Located in the Garhwal region, Dehradun is a city of immense natural beauty. It is a popular tourist spot and attracts visitors from all over the country and the world. Since being made the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun has undergone tremendous changes. There has been a spurt in industrial growth and it is also being developed as a counter magnet to ease off the migration levels in the Delhi NCR region. It is located close to popular tourist destinations such as Nainital, Auli and Mussoorie and hence it also receives a sizeable amount of tourist footfall every year.
Dehradun is also home to the prestigious Indian Military Academy, Instrument Research and Development Establishment of the DRDO, Wildlife Institute of India and Doon School. It is situated in the Doon valley between two most important rivers of the country — Ganga and Yamuna. It is rich in flora and fauna and is home to the Rajaji National Park which is home to several elephants and the Terai and Bhabar forests.
The traditional costumes of the people of Dehradun are colourful and distinct. Men usually wear dhoti, angrakha and langoti. Women wear saris with full sleeved blouses and a jacket called the angra. These days many women have switched to wearing salwar kameez instead of the traditional attire.
Apart from being an important destination for nature and wildlife tourism, Dehradun is a popular tourist destination and is noted for its innumerable temples. The local attractions such as the water springs of Sahastradhara and the temples of Tapkeshwar and Bhadraj are extremely popular. Furthermore, Dehradun has the first full sized ice rink in India where many national ice skating competitions have been held.
Dehradun is well connected by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, which lies at a distance of about 25 km from the city. The nearest railhead is the Dehradun railway station. With respect to road travel, Dehradun is well connected to Delhi, Shimla and Mussoorie and luxury buses regularly ply in the region.
Sahastradhara
The idea of an ideal vacation is to admire the exquisiteness of the environment and to attain peace in its captivating aura. Witness nirvana at Sahastradhara in Dehradun and forget about all your tensions and stress. It is popularly known for its serene vista.
The word Sahastradhara means ‘Thousand fold spring’. The beauty of this waterfall during the rainy season is spellbinding. The water here contains Sulphur and is said to have medicinal properties. The magnificent waterfall and the alluring atmosphere make this place a perfect getaway. Spend some quality time with your peeps here and share some joyous moments.
Timings- 7 AM To 7 PM
Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve
Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve is an ideal gateway for anyone who relishes a walk in the lap of the nature. It is adventurous and fun.
Location: Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve is spread over a land of 100 acres on the Mussoorie Dhanolti road close to Jabarkhet. The reserve lies at a distance of 15-km via taxi ride from the heart of the hill-station of Picture Palace.
Highlights: It boasts of some half a dozen, 3-4 km well marked hiking trails that are used for the guided nature walks, bird watching along with trail maps and pocket field nature guides.
Tip for visitors: Do carry your own eatables and lots of water since there are no tea stalls for you to refresh yourself. There are no tents, hotels or premises for you to rest.
Cost: The entry fee to the Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve is very nominal. There are annual membership plans to ensure that there is no uninvited walk-ins.
Shopping at Tibetan Market
Lighten your pockets a little, because things to do in Dehradun are incomplete without Shopping. The popular Tibetan market is based near Parade Ground Road and also near Rispana Pul in Dehradun.These markets are extremely well-known for its multi coloured woollen garments.
They are run by the Tibetan community and their culture is showcased in the handicrafts and Garhwali jewellery sold here. One can also purchase stunning wind chimes and a variety of wooden art pieces. Savour the delicious momos and the popular hot noodles with butter soup, served at the Tibetan Market. So collect some souvenirs and cherish the memories from Dehradun.
Timings- 10 AM to 10 PM
Rajaji National Park wildlife
Do not forget to add Rajaji National Park to your things to do in Dehradun list. If you are a nature lover, then this place is a heaven on earth for you. Capture the mesmeric panorama and the flora and fauna in your cameras. This place is an abode to approximately 400 species of birds.
There are also several animals in the Park like the Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Cheetah, hog deer, barking deer, Leopard Cat, Civets, Himalayan Yellow-Throated Marten, Sloth Bears, Pythons, King Cobra, Common Krait, Indian Cobra and the Monitor Lizard, Asian Elephant and many more. The best way to travel around the park is to go for the wildlife jungle safari and explore the wilderness with family and friends.
Safari timings – Morning 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM,Afternoon 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM
Robber’s Cave
Witness the miracle of Nature at the Robber’s Cave, which is approximately 8km from Dehradun. Robber’s Cave is a 600 M elongated naturally formed cave. A river passes through this cave making this place a perfect picnic spot for family and friends.
The weird and wonderful thing about this place is that a stream of water miraculously appears in the Robbers Cave and vanishes under the ground and then reappears a few yards further. It is a very pristine and peaceful place and hence intrigues several tourists. Robber’s cave is a must-visit place when in Dehradun.
Timings- 7 AM to 6 PM
Chopta-Tungnath Trek
Chopta Tungnath trek is a relatively unexplored trekking destination, which is known for its mesmerizing scenic beauty. The trek towards Tungnath, the 3 from Tungnath takes you to Chandrashila, which is situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level.
Chopta is blessed with rich flora and fauna as it is located in the midst of dense forests, with a beautiful floor of rhododendrons, interspersed by deodar and pine trees. During the first one and half kilometers, you will pass through a sea of brightly coloured rhododendrons and silver oak forests. Following this the vista opens to green alpine meadows which take you to the Tungnath temple.
According to folklore, the arms of Lord Shiva are believed to have emerged here. On trekking a kilometer further ahead, you will reach the Chandrashila peak from where you get spectacular views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas glistening in the sun rays. The grassy meadows of the region make it an ideal spot for camping too.
Chopta is well-connected by roadways connecting Guptakashi and Gopeshwar. The weather is lovely and the views are simply breathtaking.
Best season: May to June and August to September
Duration: 3 Days
Altitude: 3680 m
Asan Barrage
A barrage located at the confluence of Eastern Yamuna Canal and Asan River is Asan Barrage in Doon Valley, Dehradun. The barrage contributes well in the process of electricity generation and the dam is the reason for the creation of the Asan Reservoir or Dhalipur Lake. An adorning spot for bird lovers, the surrounding acts as a haven for 53 species of native birds and 19 types of migratory birds. Recently this man-made wetland is declared as a bird sanctuary as well. The Asan River also has a prominent significant when we talk about Asan Barrage as the river is a combination of different streams in the Doon valley. GMVN water sports complex near the barrage is quite famous for providing the thrilling water activities like water skiing, rowing, paddle boating, kayaking, double waters skiing, mono-skiing and motor boating.
Guchhupani, Rober’s Cave
An authentic picnic spot for fun lovers and couples, Gucchupani or as officially known as Cobber’s Cave in Dehradun. The cold springs inside a natural cave are the attractive factor of Gucchupani, the unusual springs go underneath through some places inside the cave. 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. The cave is located just 8 KM away from Dehradun city, one can reach until Vijaypur by bus and then have to take a trekking route of 1 KM to reach the caves. As the caves with rifts in it give away the best soothing time to mind and body especially during summer.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Dehradun houses one of its most visited temples, Tapkeshwar where Lord Shiva is the presiding deity. Blessed by natural extravagant sights abundantly, the prominent feature of this temple is the main Shivlinga that is kept sacredly inside a cave. The temple resides by the side of thick forests and the natural cave drops water from the roof little by little to give away the Shivlinga more beauty and in turn it appears as an amusing spectacle. The temple is existing in a location which is easily accessible, it is hardly six kilometers away from the city. Shivratri is the biggest festival celebrated at the temple when thousands of pilgrims come and pay tribute to the deity. The cool sulphur- water springs are an additional feature the temple proudly possesses within it. The devotees will take a bath in these springs before they enter inside the temple
Deer Park
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. The weekend witnesses the flooding of people towards the park. The park is situated just 10 KM away from Dehradun city at Mussoorie Road.
