Dehradun, located about 230 Kms from Delhi, is one of the most sought after tourist spots in India. The highest mountain range to the north- Himalayas, Ganga and Yamuna rivers to the east and west of the city add to the beauty of the place. India's best academic and research institutes are also situated here.
It is one of the oldest cities; we can find the legendary king Asoka's inscriptions in the outskirts. (dated back to 250 BC). A great sage in ancient times, had proclaimed this city a perfect place for meditation and worship.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Among the religious spots are Tapeskwar Temple, which is adorned with a Shivalinga inside a cave. Another is Tapovan which is located on the banks of the river Ganga. Both these places attract a lot of devotees around the country. Lakshman Siddh is also a famous temple, where Lord Ram's younger brother had undergone penance after killing Ravan, the demon king.
This legendary city is also famous for academic institutes like Wildlife Institute of India, Anthropological Survey of India and Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, to name a few. The Forest Research Institute has six museums, which proudly displays the best species of flora and fauna, apart from wood samples stuffed animals wildlife etc.
Tourists interested in Geology can visit the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, where semi-precious stones, fossils and rock samples are displayed.
Places of interest close to Dehradun include Mussoorie a charming hill resort, Dakpathar filled with the beauty of nature. Paonta Sahib is a sacred place for Sikhs which is about 50 kms from the city.
RAIL/AIR TRANSPORT
The Shatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express, and the Dehradun-Mumbai Express connect the city to the major cities in India including Mumbai, Varanasi, Calcutta and Lucknow.
The major International Airport is at Delhi, and the Jolly Grant Airport (about 25kms away) has flights which are linked to the Delhi airport.
ROAD TRANSPORT
Road routes are clear and well defined, which connect the city to other tourist attractions like Badrinath, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Kedarnath. Also excellent bus services are available from Calcutta, Chennai, Lucknow, Mumbai and Delhi.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT
The ideal time to visit this picturesque destination is between the months of April and July. The location is such that the climate remains pleasant throughout the year. For tourists who enjoy snow, the time to be there is November and December. In the summer months, the temperature can rise up to 44 degrees.
ACCOMMODATION
Dehradun has amazing hotels like Hotel Aketa, Hotel Doon Castle, Pacific Hotel and Hotel madhuban among others. Apart from these, there are several guesthouses and Dharamshalas that are open to tourists. A lot of foreigners too visit this popular hill station.
SHOPPING ATTRACTIONS
Good bargains are available at Connaught place, Paltan Bazaar, Rajpur Road and Sahakari Bazaar. Varieties in woolen garments are amazing here. Added to this, one can find carpets woven in fine thread in these markets.
SUMMARY
As the name suggests,”camp in a river valley” tourists can consider this ancient city a home away from home. This 18th century city is a place where one can be at total peace with oneself far away from the madding crowd!
