Dehradun
Dehradun Tour
Dehradun, the word which is a collection of two separate words – ‘Dehra’ which means camp and ‘Doon’ which means valley. It is said that Guru Ram Rai, son of Guru Har Rai, the seventh Sikh guru, came to this region with his followers and he established a camp here for them. During this time, the modern city of Dehradun started developing here and thus the place came to be known as Dehradun.
Dehradun is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and is one of the most beautiful cities in India which is known for its scenic surroundings. It was one of the favourite cities for the British officials as well and they put their efforts to make it an elite town. This is the reason why the place has many fine institutions like The Doon School, Forest Research Institute, Survey of India etc.
The city of Doon is also a tourist destination and every year many people from all over the world take Dehradun tour and enjoy the scenic beauty and heritage of this place. Beautiful hills, valleys and dense forests attracts tourists from every corner of India and abroad. The two prime rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna borders Doon Valley from east and west, respectively.
Tourism in Dehradun
The whole Dehradun district is an important place from tourism point of view. The famous “Queen of the Hills” Mussoorie, the part of spiritual city Rishikesh, Chakrata and many other remarkable destinations come under Dehradun district. Talking about the city and the surroundings, there are numerous tourist spots where every year lacs of tourists visit with their friends and families.
Below are some of the renowned spots which one can visit on their Dehradun tour.
1) FRI (Forest Research Institute) – Established in the year 1906 as Imperial Forest Research Institute, FRI is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India. It is one of the oldest institutes in India and is very well known for its Greco-Roman and Colonial architectural design. It has total 6 Museums, showcasing different elements related to forestry. The Museums remain open all days in a week from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm with an entry fee of Rs. 40 per person + nominal entry fee for vehicles (Rs. 10-20).
2) Sahastradhara – Literally meaning, the ‘Thousand Springs’ Sahastradhara is at a distance of 15 km from Dehradun and it is a picturesque picnic spot. The Baldi River flowing through this picnic spot and the caves here provide a breathtaking view. The water here has a fall of around 9 meters and leaves a coating of lime on all it touches. There is also a sulphur spring here which is known for its medicinal value. It is believed that taking a bath in this water cures skin infections. You can visit Sahastradhara at any time during the day. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can take a city bus. There is a regular bus service to Sahastradhara from Dehradun city center.
3) Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani) – A well-known picnic spot in Dehradun, Robber’s Cave is 8 km from Dehradun’s city center (Clock Tower). It is a beautiful cave that is formed by a natural rift in a mountain. A cold stream of water flows through this rift. The structure is formed in such a way that the darkness of the cave combined with the sound of the fast-flowing stream flowing through the feet gives an unforgettable experience.
4) Buddha (Tibetan) Temple – One of the most visited place in Dehradun, the Buddha Temple is regarded as the largest Buddhist centers in India. It was built with a motive to preserve and promote Tibetan culture in India. The Great Stupa located here is the center of the main attraction at Buddha Temple. On your visit to this place, don’t forget to taste the authentic Tibetan cuisines available in the restaurants outside the temple premises. To reach Buddha Temple, you can take the local city bus from ISBT Dehradun or, you can also hire a shared cab or auto available from other parts of the city.
5) Khalanga War Memorial – Khalanga War Memorial is located on Dehradun-Sahastradhara road. It recalls the story of the bravery of a 180-year-old battle between the British and the Gorkhas. It is on the banks of the Rispana river and the monument represents the history of the rulers of Garhwal.
6) Tapkeshwar Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tapkeshwar Temple is situated on the banks of a rivulet in the Garhi Cantt area. It is 5.5 Kms from the city center and is well connected by road. The name Tapkeshwar derived from the water droplets that originate from a rock and fall on the Shivling placed in this shrine. During Shivratri, the large number of people visit Tapkeshwar Temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
7) Santala Devi Temple – Located 15 km away from Dehradun, Santala Devi is the famous temple in the region. The last 2 km stretch to reach the temple is completely a trekking trail. The temple stands as a symbol of the faith and fervor among devotees and it has a great cultural and religious importance.
Apart from the above famous tourist spots, there are some other places and attractions like Lacchiwala, Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park), Paltan Bazaar, etc. which also attracts a large number of tourists on their Dehradun tour. So, plan a trip to this beautiful city and explore the different colours and rich nature of the place.
Also Read:
Plan a budget trip to Mussoorie – https://budgetescapes.in/trip-to-mussoorie/
