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Explore Dehradun

Dehradun is still a great place to spend a couple of days (in spite of all the traffic that has burgeoned since it became a capital). The climate of the city is temperate. Even during summer, it is not so warm in Dehra Dun as it is in the district south of it.

Earlier known for its schools, now Dehradun is fast emerging as a hub for higher education. Dehra Dun is well linked by rail and road with Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Lucknow and Varanasi.

Dehradun is an hour’s drive from religious places like Haridwar and Rishikesh and located en-route to the hill station of Mussoorie. Here are some suggestions with an insider’s comments on places to visit in and around Dehradun.

Forest Research Institute

Located to the northwest of the city center, on the Kaulagarh Road, is the vast campus of the Forest Research Institute (FRI). Established by the British in 1906; the institute constantly strives towards the preservation of the various species of India’s forest wealth and is one of the best institutes in the world on the science of forestry.

Set amidst the lush green of the beautiful town of Dehradun, Forest Research Institute is an education and tourist spot. It is known for its natural diversity, spectacular beauty and magnificent architecture, this institute is one of the top places to see in Dehradun. The institute offers education and research in different areas of forestry—plants, climate, topography, animals, and birds of the Himalayan forests.

Sahastradhara

Located around 14 km from the city centre, the cold sulphur spring of Sahastradhara is believed to have healing powers. People visit the place to bathe in the therapeutic waters of the spring and the dripping caves nearby, to get rid of various skin diseases.

The area has got an amazing spread of waterfalls and caves which are a treat to the eye. The water which drips off the stalactites has got a good amount of Sulphur in it due to its limestone content.

Many people also bathe here for fun. With its picturesque surroundings and a 9-meter high waterfall, the place also serves as an ideal picnic spot.

Robber's Cave

Famous as ‘Guchu Pani’ among the locals; the Robbers Cave located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre and 1 km from the nearby village of Anarwala. At this place, one can witness a strange phenomenon of nature – a stream of water gushes underground and quite mysteriously, re-appears a few meters away.

The area has got an amazing spread of waterfalls and caves which are a treat to the eye. The water which drips off the stalactites has got a good amount of Sulphur in it due to its limestone content. There are a number of small and large waterfalls as well exhibiting the natural beauty at its level best and thus a thorough refreshing time will be promised to its visitors, regardless of the season.

Mindrolling Monastery

Founded in 1965, The Mindrolling Monastery houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India. The monastery is a re-established facility of the original Mindrolling Monastery and was established by Khochhen Rinpoche.

The well maintained gardens and a 60 meters high stupa and contains various rooms which are decorated with murals and house various relics and a 35 meters high statue of Lord Buddha in Gold, Surrounded by endless gardens, vast spaces, and a striking stupa, the tallest of its kind in Asia, the monastery is known to offer spiritual guidance to hundreds of devotees every day.

The paintings and murals around the monastery depict the life of Buddha as well as teaching from Buddhism. Built according to Japanese architectural style, the edifice has five floors dedicated to Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava.

Malsi Deer Park (Dehradun Zoo)

Now known as Dehradun Zoo, Situated at a distance of 10 km from Dehradun, en-route to Mussoorie, this park lies on the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range. With its tranquil atmosphere and its collection of deer, neelgai, ducks and rare birds, this sanctuary delights the children no end. People travelling to Mussoorie generally halt here for a short break, before resuming their journey.

After Rajaji National Par, Malsi Deer Park is the most visited wildlife centre in Dehradun. This is a mini zoological park turned out to be one of the favourite picnic spots or hangout places in the city, ideal for family outings or school excursions. The herds of deer meandering freely in their habitat through the scenic Malsi reserve forest area ensures an amazing sight before the eyes of its visitors, incomparably beautiful.

Unlimited number of birds can also be found inside the park together giving a mind blowing views. For kids, there are fun rides and space for games also.

WADIA INSTITUTE OF HIMALAYAN GEOLOGY

One of the best institutes of the country on Himalayan Geology, Wadia Institute conducts various studies and research works on the subject.

It also houses a museum that displays the geological diversity of the Indian subcontinent, with its different samples of rocks and semi-precious stones. With the display of the fossils unearthed in the Himalayan region, the institute also throws light on the birth of the Himalayas.

SURVEY OF INDIA

Established in 1767, the office of Survey of India is located at a distance of 4 km from the city centre and forms an important landmark of the place.

A repository of ancient maps and documents; it determined the height of Mount Everest, under the initiative of Sir George Everest; the then Surveyor of India. The peak was later named after him. It is a must-visit, especially if you are on the lookout for ancient maps.

The Survey of India at Dehradun is the principal advisory body of the Government of India and state ministries in terms of mapping and survey activities.

TAPKESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE

Located at the outskirts of the city, at a distance of 5.5 km from the city centre, this cave temple sprawls on the banks of a seasonal river.

It is dedicated to the Hindu Deity ‘Shiva’ and derives its name from the Hindi Word Tapak, which means ‘to drip’. Water naturally drips on the ‘shivling’ (holy stone) from the ceiling of the cave. According to legends, during the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Shiva made milk flow from this cave for Ashwarthama, son of Rishi Dronacharya.

Thousands of pilgrims visited Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple round the years to pay homage in Drona Cave where they can see water drops dripping at Shivling. During Shivratri, one can witness several kilometre long queue of devotees waiting for Darshans.

BEYOND DEHRADUN

LACHHIWALA

3 Kms from Doiwala and 22 Kms from Dehradun, on the Haridwar/Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. An extremely popular picnic spot, it is frequented by large crowds on weekends. The place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled in the greenery.

KALSI

Located on the outskirts of the city about 5 kms from Dakpathar on way to Chakrata is Kalsi. There are 14 edicts carved on a rock and adjacent to these is the site where Raja Shilvarma of the Vrisheri dynasty made three horse sacrifices during his rule in the third century BC.

ASAN BARRAGE WATER SPORTS RESORT

A water sports resort has been developed at the Asan Barrage by GMVN in the year 1994. The resort offers facilities like water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing etc. Wildlife lovers have an added bonus as, during the winter season migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity.

DAKPATHAR

45 Kms 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. Accommodation is available in a Tourist Rest House with swimming pool facilities.

RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK

Rajaji National Park is situated at a distance of 23 kilometres from Dehradun. Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 830 sq.kms. The park with its magnificent ecosystem, is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges.