Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most beautiful resorts in the sub mountain tracks of India, known for its scenic surroundings. The name Dehradun is a collection of two words “dera” meaning camp and ” dun” meaning valley.

Said to be one of the oldest cities in India, it is believed that Lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king. During the 17th and 18th centuries Dehradun changed hands several times: Guru Ram Rai retreated here from Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-ud-Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before ceding it to the British in 1815. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institutions like Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools for girls and boys, many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time. Dehradun has now become an important tourist destination.

Best Season / Best time to visit

• The mesmerizing hill station, Dehradun, can be visited throughout the year.

• Winter (December to February) have a maximum of 22 °C and a minimum of about 3 °C.

• Summer (March to June) have a maximum temperature of 35 °C and a minimum of 17 °C. Most of the tourists prefer this period for visiting Dehradun as it is best for adventure and sightseeing. It is in fact, the perfect season for Dehradun tourism. Monsoon (July to September) offer mild to medium rainfall during which period the destination looks more attractive.

• Autumn (October to November), is good for enjoying the natural beauty as the regions turn burnt red with lively shades of gold. Dehradun is an all year destination where summers are ideal for all sightseeing and other activities while the winter season offers pretty cool climate and is enjoyable time for honeymoon in Dehradun. Snowfall can be enjoyed only on very high altitudes. Monsoon on the other hand is perfect for short trips and also good for enjoying the natural scenic beauties.

PLACES TO VISIT

Situated on the foothills of the great Himalayan, Dehradun is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Surrounded by beautiful hills, doon valleys and dense forests, city welcomes tourists to come and enjoy real world of nature.

Robber’s Cave

Guchhupani is one of the names of Robber’s cave, situated at the distance of 8 km from the city center. It is 600 meters long cave having small river inside it.

Forest Research Institute

It is well known institute in the field of forestry, which is being run by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. It was established in 1906 and chosen deemed university by the UGC. It has also museum on forestry that is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

Malsi Deer Park

It is one of most visited tourist destinations, located at the distance of just 10 km from Dehradun. Situated at the foothills of Shivalik ranges, it is a mini-zoological park surrounded by beautiful objects of nature, that makes it best place for picnic.

Tapovan

Situated at the bank of river Ganga, it is one of the holiest places for Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, it is the place where Kaurava’s Guru Dronacharya has undergone penance.

Sahastradhara

Shastradhara, which means, the ‘thousand springs’ is one of the best picnic spots. It is a eye pleasing waterfall of 9 meters, that attracts the tourists. Place has also Sulphur spring famous for its medicinal value, it is believed that it cares skin disease.

Sai Darbar

As the name suggests temple is dedicated to lord Sai Baba, it is located on Rajput road.

Tapkeshwar Temple

It is one of the oldest temples in Dehradun, dedicated to lord Shiva, it is at the distance of 5.5 km from city bus-stand and well connected by road. A fair is organized every year on the occasion of Shivratri. As the name suggests, temple is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets from rocks falls on shivling and gives it marvelous look.

Laxman Siddha Temple

It is just 12 km from Dehradun. According to Hindu mythology, it is the place where after killing the Ravana, lord Rama’s younger brother Laxmana has undergone penance..

Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai

This place has historical significance from the time of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Sikh guru Ram Rai ji, the eldest son of the Seventh Sikh Guru Har Rai Ji, stayed here in 1676 and now it has changed into pilgrimage place for Sikhs.

HOW TO VISIT

By Flight

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 24 km from Dehradun city.

By Train

It is connected among other places, to Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and other major cities.
4309/4310 Ujjain-Dehradun. 2019/2020 Bombay-Dehradun. 4041/4042 Delhi-Dehradun. 4265/4266 Varanasi-Dehradun. 3009/3010 Howrah-Dehradun. 2017/2018 Delhi-Dehradun.

By Road

Dehradun is connected to other parts of India with a wide network of road route.
Local Transport Services: Private Bus Services, tempos (vikrams), auto rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws and taxis.