Dehradun Travel Guide
Dehradun: Exploring the Serene Valley
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is a serene valley known for its tranquil ambiance and natural beauty. The capital of Uttarakhand, this picturesque city offers a blend of history, culture, and adventure, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. In this blog, we will take you on a journey to explore the best of Dehradun, from its enchanting waterfalls to its ancient temples.
Getting to Dehradun
Dehradun is well-connected to all major cities of India through air, rail, and road networks. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is about 25 km away from the city center. Dehradun railway station is also well-connected to all major cities, and there are frequent bus services available from Delhi and other nearby towns.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options in Dehradun, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Some popular options include Hotel Madhuban, Lemon Tree Hotel, and Hotel Pacific. If you're looking for a unique experience, you can also try staying in a homestay or a camping site amidst the hills.
Exploring Dehradun
Robber's Cave
Also known as Gucchu Pani, Robber's Cave is a popular tourist spot located about 8 km from the Dehradun city center. It is a natural cave formed by a stream of water that disappears underground and reappears a few meters away. The cave is surrounded by lush green forests and is an ideal spot for a picnic or a day outing with family and friends.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara, which means "the thousandfold spring," is a natural waterfall located about 14 km from Dehradun city center. The waterfall is formed by the merging of Baldi river and the caves of Sahastradhara. The water here is believed to have medicinal properties and is said to cure skin diseases and other ailments. There are several small pools near the waterfall where you can take a dip and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Mindrolling Monastery
The Mindrolling Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery located in the outskirts of Dehradun city. Established in 1965, the monastery is known for its unique architecture and beautiful murals. The main attraction of the monastery is the 60-meter-high stupa, which is the tallest in Asia. The monastery also has a museum and a library, which house rare Buddhist texts and artifacts.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located about 6 km from the Dehradun city center. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in a cave beside a natural spring. The water of the spring is believed to have healing powers, and devotees come here to offer prayers and take a dip in the holy water. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests, and the scenic beauty of the place is breathtaking.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located about 60 km from Dehradun city center. The park is spread over an area of 820 sq. km and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park is known for its elephant population and is also home to tigers, leopards, and several species of birds. The park has several trekking trails, and visitors can also go on jeep safaris to explore the wildlife.
Forest Research Institute
The Forest Research Institute is a premier research institute located in Dehradun city. Established in 1906, the institute is spread over an area of 450 hectares and is known for its beautiful architecture and lush green gardens. The institute has several museums and research laboratories, which showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region. The main building of the institute is a colonial-style structure made of red bricks and has a clock tower and a museum.
Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park is a popular tourist spot located about 10 km from the Dehradun city center. The park is spread over an area of 25 hectares and is home to several species of deer, including the spotted deer and the barking deer. The park also has a mini-zoo, where you can see animals like the leopard, the Himalayan black bear, and the peacock. There is also a children's park and a cafeteria inside the park.
Kalinga War Memorial
The Kalinga War Memorial is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Kalinga War. The war was fought between the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom in 261 BCE. The memorial is located in the outskirts of Dehradun city and has a beautiful garden and a museum. The museum has several artifacts related to the war and the Mauryan empire.
Tapovan
Tapovan is a scenic spot located about 5 km from Dehradun city center. The place is known for its natural beauty and serene ambiance. The spot is ideal for trekking and picnicking, and the view of the hills and valleys from here is breathtaking. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region.
Chetwoode Hall
Chetwoode Hall is a historic building located inside the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun city. The building was constructed in 1930 and is named after the founder of the academy, General Sir Philip Chetwoode. The building has beautiful architecture and a museum inside, which showcases the history and achievements of the academy. The building also has a well-maintained garden and a parade ground.
Food and Shopping
Dehradun is famous for its street food and local delicacies. Some popular dishes include kachori, aloo ke gutke, and bal mithai. You can try these dishes at local eateries like Kumar Sweets and Chetwoode Hall Mess. If you're looking for a fine dining experience, you can try restaurants like Town Table and The Great Indian Pub.
Dehradun is also a shopper's paradise, with several local markets and malls. Some popular markets include Paltan Bazaar, Gandhi Road, and Rajpur Road. You can buy local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs from these markets. If you're looking for a mall, you can visit Pacific Mall, which has several international and Indian brands.
Conclusion
Dehradun is a beautiful valley, which has something to offer everyone. From natural waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries to ancient temples and historic buildings, the city has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The city's serene ambiance and tranquil environment make it an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the serene valley of Dehradun
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is a serene valley known for its tranquil ambiance and natural beauty. The capital of Uttarakhand, this picturesque city offers a blend of history, culture, and adventure, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. In this blog, we will take you on a journey to explore the best of Dehradun, from its enchanting waterfalls to its ancient temples.
Getting to Dehradun
Dehradun is well-connected to all major cities of India through air, rail, and road networks. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is about 25 km away from the city center. Dehradun railway station is also well-connected to all major cities, and there are frequent bus services available from Delhi and other nearby towns.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options in Dehradun, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Some popular options include Hotel Madhuban, Lemon Tree Hotel, and Hotel Pacific. If you're looking for a unique experience, you can also try staying in a homestay or a camping site amidst the hills.
Exploring Dehradun
Robber's Cave
Also known as Gucchu Pani, Robber's Cave is a popular tourist spot located about 8 km from the Dehradun city center. It is a natural cave formed by a stream of water that disappears underground and reappears a few meters away. The cave is surrounded by lush green forests and is an ideal spot for a picnic or a day outing with family and friends.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara, which means "the thousandfold spring," is a natural waterfall located about 14 km from Dehradun city center. The waterfall is formed by the merging of Baldi river and the caves of Sahastradhara. The water here is believed to have medicinal properties and is said to cure skin diseases and other ailments. There are several small pools near the waterfall where you can take a dip and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Mindrolling Monastery
The Mindrolling Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery located in the outskirts of Dehradun city. Established in 1965, the monastery is known for its unique architecture and beautiful murals. The main attraction of the monastery is the 60-meter-high stupa, which is the tallest in Asia. The monastery also has a museum and a library, which house rare Buddhist texts and artifacts.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located about 6 km from the Dehradun city center. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in a cave beside a natural spring. The water of the spring is believed to have healing powers, and devotees come here to offer prayers and take a dip in the holy water. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests, and the scenic beauty of the place is breathtaking.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located about 60 km from Dehradun city center. The park is spread over an area of 820 sq. km and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park is known for its elephant population and is also home to tigers, leopards, and several species of birds. The park has several trekking trails, and visitors can also go on jeep safaris to explore the wildlife.
Forest Research Institute
The Forest Research Institute is a premier research institute located in Dehradun city. Established in 1906, the institute is spread over an area of 450 hectares and is known for its beautiful architecture and lush green gardens. The institute has several museums and research laboratories, which showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region. The main building of the institute is a colonial-style structure made of red bricks and has a clock tower and a museum.
Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park is a popular tourist spot located about 10 km from the Dehradun city center. The park is spread over an area of 25 hectares and is home to several species of deer, including the spotted deer and the barking deer. The park also has a mini-zoo, where you can see animals like the leopard, the Himalayan black bear, and the peacock. There is also a children's park and a cafeteria inside the park.
Kalinga War Memorial
The Kalinga War Memorial is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Kalinga War. The war was fought between the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom in 261 BCE. The memorial is located in the outskirts of Dehradun city and has a beautiful garden and a museum. The museum has several artifacts related to the war and the Mauryan empire.
Tapovan
Tapovan is a scenic spot located about 5 km from Dehradun city center. The place is known for its natural beauty and serene ambiance. The spot is ideal for trekking and picnicking, and the view of the hills and valleys from here is breathtaking. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region.
Chetwoode Hall
Chetwoode Hall is a historic building located inside the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun city. The building was constructed in 1930 and is named after the founder of the academy, General Sir Philip Chetwoode. The building has beautiful architecture and a museum inside, which showcases the history and achievements of the academy. The building also has a well-maintained garden and a parade ground.
Food and Shopping
Dehradun is famous for its street food and local delicacies. Some popular dishes include kachori, aloo ke gutke, and bal mithai. You can try these dishes at local eateries like Kumar Sweets and Chetwoode Hall Mess. If you're looking for a fine dining experience, you can try restaurants like Town Table and The Great Indian Pub.
Dehradun is also a shopper's paradise, with several local markets and malls. Some popular markets include Paltan Bazaar, Gandhi Road, and Rajpur Road. You can buy local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs from these markets. If you're looking for a mall, you can visit Pacific Mall, which has several international and Indian brands.
Conclusion
Dehradun is a beautiful valley, which has something to offer everyone. From natural waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries to ancient temples and historic buildings, the city has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The city's serene ambiance and tranquil environment make it an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the serene valley of Dehradun
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