Places to Visit in Dehradun Uttarkhand India
Dehra Dun, the capital of Uttarkhand sprawls in the foot hills of Himalayas at the centre of the 120km long Doon valley. The name Dehra Dun is literally made up of two words where Dera (Camp) and Dun (Valley). The beautiful town referred as the ‘gateway’ to Mussoorie and Garhwal interior is perhaps one of the oldest cities in India. It was occupied in turn by the Sikhs, Mughals and Gurkhas before coming under the reigns of the British. Elite educational and other institutions were established during the British period. Dehra Dun is today proud of its institutions like the Forest Research Institute, Doon and Welham Schools, ONGC, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, Sruvey of India and Botanical Survey of India etc. Dehra Dun is also famous for aromatic long grain rice basmati and delicious lychees.
Dehradun City
Dehradun is situated in the newly formed Himalayan state of Uttaranchal, around 235km from Delhi at the centre of Doon valley. The city has the Himalayas to its north, the Shivalik range to its south, the sacred Ganges to its east and the Yamuna to its west.
Climate
The temperature hovers between 44.5°C and 16.7°C in the summers. While in the winters, Dehradun becomes very cold with the temperature varying between 23.6°C and 5.4°C.
History
A popular legend says that Guru Dronacharaya, a Brahmin teacher of warfare, considered the place fit for meditation and worship and therefore, the valley of Doon was christened Drona Ashram, meaning, "The Abode of Drona". During the British Raj, It was the summer base of the Viceroy's Bodyguard and a present, the base of the Indian Military Academy.
Dehradun Tourist Place in Uttarkhand India
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India. Also known as the 'Abode of Drona', Dehradun has always been an important centre of the Garhwal rulers which was captured by the British. The headquarters of many National Institutes like ONGC are located in the city. Dehradun has some very famous temples. The place also offers excellent hiking trails and mountain adventures. Some of the famous institutes in Dehradun are the Anthropological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Indian Military Academy, etc. Dehradun is famous for its woolen garments and these are sold at a very reasonable price here. Dehradun is well connected with New Delhi by road, rail and air.
Assan Barrage (40km)
The wetland near the confluence of rivers Assan and Yamuna attracts a large number of migratory birds and is an ‘ornithologist’s paradise’.
Mussoorie (35km)
Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’ perched at a height of 2000 metres is one of the most popular hill resorts of India. It was founded in 1823, by Captain Young, an adventurous British army officer. Mussoorie is well connected by road and is the ‘gateway’ to Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines.
Gun Hill
This second highest peak of Mussoorie had a gun mounted over it, which was fired to herald mid-day. A 400m long ropeway connects the Mall to Gun Hill.
Children’s Lodge
It is the highest peak of Mussoorie and has a telescope which provides an awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and the Doon valley.
Camel’s Back Road
It is a charming pony trek or walks which girdles the northern base of Gun Hill. A fine view of sun-set can be enjoyed from here.
Municipal Garden
Beautiful garden and scenic picnic spot has an artificial lake with boating facilities.
Nag Devta Temple
The ancient temple on Cart Road is 6km from the town and is popular among devout followers, who believe that wishes are fulfilled here.
The Jheel
Fine picnic spot on Dehra Dun – Mussoorie road.
Clouds End
The beautiful bungalow surrounded by lush deodar forest was one of the first four buildings of Mussoorie. It has now been converted into a hotel.
Kempty Falls (15km)
The picturesque waterfall is a popular attraction of Mussoorie.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple is an ancient place of worship and is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantonment area, 5.5Km from the city bus stand. The temple is well connected by road, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivaratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara, literally meaning, the 'thousand fold spring' is situated at a distance of 11km from Dehradun. The place makes an ideal picnic spot and is of immense attraction to visitors. The Baldi River and the caves provide a breathtaking view. The water here has a fall of about 9 metres and leaves an incrustation of lime of all its touches. Particles thus accumulating over the centuries have formed a projecting ledge, and a sort of cave, from the roof of which falls a perpetual shower. There is also a sulphur spring in which visitors often take bath. Its water is said to cure skin infections and possess other medicinal properties.
Laxman Siddh
12km 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.
Malsi Deer Park
10km from Dehradun, enroute Mussoorie is situated a beautifully developed tourist spot lying at the foothills of the Shivalik range. Malsi Deer Park is a mini-zoological park comprising of a children's park enveloped by beautiful, natural surroundings.
Chandrabani
Situated 7km from Deharadun 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 haven, Ganga had manifested herself on this spot which is now popularly known as the Gautam Kund. Every year devotees, in large numbers, take a dip in the holy Kund. 2km away from the main road, located in the midst of the Shivalik Hills, the place is a beautiful tourist spot.
Sai Darbar
Situated 8km 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 tourist from across the globe.
Tibetan Temple
Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar, is a huge and colorful temple of Lord Buddha, popularly called the Tibetan Temple.
Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
An ideal place for a picnic, Robber's Cave is just 8km away from the City Bus Stand.
Santala Devi Temple
About 15km from Dehradun to reach the famous temple of Santala Devi, one can utilize the bus facilities till Jaitunwala. Then it is a 2km drive to Punjabiwala by a Jeep or any light vehicle and further it is a 2km trek to the temple. The temple stands as a symbol of faith people have in the temple and has a great cultural and religious significance. Santla Devi, along with her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face theMughal 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 shine was built and Saturdays marks the transformation of the Goddess into stone.
Lachhiwala
About 22km from Dehradun, on the Hardwar/Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. The serene and blissful spot is famous for is picnic spots. The place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest Housed nestled in the greenery.
Bhagirathi Resort
An 18km drive along the Chakrata road, Bhaggirathi Resort at Selaqui, Dehradun lends a breathtaking spectacle of the Himalayan ranges. The resort lures the tourists with its tranquil swimming pool, water slides and fountains.
Tapowan
Approximately, 5km 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.
Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort
A water sport resort has been developed at the Asan Barrage by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in the year 1994. Asan Barrage was created in 1976 and it is popularly known as Dhalipur Lake. Situated 43km from Dehradun on Chandigarh-Shimla highway, the resort offers facilities like water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing etc.
Dakpathar
About 45km from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a beautiful tourist spot in the western Doon Valley, amidst the Shivalik range. Dakpathar has emerged a wonderful tourist spot under the Yamuna Hydel Scheme. The place is connected by a regular bus service from the Parade Ground and Highway Bus Stand near the Railway station, Dehradun. Accommodation is available in a Tourist Rest House with swimming pool facilities.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 820sqkm. The park with its 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, scrubland and grassy pasture lands. There are about 23 species of mammals here. The Rajaji National Park is named after Late Shri C.Rajgopalachari, popularly known as 'Rajaji'.
Festivals
Jhanda Fair
Dehradun celebrates the Jhanda Fair on the fifth day after Holi every year in March/April. The fair honors Guru Ram Rai who arrived in Dehradun in 1699 on the sad day. He built a gurudwara called Guru Ram Rai Durbar and hoisted his flag on it. he followers come together and the flag is ceremoniously unfurled at the Jhanda Chowk of Dehradun.
Shivratri Fair
The Tapkeshwar temple of dehradun celebrates the Shivaratri Fair with much fervour. Devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati throng the Tapkeshwar Temple during the annual Shivratri Fair. Then there is the Lakhawar Fair that is celebrated in the Lakhawar village during the months of September-October every year. Dance, music, and sports competitions mark the celebrations of all the fairs in Dehradun.
Dehradun City Map