Location:
UttaranchalDistance: Approximately 235 km from Delhi
Altitude: Around 695 m
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Main Attractions: Forest Research Institute, Tapkeshwar Temple, Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara
Dehradun, also known as the Doon Valley, is situated in the state of Uttaranchal. Lying at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges in India, the city is said to have been founded by Guru Dronacharya (as per the Hindu Epic of Mahabharata). With the status of the capital of Uttaranchal, the city is experiencing a boom in its travel & tourism industry. It is situated close to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Gangotri, Yanumotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, thus serving as the gateway to world full of spirituality, harmony and adventure. Being situated close to the hill resort of Mussoorie, Dehradun boasts of a salubrious climate and exotic locales. Be it shoppers or trekkers or pilgrims, Dehradun has something for everyone!
Dehradun Tourist Attractions
Forest Research Institute
Forest Research Institute (FRI) is today counted amongst the best institutes in the India dedicated to forest research. One of the major attractions of the institutes is a museum, which exhibits a wide and extensive collection of botanical specimens. The museum remains open from Monday to Friday and is the perfect place to explore the vegetation gifted by the Earth. The Botanical Garden situated within the premises of FRI is another major attraction.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple is situated amidst the picturesque outskirts of Dehradun. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, as the God of strict rituals of 'tap' (meditation). One can reach the temple only after climbing a long flight of stairs. After reaching the top, you will encounter mesmerizing views of the valley below - with the gushing river flowing nearby.
Malsi Deer Park
Masi Deer Park is, as the name suggests, a protected area of deer, lying at a distance of around 8 km from the heart of the city. However, make sure to see the deer from a distance, if you don't want them running away and hiding. The cool breezes, usually experienced there, only add to the appeal of the park.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara is the name given to sulphur springs, situated around 14 km from the city center. People come here not only for gaining from the healing powers of the springs, but also for spending sometime away from the maddening pace of life and relax with their family. The lush green environs and foaming waterfall of the place make it the perfect picnic spot.
Robber's Cave
Robber's Cave is another popular tourist spot, situated 8 km from Dehradun. One of the most visited picnic spots around the city, the cave is the perfect place to take a leisurely walk and feel at ease with yourself. One can notice an unusual phenomenon here, when a stream suddenly disappears from sight at a point and then reappears after a few meters.
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is manly known for housing a museum that displays the rich geological diversity of India. Amongst the main displays in the museum are rock samples, semi-precious stones and fossils.
Lakshman Siddh Temple
Lakshman Siddh temple is believed to be the place where Lakshmana (younger brother of Lord Rama) did penance, after killing the demon king Ravana.
Accommodation
Being the capital city of Uttaranchal, Dehradun is visited by travelers in large numbers. It is obvious that they will require places to put up, while in the city. Amongst the luxury hotels of Dehradun are Hotel Madhuban, Hotel MJ Residency, Hotel Great Value, etc. For the economy travelers also, the range of hotels and guesthouses is quite wide.