Location : On the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in Chamoli District of Uttararanchal. Area : 300 sq.km Altitude :640 metres.. Shopping Centers :Paltan Bazar (Posh market) Rajpur Road Market Astley Hall Best Season : Throughout the Year.
Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Dehradun is the Capital of Uttaranchal. It is one of the most beautiful resort in the submountain tracks of India, known for its scenic surroundings. The name Dehradun is a collection of two word "dera" meaning Camp and " dun" meaning valley Said to be one of the oldest citites in India, it is believed that lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king. During the 17th and 18th centuries Dehradun changed hands several times: Guru Ram Rai retreated here from Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-ud- Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before ceding it to the British in 1815. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institution like Forest Research Institute, Doon and Welham Schools, Many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time. Dehradun has now become an important tourist destination.
Accessibility
Air :- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 24 kms from Dehradun.
Rail : - It is connected among other places, to Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and other major cities.
4309/4310 Ujjain-Dehradun
2019/2020 Bombay-Dehradun.
4041/4042 Delhi-Dehradun.
4265/4266 Varanasi-Dehradun.
3009/3010 Howrah-Dehradun.
2017/2018 Delhi-Dehradun.
Road : - Dehradun is connected to other parts of India with a wide network of road route.
Local Transport Services : - Private Bus Services, Tempo (Vikram), Auto Rickshaw, Tonga, Cycle-Rickshaw & Taxi
TOURIST ATTRACTION
ROBBER'S CAVE
Robber's cave is a river cave formed in the Himalayas about 8 kilometres from Dehradun in the north-eastern state of Uttarakhand. This river cave is very close to Sahasradhara which are the thousandfold springs in Uttarakhand. It is mostly frequented by tourists seeking the adventure of witnessing this natural formation that has river water flowing from the middle of a cave. Tourists need to trek a distance of about 1 kilometre through the Anarwala village to reach this place. It is a perfect location for those seeking adventure and thrill. Locals call it Guchhu Pani and also believe that it is home to Lord Shiva. Tourists can explore this 600 metres long cave that has been divided into two main parts. If you happen to walk a little further through the stream, you can also spot splendid waterfall.
Robber's cave is basically a narrow gorge formed in the conglomerate limestone. The location is sure to make you feel you are a part of a mystery movie with its dark limestone, streams gushing into the cave and the sounds echoing inside the formation. If not this, then it will at least gives a sense of belongingness as Mother Nature will make you slow down and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the location. The cave has some extraordinary cold water springs in the underground which help cool down the super hot summer afternoon temperature. It is a perfect picnic spot amidst the natural beauty of Uttarakhand and must be visited at least once.
SAHASTRADHARA
Sahastradhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand and is placed in the picturesque town of Dehradun.
Water drips from limestone stalactites, making the water sulphur-rich and thus it is also known as Sulphur Springs. Sahastradhara is situated at about 11 km from the city of Dehradun, near the Robber's Cave. The temperature of the water here is a little lower than its surroundings. Its picturesque beauty attracts a lot of travellers from faraway places. One can even enjoy a stunning view of the surroundings while enjoying a fun ropeway ride here. These ropeways provide airy trips to these gorgeous mountain tops.
The water in these pools is considered to have medicinal properties and therapeutic value. The area has widespread serenity and tranquillity, with rich Himalayan vegetation. A dip in the Sulphur-rich water here feels cold and refreshing but is believed to have remarkable medicinal advantages. The water here has a fall of around 9 meters. Since this region has been accumulating various sediments of Lime and Sulphur since its formation, one can spot a plethora of brownish-orange element in the form of caves.
PALTAN BAZAR
Paltan Bazar in Dehradun in another great option in Dehradun for shopping. You can pick spices, edibles and great artifacts from this market. Being one of the crowded markets Paltan Bazar gives a glimpse of rustic life.
MINDROLLING MONASTERY
One of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma School in Tibet, the Mindrolling Monastery was established in 1676 by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa which was re-established in Dehradun by Khochhen Rinpoche along with a group of monks in 1965. The monastery is not only a tourist attraction but also a destination where on a daily basis almost hundreds of individuals attain spirituality. Being an architectural masterpiece with several sections, the monastery is no less than a wonder to look at. Numerous beautiful gardens, large areas, and a stupa are all situated within the perimeter of the monastery. The Ngagyur Nyingma College is also present within the premises offering advanced Buddhist studies to monks who can pass on the knowledge to the upcoming generations.
The monastery is an unnatural beauty owing to its gardens, university complex and the tallest Stupa in Asia surrounded by greenery. It also has numerous shrine rooms, Tibetan art forms, and murals. However, what catches the attention of every tourist is the presence of the tall statue of Lord Buddha. Situated in the middle of the serene foothills of the Himalayas, the Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country as well as abroad. This beautiful place should definitely be visited if you are planning a trip to Dehradun
MALSI DEER PARK
Located at the base of the Shivalik range, Malsi Deer Park is a zoological garden, and it is home to two horned Deer, Tiger, Neelgai, Peacock and many other animals. Heaven for all the nature lovers out there, the beauty of the place is worth spending time at. Rich in flora and fauna, the park is a great point to unwind and break away from the busy life of the city. It is a small zoological park with a picturesque location and vibrant wildlife which makes it an amazing place for the photographers. The park is blessed with natural and serene surroundings and an attractive environment perfect for sightseeing and picnic.
Though the park is mainly famous for deer, the tourists there can also spot peacock, nilgais, rabbits, and tigers to name a few. The park is home to Himalayan beauties such as nilgais and antelopes which draw children and animal lovers from all over the world to the place. The park is a part of the Malsi Forest Reserve and is the second best wildlife attraction in Dehradun following Rajaji National Park. Dehradun along with its charm is a paradise for all the tourists, and Malsi Deer Park is a wild pasture in this paradise. If you are planning on going out with your family and friends to a relaxing place full of natural beauty, this is the place to go.