Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand is situated 236 km north of New Delhi, India’s capital. Dehradun serves as an entrance to the remarkable hill station of Mussoorie and Haridwar and Rishikesh, the famous pilgrimage sites. Some of India’s finest schools including Welham School for girls and boys, Doon School and Indian Military Academy and Forest Research Institute institutions are located here. One of India’s oldest cities, Dehradun is mentioned as a section of “Kedar Khand” the abode of Lord Shiva in Skanda Purana. It is believed that here Lord Rama along with his brother expressed their repentance for killing Ravana.
The district of Dehradun was merged in the Garwhal division in 1968 after taking it out from Meerut Division. Dehradun city is the headquarters of Dehradun district. Encompassed with the Shivalk Hills, Yamuna and Ganga in the north, west and east, the city boasts of numerous tourist sites including Tapkeshwar Shiv temple. It is named after the droplets coming from a rock-fall on the Shivling that is placed in the temple. 14 kms from the Dehradun city, a sulphur spring called Sahastradhara is situated. Sahastradhara simply means a thousand fold springs.
Just 8kms from Dehradunon on the way to Mussoorie, is the Malsi Deer Park, an exciting picnic spot and especially for children. Also, situated just 8Kms from Dehradun is the Robber’s Cave one more significant picnic spot. The Buddhist Tibetan temple located on Rajpur road is vivid site. Also situated just 15kms from Dehradun is the Shantaula Devi temple. During your stay in Dehradun, you can take a short trip to Lacchiwala, an admirable picnic site, Rajaji National Park, house of numerous of flora and fauna and Dakpathar which is located merely 45kms from Dehradun. Dehradun is also home for some significant fairs like the Shaheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair, Mahasu Devta Fair, Laxmansidh Fair, Bissu Fair, Jhanda Fair and Tapkeshwar Fair.
Dehradun City features numerous captivating shopping complexes where curios and woolen clothes can be purchased.
Places to see in Dehradun
Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple, one of the numerous tourist spots in Dehradun and it derives its name from water droplets emanating from a rock falls on the Shivling situated in the temple. Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India and is home for Sahastradhara, a sulphur spring situated about 14km from the city. Simply meaning, thousand fold springs, Sahastradhara draws large number of journeyers to Dehradun. Situated 8kms from Dehradun is the Malsi Deer Park.
The Malsi Deer Park, Kalanga monument, Tapkeshwar temple, Chandrabani, Siddh, Forest Research Institute, Gucchupani, Santala Devi Temple, Tapovan, Wadia Institute and Central Braille Press are some of the landing-places and tourist attractions in Dehradun.
The tourism spots can be bifurcated in to four or five ranges:
- Institution
- Sanctuary
- Museums
- Nature
- Sports
Must visit Places in Dehradun
The Hill stations are renowned for their beautiful characteristics, the temples attracts congregation of people for its faith amplitude, animal and bird lovers are captivated by the sanctuary. Chakrata, Dakpathar, Sahastradhara and Mussoorie are among the close-at-hand hill stations. Dehradun is also home for the acclaimed Lakhamandal temple, Tapkeshwar temple and Santala Devi temple.
The Doon Ice Rink located at Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, Raipur is a prime sport tourism spot. The vast ice arena is the first in India and has hosted ice hockey tournaments and skating competitions in addition to the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia.
Other prime tourist attractions in Dehradun
- Jwalaji Temple
- Sahastradhara
- Santaura Devi Temple
- Bhadraj Temple
- Lacchiwala, Robber’s Cave
- Rajaji National Park
- The Kalinga War Memorial
- The Museum Forest Research Institute
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Chetwoode Hall
- The Indian Military Academy
- Clock Tower at Rajpur Road
- Ram Rai Darbar
- Sai Darbar Temple
- The Char Siddhs
Dehradun – Geographical location
Situated in the Doon Valley at the base of the Himalayas settled amidst of two Indian omnipotent rivers – the Ganges on the eastern side and the Yamuna on the western side, Dehradun derives its fame for its beautiful vista affable climate. It is well-connected to Mussorie, Auli and Nainital, famous Himalayan tourist spots. Dehradun is in contiguity to the Hindu holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar. It is also in proximity to the Himalayan pilgrimage ambit of Char Dham.
Climate – Perfect time to visit Dehradun
Dehradun is year round attraction for journeyers and tourists hailing from various parts of the world with chilly winters, hot summers and tepid monsoon.
March to June – Dehradun Summers
With a maximum temperature of 35°C and minimum of 17°C, this is the most preferred time of the year by tourists to visit Dehradun.
July to September – Dehradun Monsoons
During this is the period delicate to intermediate rainfall, enhances the beauty of Dehradun.
December to February – Dehradun Winters
Snowfalls are common element during this period. Dehradun has a maximum of 22°C and a minimum of 3°C during this season.
Hotels and Accommodation in Dehradun
Ranging from low cost economical to luxury deluxe (1 Star,2 Star, 3 Star, 4 Star and 5 Star) hotels, Dehradun offers a wide range of heritage hotels, homestays and resorts.
Some of the Hotels are listed below –
Hotel Aanandan Residency
Started in 2008, Aanandan Residency offers budget rates and better services to journeyers’ business groups. Located centrally in Dehradu, Hotel Aanandan is merely 2 Kms away from the railway station. Just 2 Kms away is main market and Dehradun main bus station (ISBT) is situated 4 Kms away.
Aketa
Aketa is a 3 Star Hotel in Dehradun offering scenes, environ and rooms. Aketa offers an accommodation to suit all budget. It features state-of-the-art spa / health-clubs offering steam, sauna bath. Located 26 Kms from Jolly Grant Airport, 3 Kms from Circuit House and 5 Kms from Railway Station.
Amrit Regency
It offers modern facilities and well-aided rooms for its customers. Situated in Saharanpur Road, 100 meters from Dehradun bus stand.
Bharat Resorts
Bharat Resort offers avant-grande luxuries. The luxury hotel is acclaimed for its green carpet lawn and breathtaking grandiosity. Well-known for its ardent reception, Bharat Resorts is surrounded with alluring Himalayas. Located in Rajpur, Bharat Resorts on Old Mussorie Road, nearby Shahansai Ashram Chowk.
Other hotels situated in Dehradun
- Doon Castle
- Doon Regency
- GMVN Dakpathar – Tourist Rest
- GMVN Saharastradhara – Tourist Rest House
- GMVN Asan – Tourist Rest House
- GMVN Dehradun – Drona Hotel TRH
- Great Value
- Pacific
- Panchvati Guest House
- President
- Queens Pearl Inn
- Rajpur Heights
- Relax
- Royal Inn
- Samar Niwas
- Shiva Residency
- Softel Plaza
- Sunrise
- Surbhi Palace
- The Central Hotel
