INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Dehradun Tourism

Forest Research Institute Dehradun, Uttaranchal

Six hundred and forty metres above the sea level, Dehradun offers a combination of a hill station and a busy, urban township. After the formation of state of Uttaranchal, Dehradun became the capital of the state. In spite of recent urbanisation and sudden increase in the activity chart, the place has been able to maintain its hill station charm. The best thing about Dehradun is its round the year inviting weather. The charm lies in its valley like location, being overlooked by Mussoorie hills.

The history of the place connects it to Kedarkhand. It was later reigned by Asoka in third century B.C. and was last under Gorkhas before being taken over by British.

Dehradun is today home to some of the country's most prestigious organizations like Indian Military Academy (IMA), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP).

Being close to Delhi (235 kms), it's a clear favourite of everyone here. Tourists keep flocking the place round the year for its pleasant weather, its hilly surroundings, good infrastructure and closeness to other important tourist destinations like Mussoorie and Rishikesh.

Quick Getaways	Highlights
Mussoorie Haridwar Rishikesh	Rajaji National Park

Sightseeing

Tapkeshwar Temple

Around 5 kilometres from city centre in Garhi Cantonment area is the cave temple, the shrine of Lord Shiva called Tapkeshwar temple. It's the most important temple of Dehradun. Situated on the bank of a seasonal river, the temple looks like a picture postcard. What makes the temple so special is also the reason it derives its name from. The word tapak in Hindi language means to drip. The temple is called Tapkeshwar temple because of the natural dripping of water drops here inside the caves where the lingam is situated.

Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara in Hindi literally means a thousand streams. 14 kms from Dehradun, these are the sulphur springs and a 9 metre high waterfall. A cave is formed at the base of the waterfall. Together all these make for a lovely picture and an excellent picnic spot. While some come here to just bathe and have fun in the falls, other are very serious about the medicinal properties of the water, which is believed to be curing people of ailments like polio. Not just that river Badli flowing close by is also believed to be infused with rejuvenating properties.

Lakshman Siddh

Located on a picturesque place, 12 kilometres from Dehradun on Dehradun Rishikesh road, Lakshman Siddh is another popular temple here. Legend behind this place is that Lakshman underwent his penance for killing Ravana here. People visit the place in large numbers on Sundays.

Shakya Centre

Twelve kilometres from Dehradun is this beautiful place. A Tibetan Gompa (temple) is the centre of attraction here. The Gompa is decorated with frescoes and presents a beautiful picture. The place has a sizeable Tibetan population and the place offers you glimpses of life in Tibet without you actually going there. There is another Gompa just five kilometres from here.

Malsi Deer Park

Ten kilometres from Dehradun is this sanctuary, an ideal picnic spot. Lying in the foothills of lesser Himalayas, this place has recently being developed and has come lately on the tourist map of Dehradun. There are some birds and animals here which make it a mini zoo - neelgai, ducks, deers etc. People usually stop by here on their way to Mussoorrie.

Robbers Cave

Locals also call the place, 8 kms from city center, Guchu Pani. The reason the place is famous for is the strange phenomena occurring here. There are some natural caves here, a stream of water goes underground and reappears after few metres. There are buses available up to Arnawala village and from it's a 1 km walk. The place is peaceful and quiet with some hills surrounding it.

Institutions

Survey Of India

Founded in 1767, the office of Survey of India has contributed to major achievements. One of its most significant contributions has been to determine the height of Mount Everest under surveyor general Sir George Everest. Those interested in pre historic geography will like to visit the place because they have a collection of old maps.

Forest Research Institute

British established Forest Research Institute here in 1906. Located on Kaulagarh road, this institute is the biggest institute dedicated to preserving the threatened flora and fauna of the country. It is spread over huge area of India's forest reserve. The institute has six museums open for public on weekdays. On display are species of flora and fauna, wood, insects, wildlife, stuffed animals. There is also a library and a bookshop.

Wadia Institute Of Himalayan Geology

This institute is dedicated to research and study of Himalayan Geology. There is a museum here, which displays the geological diversity of the Indian subcontinent. There are samples of rocks, semi precious stones and fossils discovered in Himalayas on display here.

Shopping

Dehradun is famous for its woolens. The main markets here are Sahakari Bazaar, Rajpur road market, Astley Hall, Paltan bazaar and Cannaught Place.

By Air

The only airport of Uttaranchal is situated in Dehradun, 25 kilometres from the city centre, Jolly Grant airport. It is well connected by Indian airlines to Delhi and other important cities via Delhi.

By Rail

Dehradun has an important railhead of Northern Railways and is connected to many other important destinations. Some major trains from Dehradun are

• 2018 Shatabdi Express (except Wednesday)
• 3009/3010 Dehradun/Howrah Express (Calcutta)
• 4014/4042 Mussoorie Express (Delhi)
• 4265/4266 Dehradun/Varanasi Express
• 9019/9020 Dehradun/Bombay Express
• 4309/4310 Ujjaini Express (Ujjain)
• 4113/4114 Dehradun/Allahabad Express

By Road

The place is well connected by state run and privately operated buses. One can also hire private taxis for this purpose. Some of the major road distances from Dehradun are Delhi : 255 km, Haridwar: 54 kms, Rishikesh 43 Kms and Mussoorie:36 kms.

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