Kalsi

The hamlet of Kalsi is located in the Dehradun District in the state of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of around 780 metres above sea level, Kalsi lies at the convergence of Yamuna and Tons rivers. Kalsi is a block as well as the entry zone of the Jaunsar-Bawar tribal region of the Dehradun District.

Dehradun has a rich history since the Puranic times and finds its mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata. The ancient temples and statues in the destination date back to 7th century AD when Huen Tsang observed Kalsi as Sudhnagar. The archaeological remains during the time of Raja Rasaal are also found at Haripur in Kalsi.

A rock edict of King Ashoka is also found at Kalsi, which is one of the major attractions. The site features a pear-shaped quartz rock, which is 10 feet high and long. There are inscriptions in Brahmi and Prakrit, which are deciphered as the King’s reform and advice to the people. This edict has an outline of an elephant which depicts Buddha’s descend from Tushita heaven. Moreover, the names of five Greek kings are inscribed on the rock that helps in dating the edict back to 253 BC.

Asan Barrage, also known as Dhalipur Lake, harnessed by streams such as the Asan and the Yamuna, is one of the highlights of the location. Constructed in 1967, the water body provides habitat for birds along with a variety of aquatic life.

Situated along the banks of the sacred river Yamuna along with ancient shrines, Kalsi also has a rich culture. Mundar, Khils and Bhutis are some of the communities residing in the destination. Festivals celebrated in the region include Shravan, Bhitauli and Olgia. During these festive celebrations, folk songs like panwaras, somber, thadya and khuded are sung.

Kalsi is connected with other parts of the country by air, rail and road. The nearest airport to the destination is Jolly Grant Airport, which is served by regular flights from Delhi. Besides, trains are served by Dehradun railway station. State owned and private buses operate from neighbouring cities and Delhi to Kalsi.

Cool winters and mild summers prevail in Kalsi, which make the destination an ideal retreat round the year.