DEHRADUN
...........................................................................................................................................................
Dehradun, also known as the 'Abode of Drona' is the capital of newly created state of Uttaranchal or Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Great Indian Himalayan ranges, the charming city of Dehradun attracts thousands of tourists from Indian and abroad as well. Situated in north-west corner of the state, Dehradun is bounded on the north and north-west by Uttarkashi district, on the east by Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal districts and in the south by Saharnpur district (Uttar Pradesh).
One of the oldest cities of India, Dehradun had been mentioned in Ashoka's inscriptions that dates back to 250 BC, which you can even today find outside the city. Dehradun remained an important centre for Garhwal rulers later the British captured the area and developed it as a hill station. Apart from a hill resort, Dehradun is also the headquarters of several National Institutes and Organizations such as ONGC, Forest Research Institute, Survey of India etc. Dehradun is home to some of India's noted educational and training institutes like Indian Military Academy, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) etc.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, a common traveller or looking for a spiritual vacation, Dehradun offers everything according to your choice. So, visit the beautiful hill station of Dehradun this vacation to surrender yourself completely to mother nature and enjoy a holiday of lifetime.
POPULAR PLACE
Tapowan
Tapowan is located 5 kms away from the city bus stand on the Dehradun - Rajpur Road. Set amidst the beautiful natural surroundings, this place has an interesting legend linked to Guru Dronacharya.
Tapkeshawar Shiv Temple
Situated in the Garhi Cantt. area, Tapkeshawar Temple is an ancient place of worship. Just 5.5. kms away from city bus stand, the temple is easily accessible by road. Large number of people visit the temple during the occasion of Shivratri to participate in the fair and pay their obeisance to the presiding deity.
Chandrabani
A famous temple, Chadrabani Temple (Gautam Kund) is situated at a distance of 7 kms from Dehradun on the Dehradun - Delhi road. Legend has it that this place was inhabited by Maharishi Gautam, his wife and daughter who are even today worshipped by the people. Every year thousands of devotees visit this temple to take a holy dip in the Kund.
Indian Military Academy
Indian Military Academy is situated at a distance of 8 kms from the city centre on Dehradun-Chakrata Road. A premier training institute for Army Officer, the Indian Military Academy is functional from 1st October 1932. Main tourist attractions include War Memorial, Museum, Library. Shooting Demonstration Room, 18 holes Golf Course and Arms and ammunition.
Tibetan Temple (Buddha Temple)
Just adjacent to the Sai Darbar Temple is the Tibetan Temple. Dedicated to Lord Buddha this temple is also visited by tourists and locals in large number.
Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
Located 8 kms away from the bus terminal, the Robber's Cave is a perfect picnic spot. To visit this place you have to take local bus up to Anarwala village, from where a trek of one kilometre will take you to this spot.
Malsi Deer Park
Just 10 kms away from Dehradun, Malsi Deer Park is a beautifully developed mini-zoological park. Set at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Malsi Deer Park also has a children's park flanked by splendid natural surroundings.
Sai Darbar Temple
Sai Darbar Temple is located 8 kms away from the town along the Clock Tower on Rajpur Road. Due to high cultural and spiritual importance, Sai Darbar attracts large number of tourists from India and the world as well.
Sahastradhara
A major tourist attraction, Sahastradhara is located 11 kms away from Dehradun. Sahastradhara is an ideal picnic spot and it is thronged by people in large number. The waterfall at Sahastradhara is 9 mts high, the river Baldi and caves provide it a spectacular view. The Sulphur spring is another attraction here, people believe that the water of the spring possess medicinal properties and cure skin infections.
Laxman Siddh
Laxman Siddh is a popular temple which lies 12 kms away from Dehradun. According to a legend a sage underwent penance over the temple site. Large number of people visit this temple, especially on Sundays.
Santala Devi Temple
A popular tourist destination, Santala Devi Temple is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Dehradun. You can take a bus till Jaitunwala, then take a jeep drive to Punjabiwala, from where you have to take a trek of 2 kms to reach the temple. Santala Devi Temple is a place of religious and cultural significance and it draws people from far and near.
Forest Research Institute
One of the biggest forest based training institute in India, Forest Research Institute is located 7 kms away from Clock Tower on the Dehradun-Chakrata road. Established in the year 1906, the Forest Research Institute is one of the oldest institute of its kind and highly acclaimed all over the world. Situated in a lush green estate of over 450 hactres, the Forest Research Institute houses a Botanical Museum for the tourists.
How to Reach
By Air
Dehradun has its own domestic airport, Jolly Grant Airport which is 25 kms away from the city centre. Flights are available to and from Delhi airport, which is the nearest international airport. Delhi airport has flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai etc and foreign countries.
By Train
Dehradun railway station in the main railhead which has trains from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. A number of important trains also connect Dehradun with Varanasi, Lucknow and Mussoorie. If you are visiting Dehradun from Delhi then Shatabdi Express is the best option for you, other good option is the Mussorie Express.
By Bus
National Highways, State Highways and good motorable roads connect Dehradun with rest of the country. Regular buses ply to Dehradun from Delhi and other important cities of Uttaranchal. Distances of few major cities from Dehradun are Delhi (235 km), Agra (381 km), Jaipur (493 km) and Lucknow (582 km).
