhists.Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car: Also known as the Ropeway, Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is located about 3km north of the town. This ropeway connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley.
Accomodation selection in Dehradun
There are Sufficient options for all budgets in Dehradun. Hotel Ajanta Continental, Best Western Madhuban, Great Value Hotel, Hotel President, Hotel Aketa and Hotel Atithi are some of the best options available in Dehradun.
Best season to visit Dehradun
You can visit Dehradun all round the year but the summer months are quite hot.
How to reach Dehradun
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant about 24 kms from Dehradun.
By Rail: Dehradun is well connected by rail to other cities like Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi.
By Road: Dehradun is well connected by smooth roads from Mussoorie, Delhi and other parts of Uttarakhand and as well as other states.
