Dehradun is the capital of the state of Uttranchal and is situated at the foot of the Himalayas (about 2200 ft above sea level). Dehradun is known for its picturesque view and is a popular hill station in the north. Many tourists flock to Dehradun in summer to escape the heat of the plains. Dehradun is also home to a number of government institutes like Survey of India, Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy, Zoological Survey of India. Dehradun lies between the rivers Ganga & Yamuna & serves as an excellent base for a trip to nearby places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri etc.
Best For: Dehradun is a convenient base for adventure treks.
Dehradun has hot, humid summer and cold winter. Summer temperatures can rise up to 40°C and winter temperature can drop as low as 2°C. Monsoon arrive in July and last until September end. Therefore the ideal months to visit Dehradun is March-April and October-November when the weather is pleasant and temperature is moderate although tourists visit the city all year round. Dehradun has a lot of visitors in winter who come in to see the snow in the Garhwal Himalayas and is also popular as a summer retreat. Since the months of Oct-Feb can be quite cold in Dehradun, it is advisable to carry woolens along.
Dehradun has exchange bureaus where money can be changed. Most Indian banks on Rajpur Rd also change currency & accept traveler’s cheques. One can also find ATMs of various banks in the city. Credit cards & debit cards are also accepted at larger merchant locations & hotels.
By Air:
Dehradun has an airport called the Jolly Grant airport. Air Deccan operates a daily flight between Delhi & Dehradun but regular flight services to Dehra Dun airport have been suspended with effect from 21st february 2007 till the end of 2008 for airport renovation and upgradation. The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi. (About 220 kms)
By Rail: Dehradun has a well-connected rail network & has regular trains from Delhi. The Mussorie Express & Shatabdi Express run between Delhi & Dehradun, while the Doon Express connects Kolkata, Varanasi & Lucknow with Dehradun. Dehradun Express connects Dehradun to Mumbai, Surat, Delhi, Haridwar etc.
By Road: Dehradun is well connected to the neighboring cities ( Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal & Delhi) by road. Tourists can either hire taxis or take a bus to Dehradun. There are regular bus services from Mussoorie (1 ½ hrs), Haridwar (2 hrs), Nainital(12 hrs), Kullu, Manali(14 hrs), Shimla(10 hrs), Agra and Delhi (6 hrs). Most buses arrive & depart from the Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Clement Town.
Local Travel: Shared auto-rickshaws (vikrams), auto rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws and taxis can be used for getting around in Deharadun.
Forest Research Institute (FRI): It is a well-known research institute set in a 500-acre park with a Museum & Botanical garden. The museum has animal & bird paintings by Afshan Zaidi., wood samples, wildlife exhibits and cross section of a 700-year-old tree among other botanical specimens.
Tapkeshwar Temple: The temple is dedicated to Shiva & is situated on the banks on a river. The temple is on the outskirts of the city & Shivaratri is the best time to visit the temple when there are major celebrations.
Malsi Deer Park: A good picnic spot on the Mussoorie road. The park is home to the two horned deer and also Peacocks, rabbits, Neelgai etc.
Sahastradhara: 14 kms from Dehradun, Sahastradhara is known for its sulphur spring. The spring is believed to have medicinal value & many people come here to take a dip in the spring. The beautiful spring and waterfall also make it popular a picnic spot.
Ram Rai Darbar: The mausoleum was built for Ram Rai (son of seventh Sikh Guru). The mausoleum is made of white marble. The garden courtyard has four smaller tombs built for his four wives.
Chandrabani Temple (Gaurav Kund) is situated about 7 Kms from Dehradun on Delhi- Dehradun road.
Asan Barrage was created in 1967 and it is popularly known as Dhalipur Lake. The lake attracts a large number of waterfowls, as well as woodland and scrubland birds that visit the nearby Sal forests. Asan Barrage is connected to Dehradun, 38 km away by a highway, on the way to Paonta Sahib. Wildlife lovers have an added bonus during the winter season as migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity.
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Great Stupa & Buddha statue, Rajaji National Park, Robber’s Cave, Kalunga War Memorial etc are the other tourist attractions in Dehradun.
Shopping:
Paltan Bazaar, Rajpur Road, Sahakari Bazaar, Connaught Place and the Ashley Hall region are known for their bazaars where tourists can find extremely good woolens, carpets & other artifacts.
Rajpur Road has many restaurants and food joints serving different cuisine. Moti Mahal (North Indian cuisine) Udipi (South Indian), Vatika(multi cuisine),Yeti, Yo China (Chinese) Ellora’s Melting Moments, Nirula’s(fast food), Maa Cozy coffee lounge etc are popular restaurants and food joints in Dehradun. One can also find delicious North Indian snacks & sweets on the roadside stalls & sweet shops.
Where To Stay: There are numerous hotels, government guesthouses & dharamshalas at prices to suit every pocket. It is advisable to make early reservations for summer as the city gets quite crowded during this season. Best Western Madhuban Hotel (four star) is the best choice to stay in Dehradun. Hotel MJ Residency, Hotel Aketa & Hotel Great Value are good options for stay too.
Mussoorie is a hill station about an hour and a half from Dehradun.
Haridwar & Rishkesh are places of religious interest.
Corbett Tiger reserve- India’s first national park.
Nagtibba & Jaunpur: Known for their tribal communities & villages.
The ski resort at Auli near Dehradun is also very popular with nature lovers & adventure sports seekers. The various facilities at the resort are ski lift, cable car, snow beaters etc.
