Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Dehradun is one of the most beautiful cities 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.
It is also known as 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.
Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institution 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.
The climate of Dehradun is generally temperate, although it varies from tropical. Dehradun is an all year round tourist attraction with cool winters, warm summers and crisp mild monsoons.
Dehradun Summers (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.
Dehradun Monsoons (July to September): offer mild to medium rainfall during which period the destination looks more attractive.
Dehradun Winters (December to February): have a maximum of 22 °C and a minimum of about 3 °C. Snowfalls are common feature during this season.
Best time to visit Dehradun is all through the year. Tourists may keep off days of hard winter and heavy snowfalls, usually in January. March to June is ideal for all sight seeings and other activities. July to September is perfect for short trips and also good for enjoying the natural scenic beauties. October to February is offering pretty cool climate and ideal for honeymoon trips. This period is good with snowfalls and is the period of flowering in Dehradun.
It is popularly known as Prakasheshwar Mahadev Mandir among locals as well as devotees. Shiv Mandir is one of the famous religious places of Dehradun. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here you can see many pictures and idols of god and goddess. Everyday temple is decorated with flowers. Special poojas are held on the occasion of Shivratri & Sawaan. The main sanctuary where aficionados can't offer any gifts to the god. This place is exceptionally quiet which gives a full unwinding and peace to the psyche.
It is located about 12 km from Dehradun on Mussoorie road near Kuthal Gate. This place is 8 km away from Dehradun bus stand, 7 km away from Dehradun Railway Station and 34 km away from Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun.
Tapovan is a holy place which is located at a distance of 5 km from the Dehradun city. Surrounded by greenery visit to this temple is known for releasing the tension and providing a sense of satisfaction as well as peace of mind to the visitors. It is a very famous place to go for meditation and to escalate one's spirit.
It is situated on the bank of the river Ganga. Interestingly, not many know this, but the word "Tapovan" has been derived from two words- Tapasya which means rigour and van which means forest. Due to the history of the Ashram, devotees flock to the place frequently in the quest to find inner peace. All sorts of Indian rituals are performed at the ashram. Because of its human-friendly weather, the place is visited by tourists all year. The ashram also conducts yoga courses for the interested ones.
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) is an autonomous research Institute of the Department of the science & Technology, Govt. of India. Established in June, 1968 as a small nucleus in two rooms of the Botany Department, Delhi University, the Institute was shifted to Dehradun during April, 1976.
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology was formerly named as the Institute of Himalayan Geology, it was renamed as the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in memory of its founder- the late Prof. D. N. Wadia, (F.R.S. and National Professor), in appreciation to his contributions to geology of the Himalayas
The 600 meters long river cave (Robber’s Cave) is known by the locals as Gucchupani. The cave is divided into two main parts with its highest fall being 10 meters long. The place is known for its unique natural phenomenon known as the disappearing stream. The place was believed to be used by the robbers to hide during the British Raj hence owing to its name.
There are a number of small and large waterfalls as well exhibiting the natural beauty at its level best and thus a thorough refreshing time will be promised to its visitors, regardless of the season. The cave is located just 8 KM away from Dehradun city, one can reach until Vijaypur by bus and then have to take a trekking route of 1 KM to reach the caves. As the caves with rifts in it give away the best soothing time to mind and body especially during summer.
MDDA Park also nicknamed as the Rajpur Road Park is among the famous local attractions of Dehradun. It is known for its velvety gardens, trails and the colourful fountains that catch the attention of everybody. The park boasts of its well-marked jogging area, canteens and benches to enjoy the splendid mountainous view.
The park sees a lot of visitors during weekends. Many people come for picnicking with their loved ones. Those who visit here often are charmed by the gorgeous sunrise and sunset view that looks breathtakingly beautiful.
Situated at a picturesque location in the Raipur area of Dehradun, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium that mainly hosts cricket matches. It is synchronously known as Dehradun Cricket Stadium and Raipur Cricket Stadium. The stadium is a fairly new one inaugurated in December 2016. It is the only international standard cricket stadium in Dehradun and the first international stadium in Uttarakhand.
The stadium covers a vast area of about 23 acres and has ten pitch grounds. Out of the ten pitch grounds, five of them are for practices and the other five will be for the matches to be held. Also, the one of a kind feature of The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is the use of textile polymer and high tensile strength materials other than metal for the construction of the stadium roof.
Famous for extravagant Buddhist structure and holy school of Tibetan religion, Buddha Temple is the most visited place in Dehradun city. Located at Clement Town, Buddha Temple is center of attraction for many International tourists and Budhhist followers.
Surrounded by endless gardens, vast spaces, and a striking stupa, the tallest of its kind in Asia, the monastery is known to offer spiritual guidance to hundreds of devotees every day. The paintings and murals around the monastery depict the life of Buddha as well as teaching from Buddhism. Built according to Japanese architectural style, the edifice has five floors dedicated to Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava.
Tapkeshwar Temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand and is located at the banks of the Nandi River. The Temple is located within a cave which is characterized by naturally dripping water over the Shiva lingam placed here. The cave is also the site to the shivratri festival that happens every year.
The temple resides by the side of thick forests and the natural cave drops water from the roof little by little to give away the Shivlinga more beauty and in turn it appears as an amusing spectacle. The temple is existing in a location which is easily accessible, it is hardly six kilometers away from the city.
The premier research institute of forestry in India is located in Dehradun. The Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 as the British Imperial Forestry Service. The site also contains a museum for forestry with six main sections that are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and Entomology Museum. It has also being featured in many Bollywood films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Paan Singh Tomar, Nanban, Student of the Year etc.
Set amidst the lush green of the beautiful town of Dehradun, Forest Research Institute is an education and tourist spot. It is known for its natural diversity, spectacular beauty and magnificent architecture, this institute is one of the top places to see in Dehradun. The institute offers education and research in different areas of forestry—plants, climate, topography, animals, and birds of the Himalayan forests.
Located 7 Km from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Delhi road is the acclaimed Chandrabani Temple(Gautam Kund). As per the mythological conventions, this spot was occupied by Maharishi Gautam, his wife and girl Anjani who are generally revered by the individuals. It is accepted that the girl of paradise Ganga had showed herself on this spot which is currently prominently known as the Gautam Kund.
Chandrabani is crowded by thousands of devotes every year who come here to take a dip in the holy Kund. Dehradun Chandrabani turned to be a hot vacationers spot apart from the religious significance of the place. The breath taking view of the picturesque and stunning countryside and a bath in the fresh water of natural Kund will rejuvenate your heart and soul and make your visit worth while.
Located on Dehradun- Rishikesh highway, Lachhiwala is a perfect outing spot near Dehradun. Surrounded by Sal trees, accompanied by deciduous shrubs, and shimmering with the cold waters of Susma river, Lachhiwala is known as a Nature Park. The highlight of the picnic spot is its pool which is quite an attraction for nature lovers. Soak in the sunlight while swimming in the man-made pools of Lachhiwala.
This place is also flocked by tourists for its lush green forest cover, bird-watching, trekking, swimming, and other interesting activities. This place is a paradise for bird-watchers since there are various species of birds and even hires a local guide to educate you about these birds and the locations where you will find them.
Situated near Rajpur Village, approximately 16 km from the major township of Dehradun, it is a very popular picnic spot. The name 'Sahastradhara' means the site of 'thousand springs'. The place becomes more attractive during rainy season, when there is abundance of water in the springs.
The area has got an amazing spread of waterfalls and caves which are a treat to the eye. The water which drips off the stalactites has got a good amount of Sulphur in it due to its limestone content. The water of sulphur spring is assumed to have some medicinal properties that can help cure skin ailments.
Formerly known as Malsi Deer Park, the Dehradun Zoo is one of the famous tourist places of Dehradun. It is built on the objectives of ex-situ conservation of wild animals, biodiversity conservation, to develop as an education centre and a Rescue centre for wild animals. There are many birds and other animals around too but they are kept enclosed in a cage.
Idyllically situated in the serene surroundings of the city, the Dehradun Zoo is one of the best places to visit on the way to Mussoorie, spread over an area of 25 hectares. This zoo is developed as a mini-zoological park and offers a resplendent view of the ethereal natural beauty enveloping the area ideal for family outings or school excursions. For kids, there are fun rides and space for games also. The weekend witnesses the flooding of people towards the park.
An amazing place bustling with life, the richness of nature and beauty, Assan Barrage is a bird lover's paradise and a naturalists heaven with its artificial lake attracting thousands of birds of varied species. Assan Barrage was formed due to the confluence of two great rivers of Uttarakhand Assan and Yamuna River. The area created by their confluence is today a place full of life, biodiversity and the most unique bird population in the world.
Located 32 km west of the city of Dehradun, Assan barrage is a wonderful place to be one with nature and bask in its infinite glory. The place buzzes with life and as such is a paradise for all the bird lovers out there. It is also popularly known as Dhaulipur Lake and is thronged by tourists and students alike who come to marvel at its beauty and bird life.