Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Dehradun also spelled Dehra Doon, is the capital city of the Uttarakhand state (earlier Uttaranchal) in India, and the headquarters of Dehradun District. Dehradun is located in the Doon valley, 230 kilometers north of India's capital New Delhi. The Dehradun district 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. The water divide of Ganga and Yamuna passes through the city. Dehradun is visited by a large number of tourist every year, many of them en-route to Mussoorie. The climate of the city is temperate. Even during summer, it is not so warm at Dehradun.
Dehradun is famous for its "Dehradooni basmati rice" and Lychee, besides it has always been known as the home of institutions like, Survey of India, Forest Research Institute (FRI), and educational institutions like, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Indian Military Academy (IMA), The Doon School, Welham Boys School, Welham Girls School and University of Petroleum & Energy Studies.
Climate of Dehradun
Summers are hot and temperature ranges between 27° C to 41° C while winters are pleasanter and may get cold as the temperature ranges from 9° C to 27° C.
Tourist Attractions in and Around Dehradun
Tapkeshwar Temple
The temple of Lord Shiva as the God of strict rituals of 'tap', it stands majestically on the outskirts of the city with a long flight of stairs to ascend. A picture-perfect beauty, There is a gushing river flowing by its sides that complement the main temple and other shrines studding the area with its pleasant cool waters. The best time to visit the place is in March, when a big fair is held here on Shivaratri.
Malsi Deer Park
8 km from the Dehradun city, Malsi Deer Park is on the road to Mussoorie. A good picnic spot, the park is home to the gentle and shy deer’s who can be seen nibbling at the grass from a distance but any effort to go near them alerts them instantly and they run off and disappear in the thick bushes of the park.
Sahastradhara
Sulphur springs have long been credited with unique healing powers for certain diseases both in the early eastern and the western medical sciences. 14 km from the centre of the city, Sahastradhara is such a place where one can see people coming from far off with their ailing loved ones in search of a natural cure. It also makes an excellent picnic spot with its lush green surroundings and foaming waterfall.
Robber's Cave
8 km from Dehra Dun, just beyond the Anarwala village, the famous Robber's Cave is a fabulous picnic spot, which is sure to delight the visitors. The best way to reach the place is to take a bus to the village and then stroll to the pace at a leisurely pace giving yourself time to take in the picturesque surroundings. It is known for a strange phenomenon as a stream of water suddenly disappears from sight at a point and then reappears again a few metres ahead as a squally stream.
Laxman Siddh
12 Kms. Away from Dehradun towards Hardwar/Rishikesh is a famous temple known as the Laxman Siddh. Legend has it that a sage underwent penance over here. Due to easy accessibility the temple is visited by a large number of people especially on Sundays.
Chandrabani
Situated 7 Kms from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Delhi road is the famous temple of Chandrabani(Gautam Kund). According to the mythological beliefs, this spot was inhabited by Maharishi Gautam, his wife and daughter Anjani who are widely worshipped by the people. It is believed that the daughter of heaven-Ganga had manifested herself on this spot which is now popularly known as the Gautam Kund. Every year devotes, in large numbers, take a dip in the holy Kund. 2 Kms away from the main road, located in the midst of Shivalik hills, the place is a beautiful tourist spot.
Sai Darbar
Situated 8 Kms along the Clock Tower on Rajpur Road, is the Sai Darbar Temple. This place holds a high cultural and spiritual value and is visited by tourists from across the country and foreigners as well.
Tibetan Temple
Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar Temple is a huge and colourful temple of Lord Buddha.
Lachhiwala
3 Kms from Doiwala and 22 Kms from Dehradun, on the Hardwar/Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. The serene and blissful spot is famous for its picnic spots. The place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled in the greenery.
Santala Devi Temple
About 15 Kms from Dehradun to reach the famous temple of Santaula Devi, one can utilize the bus facilities till Jaitunwala, then it is a 2 Kms drive to Punjabiwala by a jeep or any light vehicle and further it is a 2 kms trek to the temple. The temple stands as a symbol of the faith people have in the temple and has a great cultural and religious significance. Santla Devi, alongwith her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the Mughal Army , abandoned their weapons and began to pray. A light flickered and within moments they both were transformed into stone images. It is within the fort that the shrine was built and Saturdays marks the transformation of the Goddess into stone.
Tapowan
Approximately, 5 kms from the City Bus Stand on the Dehradun-Rajpur road, this place is situated in beautiful surroundings. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharya had done penance in this area.
Assan Barrage Water Sports Resort
A water sports resort has been developed at the Asan Barrage by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in the year 1994. Asan Barrage was created in 1967 and it is popularly known as Dhalipur Lake. Situated 43 kms from Dehradun on Chandigarh-Shimla highway, the resort offers facilities like water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing etc. Wildlife lovers have an added bonus during the winter season as migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 820 sq.kms, the park with it’s magnificent ecosystem, is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges. It represents the flora of several zones of the forest, reverine, broad leaf mixed forest, chirpine forest, scrub land and grassy pasture lands. There are 23 species of mammals and 315 of avi-fauna here. Best Tourist season is between November to mid June.
Shopping in Dehradun
It is pleasure to walk through the colorful and lively markets of Dehra Dun for curios and warm woolen clothes in beautiful hues and styles. The most famous shopping spts are Paltan Bazaar with its maze of streets and alleys, a fascinating market close to the Clock Tower, Rajpur Road and the Ashley Hall region of Dehra Dun.
How To Reach Dehradun
By Air: The nearest Jolly Grant Airport is 25 km from Dehradun. It is connected to Delhi with Indian Airlines having five flights a week from Delhi to this airport.
By Train: Dehradun is well linked to all the major cities of the state by trains. There are direct daily trains that come here from Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow and other places. The most notable ones are Shatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express and the Doon Express.
By Road: Well connected by good and smooth roads and there are daily bus services that connect Dehra Dun to Mussoorie and Delhi.
Local Transport Services: Private Bus Services, tempos (vikrams), auto rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws and taxis.
Information about other Excursions from Mussoorie
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