FASCINATING DEHRADUN

Dehradun

Nested in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is recently declared as the Provisional Capital of newly created Uttaranchal (Now Uttarakhand) State in the month of Nov’2000. Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always been an important center for Garhwal rulers which was captured by the British.

Fascinating history and intriguing mythology meet at the crossroads of this beautiful hill-station, one of the most popular in the country. Just 240 km from Delhi, nestled in the rolling Doon Valley and at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is surrounded by high mountains and lush Sal forests. Known for its pleasant year-round weather and scenic surroundings, the city is a gateway to several popular hill-stations like Mussoorie and pilgrimage sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The moment you step in the city the first thing that catches your eyes here is its picturesque unbeatable beauty and the perfect amalgamation of the city and hilly culture. Located at an altitude of 960m, Dehradun has earned accolades for being a perfect place to get respite from the hustle-bustle and scorching heat of the plains below. Its close proximity to the other much popular surrounding destinations such as Auli, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Nainital also adds to its charm.

This place possesses a strong connection with the Hindu mythological characters Rama and Laxmana who are believed to perform an atonement in Doon Valley. According to a popular legend 'Pandava brothers of Mahabharata' took a rest here while they were on the way to the top of the mountains.

The great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka ruled the city during the 1st century BC. Even a rock edict of this ruler still exists just outside the town near Kalsi. Times passed and the rule of the city too passed from one hand to another that included Sikhs, Mughals, Gurkhas and finally to the British. You can easily observe that some of the parts of the city are still British in style in character. Since the British era ended, after independence, the city has drastically changed itself from a small, quiet town to a commercial and educational center that is also a bustling tourist destination from the world over.

Dehradun is a trendy hilly tourist destination with its impeccable beauty and charismatic sceneries would not let you unimpressed once you step down on its land. Whether you are a traveller, an adventure seeker, looking for romantic escapes or are just in search of a spiritual adobe, the city has a lot to offer to everyone. Along with other tourist spots, famous scientific museums and lush green sprawling parks, Dehradun is adorned with several famous historic buildings that have great architectural value and a number of temples that have spell binding beauty and at the same time are considered to be very auspicious.  If you visit the city, keep a tourist map at hand, it would prove to be a great boon while travelling within the city. Dehradun has a subtropical climate with cool winters, hot summers and heavy monsoons. The city also receives a good amount of snowfall during winters which is a major attraction for tourists.

WHEN TO VISIT

Dehradun is pleasant throughout the year but is ideal from March to June and October to December. Summer temperature peaks at 36°C and the mercury dips to 5°C in winters.

If you are looking forward to a memorable vacation, the best time to visit Dehradun is from the month of March to June. It is when Dehradun enjoys the summer season and the weather is pleasant and clear. One can plan an exciting retreat to this quaint hill station in the state of Uttarakhand during this time and enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

One of the top hill stations in India, Dehradun is an ideal getaway to enjoy with family and friends. With a great mix of natural attractions, this destination shows new glory and colors in monsoon and winter months as well. One is always spoilt for choices when they are in Dehradun, say any year. There are numerous tourist attractions that one can see in Dehradun like Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Mindrolling Monastery, Lacchiwala etc. which are almost reachable throughout the year long.

Lying in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is a soothing retreat which can be visited at any time of the year. An ideal season for a trip to Dehradun is the summer season when the climate is pleasant. It is also worth visiting during the monsoon and autumn season. Winters are not advisable as Dehradun remains cold but does not offer snow like its sister-towns.

ATTRACTIONS

The Forest Research Institute वन अनुसन्धान संस्थान is a Natural Resource Service training institute of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and is an institution in the field of forestry research in India for Indian Forest Service cadres and all State Forest Service cadres. 

FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Robber's Cave, locally known as Gucchu Pani, is a river cave formed in the Himalayas, about 8 kilometres from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This river cave is believed to be an abode of Lord Shiva and is very close to Sahastradhara or 'The Thousandfold Springs' in Uttarakhand. Its speciality is that river water flows out from the middle of the cave.

The cave is a narrow gorge formed between a conglomerate limestone formation. It creates a feeling similar to being in a scene from a mystery movie - surrounded by dark limestone as streams gush in, echoing inside the cave. If not this, it definitely promises a sense of belongingness as Mother Nature slows you down, making you resonate with its mesmerising beauty.

ROBBERS CAVE

Buddha Temple is regarded as one of the largest Buddhist centers in India. Buddhists have built it with the motive to preserve and promote Tibetan culture in India.

BUDDHA TEMPLE

Rajaji National Park is an Indian national park and tiger reserve that encompasses the Shivaliks, near the foothills of the Himalayas. It is spread over 820 km²., and three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal.

RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK

Approximately 18 km from Dehradun, Sahastradhara, which is a small tourist attraction for caves and waterfalls, is a hub for travelers from all over India. Sahastradhara, literal meaning thousand fold of spring, is a large collection of water pools, where water drips from limestone stalactites, turning it to sulfur springs. Taking a bath in Sahastradhara is considered as auspicious as the water contains some medicinal properties, which can heal anyone suffering from ailments like muscle ache, poor blood circulation, acne and even arthritis. 

SAHASTRADHARA

George Everest House is situated about 6 kms from Gandhi Chowk and one of the major tourist attractions in Mussoorie which is secluded and peaceful. It offers spectacular views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and panoramic views of the Doon Valley.

GEORGE EVEREST

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