Fast Facts
Location : Uttaranchal
Attractions : Tapowan, Tapkeshawar Temple, Chandrabani,
Sai Darbar Temple, Tibetan Temple, Robber's Cave, Malsi Deer Park,
Sahastradhara, Laxman Siddh, Santala Devi Temple, Forest Research Institute,
Indian Military Academy etc.
Best Time To Visit : November to April
Introducing Dehradun
Dehradun,
also known as the 'Abode of Drona' is the capital of newly created state of
Uttaranchal or Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Great Indian Himalayan ranges,
the charming city of Dehradun attracts thousands of tourists from Indian and
abroad as well. Situated in north-west corner of the state, Dehradun is
bounded on the north and north-west by Uttarkashi district, on the east by
Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal districts and in the south by Saharnpur
district (Uttar Pradesh).
One of the oldest cities of India, Dehradun had been mentioned in Ashoka's
inscriptions that dates back to 250 BC, which you can even today find
outside the city. Dehradun remained an important centre for Garhwal rulers
later the British captured the area and developed it as a hill station.
Apart from a hill resort, Dehradun is also the headquarters of several
National Institutes and Organizations such as ONGC, Forest Research
Institute, Survey of India etc. Dehradun is home to some of India's noted
educational and training institutes like Indian Military Academy, Indira
Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Rashtriya Indian Military College
(RIMC) etc.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, a common traveller or looking for a
spiritual vacation, Dehradun offers everything according to your choice. So,
visit the beautiful hill station of Dehradun this vacation to surrender
yourself completely to mother nature and enjoy a holiday of lifetime.
How to Reach
By Air : Dehradun has its own domestic airport, Jolly
Grant Airport which is 25 kms away from the city centre. Flights are
available to and from Delhi airport, which is the nearest international
airport. Delhi airport has flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai etc and foreign countries.
By Train : Dehradun railway station in the main railhead
which has trains from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. A number of important
trains also connect Dehradun with Varanasi, Lucknow and Mussoorie. If you
are visiting Dehradun from Delhi then Shatabdi Express is the best option
for you, other good option is the Mussorie Express.
By Bus : National Highways, State Highways and good
motorable roads connect Dehradun with rest of the country. Regular buses ply
to Dehradun from Delhi and other important cities of Uttaranchal. Distances
of few major cities from Dehradun are Delhi (235 km), Agra (381 km), Jaipur
(493 km) and Lucknow (582 km).
Places Where You Can Stay
Plenty of accommodation options are available in the town of Dehradun. You
may stay in private hotels, government run guesthouses or in dharmshalas as
per your requirements and budget. As Dehradun is a most visited hill
stations of India, so don't forget to book your accommodation well in
advance. Some of the famous hotels of Dehradun include Best Western Hotel
Madhuban (4 Star), Hotel Great Value (3 Star), Hotel MJ Residency (3 Star),
Hotel Aketa (3 Star), Hotel President (2 Star) and Hotel Relax (2 Star).
Tourist Attractions in Dehradun
Tapowan : Tapowan is located 5 kms away from the city bus
stand on the Dehradun - Rajpur Road. Set amidst the beautiful natural
surroundings, this place has an interesting legend linked to Guru
Dronacharya.
Tapkeshawar Shiv Temple : Situated in the Garhi Cantt.
area, Tapkeshawar Temple is an ancient place of worship. Just 5.5. kms away
from city bus stand, the temple is easily accessible by road. Large number
of people visit the temple during the occasion of Shivratri to participate
in the fair and pay their obeisance to the presiding deity.
Chandrabani : A famous temple, Chadrabani Temple (Gautam
Kund) is situated at a distance of 7 kms from Dehradun on the Dehradun -
Delhi road. Legend has it that this place was inhabited by Maharishi Gautam,
his wife and daughter who are even today worshipped by the people. Every
year thousands of devotees visit this temple to take a holy dip in the Kund.
Forest Research Institute : One of the biggest forest
based training institute in India, Forest Research Institute is located 7
kms away from Clock Tower on the Dehradun-Chakrata road. Established in the
year 1906, the Forest Research Institute is one of the oldest institute of
its kind and highly acclaimed all over the world. Situated in a lush green
estate of over 450 hactres, the Forest Research Institute houses a Botanical
Museum for the tourists.
Indian Military Academy : Indian Military Academy is
situated at a distance of 8 kms from the city centre on Dehradun-Chakrata
Road. A premier training institute for Army Officer, the Indian Military
Academy is functional from 1st October 1932. Main tourist attractions
include War Memorial, Museum, Library. Shooting Demonstration Room, 18 holes
Golf Course and Arms and ammunition.
Sai Darbar Temple : Sai Darbar Temple is located 8 kms
away from the town along the Clock Tower on Rajpur Road. Due to high
cultural and spiritual importance, Sai Darbar attracts large number of
tourists from India and the world as well.
Tibetan Temple (Buddha Temple) : Just adjacent to the Sai
Darbar Temple is the Tibetan Temple. Dedicated to Lord Buddha this temple is
also visited by tourists and locals in large number.
Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) : Located 8 kms away from the
bus terminal, the Robber's Cave is a perfect picnic spot. To visit this
place you have to take local bus up to Anarwala village, from where a trek
of one kilometre will take you to this spot.
Malsi Deer Park : Just 10 kms away from Dehradun, Malsi
Deer Park is a beautifully developed mini-zoological park. Set at the
foothills of the Shivalik range, Malsi Deer Park also has a children's park
flanked by splendid natural surroundings.
Sahastradhara : A major tourist attraction, Sahastradhara
is located 11 kms away from Dehradun. Sahastradhara is an ideal picnic spot
and it is thronged by people in large number. The waterfall at Sahastradhara
is 9 mts high, the river Baldi and caves provide it a spectacular view. The
Sulphur spring is another attraction here, people believe that the water of
the spring possess medicinal properties and cure skin infections.
Laxman Siddh : Laxman Siddh is a popular temple which lies
12 kms away from Dehradun. According to a legend a sage underwent penance
over the temple site. Large number of people visit this temple, especially
on Sundays.
Santala Devi Temple : A popular tourist destination,
Santala Devi Temple is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Dehradun. You
can take a bus till Jaitunwala, then take a jeep drive to Punjabiwala, from
where you have to take a trek of 2 kms to reach the temple. Santala Devi
Temple is a place of religious and cultural significance and it draws people
from far and near.
Tourist Attractions around Dehradun
Lachhiwala : Lachhiwala lies at a distance of 22 kms from
Dehradun on the Haridwar - Rishikesh road. Apart from a beautiful picnic
spot, Lachhiwala also provides pleasant accommodation to tourists in its
beautiful Forest Rest House.
Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort : A famous water sports
resort, Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort was developed by Garhwal Mandal
Vikas Nigam in the year 1994. Popularly known as Dhalipur Lake, this resort
is situated on Chandigarh - Shimla highway. Here you can enjoy water sports
like water skiing, rowing, kayaking, boating, conoeing etc. During the
winters you can see large number of migratory birds here.
Dakpathar : A picturesque tourist spot, Dakpathar is
located 45 kms away from Dehradun in the western Doon Valley amidst the
magnificent Shivalik range. Developed under the Yamuna Hydel Scheme,
Dakpathar is easily reachable by bus and train.
Rajaji
National Park : Established in the year 1966, the Rajaji National
Park spreads over an area of 820 sq. kms. Nestled in the lush green valley
of Shivalik ranges, the park houses a variety of floral and faunal species
including 23 species of mammals and 315 bird species.
Mussoorie : A famous hill station of north India,
Mussoorie is located at a distance of 34 kms from Dehradun. Popularly known
as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Mussoorie offers a breathtaking view of the
Himalayan snow capped peaks and lush Doon Valley. Some of the major
attractions of Mussoorie are Camel's back road, Mussoorie lake, Gun hill,
Kempty Fall and Vinod Mountain Quail Sanctuary.
Haridwar : One
of the major pilgrimage centres of India, Haridwar is the gateway to
Chardham (four pilgrimage destinations) of Uttaranchal. Situated at a
distance of 45 kms from Dehradun, the town houses the major attractions like
the Har ki Pauri ghats, Mansa Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Bharat
Mata Temple.
Rishikesh :
Rishikesh, often referred to as the 'place of sages' is a spiritual town
located 24 kms away from Haridwar. Apart from a pilgrimage destination,
Rishikesh is also an ideal destination for people who are interested in yoga
and meditation. For adventure enthusiasts Rishikesh offers adventure options
like trekking and rafting. Major tourist highlights of Rishikesh include the
Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhoola, Raghunath Temple, Ashrams and Yoga Centres.
Shopping in Dehradun
Any trip to a tourist destination is incomplete without some shopping
activities. Dehradun is one such destination from where you can't return
without buying gifts or sourvenirs for family members, relatives or friends.
Among the variety of items, the traditional handicrafts is a must buy in
Dehradun. In addition to handicrafts, you will find the specialties of
Uttaranchal in the bazaars of Dehradun. Some of the specialties of
Uttaranchal include the local paintings and ornaments, woodcrafts prepared
by the local artisans, artifacts and utilities made from bamboo and cane.
Apart from these, don't forget to buy woolen garments like sweaters, shawls,
cardigans made by the Tibetan women which are available at the bazaar round
the year. Paltan Bazaar is the main shopping centre of Dehradun, other
popular shopping places are Rajpur Road and Ashley Hall areas.
