Dehradun

Dehradun is the capital of the state of Uttaranchal and is one of the most picturesque states in India. It is situated at an altitude of 700 mtrs and is very close to Mussoorie, a famous hill station. The town of Dehradun is situated in the Doon Valley, on the watersheds of the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers. The name Dehradun has been derived from the term “Dehra” meaning camp.

According to the local legend, 'camp' refers to Ram Rai, son of Shri Hari Rai, the 7th guru of the Sikhs. Ram Rai founded a Gurudwara here, which is a pilgrimage centre for the Sikhs.

During British rule, Dehradun used to be the summer base for the Viceroy's bodyguards. In course of time, it was converted into an excellent centre for education and developed as a military cantonment.

Dehradun has a long and rich history. In Skanda Purana, this place has been mentioned as a part of Kedar Khand. By the end of the third century, it became a part of King Ashoka’s vast empire. In subsequent centuries, it was a part of the Garhwal kingdom. In the beginning of the 19th century, for two decades, it was ruled by the Gorkhas. The Gorkha regime came to an end when the British captured this region in 1815.

Dehradun is known as the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. The mountain range lies to the north of the city while the sacred Ganga and Yamuna rivers embrace it from the east and west. Ganga enters Dehradun from the east at Tapovan and flows south-west to reach Haridwar via Raiwala and Rishikesh. Yamuna flows from the west down towards the south. The other rivers of the area are Asan, Tons, Bindal and Rispana.

The entire district is spread over in an area of 1800 sq kms, extending from the Himalayan chain in the north to the Shivalik range in the south, and from the banks of the Ganga in the east to the Ghats of Yamuna in the west. The fertile alluvial soil along with inundated water supply makes it a farmer's paradise. The climate here is temperate. Summers are moderate and winters are cool. However, at times, the mercury drops below the freezing point. The average rainfall in the area is around 2000 mm.

Excursion
The City
Dehradun is an essential stop en-route to Mussoorie. It houses the famous Forest Research Institute, the headquarters of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission, the Indian Military Academy, etc. The Gurudwara built by Guru Ramdas attracts Sikh pilgrims. The city is surrounded by hills and presents a pretty sight. Hotels and guesthouses that suit every pocket are available in plenty in the city.

Tapkeshawar Temple
Tapkeshawar is an ancient temple situated at a distance of 5.5 kms from Dehradun on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cant area. The temple is well connected by road.

The temple owes its name Tapkeshwar to the water droplets that drip from a rock, and fall on a Shivling (emblem of Shiva). The fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri attracts devotees in large numbers.

Sahastradhara
The word 'Sahashatradhara' means 'thousand of springs'. It is situated at a distance of 11 kms from Dehradun. The place is an ideal picnic spot and is a great tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the river Baldi, it provides a breathtaking view. The river blends into a waterfall at a distance of just 9 mtrs and lime is deposited all along the river path.

These accumulated lime deposits form a projecting ledge, and a sort of cave. Water perpetually drips down from the roop of this cave. Besides this, there is a sulphur spring that is believed to cure skin infections and diseases. Tourists often take bath in the sulphur spring here.

Laxman Siddh
Located at just 12 kms from Dehradun is a temple called the Laxman Siddh. According to local myth, a sage underwent penance here.

Malsi Deer Park
It is an enchanting tourist spot located at about 10 kms from Dehradun, en route Mussoorie.

The place is right at the foothills of the Shivalik Ranges. It is a mini-zoological park enveloped by nature at its best. Good food is an added attraction of the spot.

Chandrabani
The famous temple of Chandrabani is located just 7 kms from Dehradun on theDehradun-Delhi Highway. According to legends, Maharishi Gautam, the great sage, inhabited this place.

It is believed that Ganga had revealed herself at this spot which is now commonly known as Gautam Kund. Every year pilgrims, in large numbers, take a dip in the holy Kund, which is 2 kms from the main road.

Sai Darbar
This is a quite well-known temple, situated 8 kms from the Clock Tower on Rajpur Road. A place of high cultural and spiritual value, it is visited by tourists from all over the country and as well as by the foreigners.

Tibetan Temple
There is huge bright-colored temple of Lord Buddha on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar Temple.

Lachhiwala
Located around 22 kms from Dehradun, Lachhiwala is a serene and blissful place famous for its picnic spots. Accommodation for tourists is easily available in the Forest Rest House.

Bhagirathi Resort
The Bhagirathi Resort at Selaqui is situated 18 kms from Dehradun. The resort that has fascinating swimming pools, water slides and fountains, offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges.

Santala Devi Temple
Located about 19 kms from Dehradun; the temple is a symbol of faith and has great cultural and religious importance. It is believed that Santala Devi, along with her brother, fearing the Mughal Army, abandoned their arms and began to pray. A divine light flickered and the two were transformed into stone figures.

Tapovan
The name 'Tapovan' means place of penance. It is believed that Guru Dronacharya had done penance in this area.

Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort
A water sports resort was developed at the Asan Barrage by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in the year 1994. Asan Barrage was constructed in the year 1967 and it is popularly known as Dhalipur Lake.

Situated around 43 kms from Dehradun on Chandigarh-Shimla highway, the resort offers facilities like water skiing, boating, rowing, and kayaking, canoeing, etc. Wildlife lovers have an added advantage during the winter season as migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity.

Dakpathar
Dakpathar is located 45 kms from Dehradun and is an attractive tourist spot of the western Doon Valley. The Yamuna Hydel Scheme maintains this prominent tourist spot. One can stay comfortably at the resthouses here.

Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and is spread over an area of 820 sq kms. The park with its remarkable ecosystem is nestled in the lush green valley of the Shivalik ranges. A range of different forest zones from the broad leaf mixed forest, scrub-land to the grassy pasture lands is a prime attraction.

As many as 23 species of mammals and 315 varieties of avi-fauna can be sighted here. The Rajaji National Park is dedicated to Late Shri C. Rajgoplachari, popularly known as Rajaji. The park is at its best between November and mid - June.

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Fairs & Festival
Jhanda Fair
This fair marks the arrival of Guru Ram Rai, the Sikh Guru, at Dehradun. In the year 1699, Guru Ram Rai built a Gurudwara, Guru Ram Rai Darbar and hoisted his flag. Till this day a large fair is held here every year in the month of March/April on the sixth day after Holi and a flag (Jhanda) unfurled at Jhanda Chowk.

Tapkeshwar Fair
6 km from Dehradun is the famous Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple. Annually a fair is held here on Shivratri dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lakhawar Fair
This fair held at Lakhawar village, during September-October, is very popular in the neighboring area of Chakrata, 78 km from Mussoorie. The fair reflects the customs and traditions of Garhwali tribes. Activities include cultural programs and sport competitions.

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Shopping
Dehradun is famous for it's woollens. Main shopping areas are; Sahakari Bazaar, Rajpur Road Market, Astley Hall, Paltan Bazaar and Connaught Place.

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Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, 25 kms away, on the outskirts of the town, that has daily flights to Delhi

By Rail
A number of trains are available for Dehradun. From Dehradun and other important centres in UP and several centres of India.

Dehradun is an important rail head on Northern Railway and is connected to many parts of the country with express trains.

By Road
Dehradun is well connected by Roads. One can easily reach Dehradun from Delhi by following the GT Road, passing through Hindon River Bridge, Modinagar, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee, the travel time is about 5-6 hrs.

By Bus
All types of buses - deluxe, semi deluxe and ordinary - are available to and from centres like Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Shimla, Allahabad etc.
At Dehradun, the two bus terminals are : Delhi Bus Stand on Gandhi Road, which is an inter state bus stand; and Mussoorie Bus Stand at the Dehradun Railway Stadiumoffering bus services to Mussorie and other destinations in the Himalayan region.

By Taxi
Taxis are available to and from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mussoorie. Other than for Mussoorie (for which taxis are available near Mussoorie Bus Stand), the taxi service for other nearby places are available from Delhi Bus Stand.

Road Distances to and from Dehradun
Haridwar : 60 km
Mussoorie : 35 km
Rishikesh : 45 km

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