| Sightseeing:
Dehradun is an important centre of education in North India and has many famous residential schools, the Doon School being the most famous of all. One of the best research institutes is the Forest Research Institute, which houses six museums, showcasing a variety of botanical species and animal life. You could also visit the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, with a museum that has on display various rock and fossils as well as semi precious stones.
On a more religious note, visit the cave temple of Tapkeshwar Mahadev, with the presiding deity of Lord Shiva. It stands on a picturesque locale on the outskirts of the city, with a river flowing by its side. Tapovan is a sacred spot dedicated to Guru Dronacharya and his pupils Ram and Lakshman. A small distance away is the Lakshman Siddh Temple.
If you want to relax, head to a great picnic spot at Sahastradhara, 14 kms away. Here you can bathe in the waters of the picturesque waterfalls, known for its healing powers since it originates from a cold sulphur spring. The Robber's Cave (Guchhupani), is another picnic spot 8kms away.
Visit the Malsi Deer Park 8kms from Doon to sight some deer while you picnic, and for serious wildlife watching, including herds of wild elephants, go to the Rajaji National Park.
Other activities:
Dehradun has a busy Mall with many fashionable shops and restaurants. You can look out for woolens and handicrafts, and buy the famous Quality's confectionaries.
Tourism Info:
Uttaranchal
Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam
74/1, Rajpur Road
Dehra Dun - 248 001
Phone: (0135) 746817, 749308
This popular hill station town is cradled in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a hot spot for many tourists who come visiting here en route to Mussoorie.
Its name is derived from the words Dera meaning a camp and Dun, meaning a river valley. Dehra
is also a reference to the Gurudwara of Ram Rai, the son of Guru Har
Rai. The origins of the city can be traced back to a rock inscription,
which states its existence in 300 BC. It is said to be the place where
the great guru Dronacharya lived, and also where Lord Rama and his
brother prayed for atonement for slaying Ravana.
During
the medieval ages it changed rulers several times, though it stayed the
base mainly for the Garhwal kingdom, followed by the British finally
capturing it. The British converted it into a typical colonial
settlement, using it as a summer base for the Viceroy's bodyguards. |
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