Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is recently declared as the Provisional Capital of newly created Uttaranchal State in the month of Nov'2000. Dehradun is located at the center of the Doon Valley is a part of the Garhwal Himalayan region. Before it came under British rule, Dehradun was ruled by Katyuris of Garhwal and then by the Gorkhas of Nepal. An enchanting retreat to escape the retreat of summer Dehradun is an ideal hill station in North India. On your tours to Dehradun, you will notice that the city has retained its colonial flavor despite modern advancement. Due to the friendly nature of the people of Dehradun, the spectacular landscapes and highly developed infrastructure of the city a large number of people from across the world travel to Dehradun, having some wondrous sunset points, take tours of Dehradun and enjoy picnicking in the various places that will help you relax your tired minds and bodies.
Dehradun is today proud of its institutions like the Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools, ONGC, Indian Military Academy, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India etc. The Survey of India was established in 1767 and its greatest achievement was to determine the height of Mt. Everest.
Best Time to Visit:
To visit Dehradun is all through the year. Tourists may keep off days of hard winter and heavy snowfalls, usually in January.
Places of Interest:
Tapkeshwar Temple:
The temple is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area 5.5 kms. from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. The shrine of Lord Shiva called Tapkeshwar temple. It's the most important temple of Dehradun. Situated on the bank of a seasonal river, the temple looks like a picture postcard. The temple is called Tapkeshwar temple because of the natural dripping of water drops here inside the caves where the lingam is situated.
Sahastradhara:
Sahastradhara in Hindi literally means a thousand streams. 14 kms from Dehradun, these are the sulphur springs and a 9 metre high waterfall. A cave is formed at the base of the waterfall. Together all these make for a lovely picture and an excellent picnic spot. While some come here to just bathe and have fun in the falls, other are very serious about the medicinal properties of the water, which is believed to be curing people of ailments like polio. Not just that river Badli flowing close by is also believed to be infused with rejuvenating properties.
Lakshman Siddh:
12 kms. away from Dehradun, towards Rishikesh is a famous temple known as the Laxaman Siddh. Legend behind this place is that Lakshman underwent his penance for killing Ravana here
Sai Darbar:
located 8 kms. along the Clock Tower on Rajpur Roadm is the Sai Darbar temple. This place holds a high cultural and spirital value and is visited by tourist form across the country and foreigners as well. Tibetan Temple Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar is a huge and colourful temple of Lord Budha.
Shakya Centre:
Twelve km from Dehradun is this beautiful place. A Tibetan Gompa (temple) is the centre of attraction here. The Gompa is decorated with frescoes and presents a beautiful picture. The place has a sizeable Tibetan population and the place offers you glimpses of life in Tibet without you actually going there. There is another Gompa just five km from here.
Malsi Deer Park:
10 km from Dehradun is this sanctuary, an ideal picnic spot. Lying in the foothills of lesser Himalayas, this place has recently being developed and has come lately on the tourist map of Dehradun. There are some birds and animals here which make it a mini zoo - neelgai, ducks, deers etc. People usually stop by here on their way to Mussoorie.
Robbers Cave:
Locals also call the place, 8 kms from city center, Guchu Pani. The reason the place is famous for is the strange phenomena occurring here. There are some natural caves here, a stream of water goes underground and reappears after few metres. There are buses available up to Arnawala village and from it's a 1 km walk. The place is peaceful and quiet with some hills surrounding it.
Kalanga Monument:
situated on the right side of the Dehradun- Sahastradhara route, the kalanga monument recalls the story of the bravery of an 180 year old battle between the British and the Gokhas, perched on hill, 1000 feet over the banks of river Rispana, the monument represents the history of the rulers of Garhwal.
Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport, 25 km away, which is linked with flights to Delhi.
By Rail: It is connected among other places, to Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and other major cities.
By Road: Delhi: 235 kms, Haridwar: 54 kms, Rishikesh: 43 kms, Yamunotri: 174 kms, Kedarnath: 274 kms, Nainital: 297 kms and Mussoorie: 36 kms.
