Robber's Cave or Guchu Paani, located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre, is one of the most popular picnic spots of the destination. Popularly known as Guchu Pani, this place is situated at a distance of 1 km from the village of Anarwala. The place is famous for a strange phenomenon, wherein a stream of water suddenly disappears from the sight and appears again after few metres. According to a popular belief, it is said that robbers used to hide themselves from British here. Hence, the tourist attraction earned its name, the Robber's Cave.
Robber’s Cave/Guchu paani is essentially a river running through a cave-like natural formation.Robber’s Cave is 600 meters long and is divided into two parts. The centre of the cave has a fort like structure, which is now broken and a fall which is ten meters high. Robber’s cave is famous for a strange natural occurrence; a stream of water suddenly appears and then disappears underground, only to appear again a few yards away. A beautiful and calm spot, ideal for a picnic, Robbers Cave is a very popular tour
This is Dehradun’s most famous road. Long drives down Rajpur Road are a part of every Doonite’s memories. Rajpur Road starts from the Clock Tower and ends at the Rajpur village. The Astley Hall area on Rajpur Road is a favourite hang out spot. Astley Hall has fast food chains, a gaming parlour, ice cream parlours and a number of good restaurants and shops. Most of the top brands in the country have their retail outlets on Rajpur Road.
The Paltan Bazaar is the main market of Dehradun. It is located right in the heart of the town, near the Clock Tower. It is a shopper’s paradise with all kinds of merchandise. One can buy Dehradun’s specialties--Basmati Rice and hand made woollens from here. The side pavements are heavily encroached and it is best covered on foot or a two wheeler. At the center of the Paltan Bazaar is the fruit and vegetable market. Rama Market in Paltan Bazaar is favorite haunt of ladies to purchase beautiful bed linen and export quality fabrics in pleasing prints. Many printer shops are also based here. For purchasing school and college books and stationery, ask for Dispensary Road in the Paltan Bazaar area. For those who believe in the power of herbs to cure all ailments, Dehradun has two well stocked stores famous for Jadi Bootis (herbs and medicinal plants) located near the Kotwali in Paltan Bazaar.
Hand made woollens are a thriving cottage industry in Dehradun. There are many shops all around Dehradun and Mussoorie stocking brightly coloured shawls, hand knit socks, caps, mufflers and sweaters in all sizes.
Dehradun still has a number of litchi trees though sadly, with increased construction activity, the number of trees has sharply declined. Old homes in the city are sure to have a couple of litchi trees in their gardens. June is the time when one can see bunches of freshly picked litchi being sold all over town. In the other months, one can pick up canned litchi and litchi squash.
Dehradun is very well known for bakery goodies. Plum cakes, Pista biscuits, Baby biscuits, Cake rusks, Milk rusks, Stick jaws...these are the most popular items demanded by friends and relatives staying outside Dehradun.
Located in Clement Town, Mindrolling Monastry is a beautiful Buddhist monastry . The Stupa is open everyday of the week from 9:00 a.m. The great Stupa is 185 feet tall and 100 square feet in width. It is the world's largest Stupa and is a magnificent example of Buddhist art and architecture. The Stupa is surrounded by a 2-acre landscaped garden. On the facade of the Stupa, Maitreya, the future Buddha, has been beautifully painted. Descending the steps is the present Buddha, the Buddha Shakyamuni. On the several floors inside the Stupa are shrine rooms with elaborate murals executed in the finest tradition of Tibetan Buddhist art. Sacred relics have also been placed in the Stupa. Constructed to benefit all beings and dedicated to world peace, the Great Stupa was inaugurated on 28th of October, 2002.
Located at the outskirts of the city, at a distance of 5.5 km from the city centre, this cave temple sprawls on the banks of a seasonal river. It is dedicated to the Hindu Deity 'Shiva' and derives its name from the Hindi Word Tapak, which means 'to drip'. Water naturally drips on the 'shivling' (holy stone) from the ceiling of the cave. According to legends, during the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Shiva made milk flow from this cave for Ashwarthama, son of Rishi Dronacharya.
Located to the northwest of the city center, on the Kaulagarh Road, is the vast campus of the Forest Research Institute (FRI). Established by the British in 1906; the institute constantly strives towards the preservation of the various species of India's forest wealth and is one of the best institutes in the world on the science of forestry. The six museums located within its premise house diverse specimens of Indian flora and fauna and remain open for the public on weekdays. It is sheer pleasure to stroll in the verdant FRI campus.
One of the best institutes of the country on Himalayan Geology, Wadia Institute conducts various studies and research works on the subject. It also houses a museum that displays the geological diversity of the Indian subcontinent, with its different samples of rocks and semi-precious stones. With the display of the fossils unearthed in the Himalayan region, the institute also throws light on the birth of the Himalayas.
Located around 14 km from the city centre, the cold sulphur spring of Sahastradhara is believed to have healing powers. People visit the place to bathe in the therapeutic waters of the spring and the dripping caves nearby, to get rid of various skin diseases. Many people also bathe here for fun. With its picturesque surroundings and a 9-meter high waterfall, the place also serves as an ideal picnic spot.
Situated at a distance of 10 km from Dehradun, en-route to Mussoorie, this park lies on the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range. With its tranquil atmosphere and its collection of deer, neelgai, ducks and rare birds, this sanctuary delights the children no end. People traveling to Mussoorie generally halt here for a short break, before resuming their journey. The mini-zoo, coupled with a children park with lots of swings, makes it very popular among children. Refreshments are available and one can have a picnic lunch here amongst the verdant surroundings but be careful because monkeys are always lurking around waiting to grab the food.
Located at a distance of 12 km to the north of the city centre, lies the famous Tibetan Gompah (temple) known as the 'Shakya Centre'. Embellished with frescos; this Buddhist monastery poses a beautiful sight. There is also a center of Tibetan medicine next to the Gompa. A small settlement of Tibetan people now resides at this place. The serene atmosphere and monks, with their genteel aura, lends this place its unique charm.
Famous as 'Guchu Pani' among the locals; the Robbers Cave located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre and 1 km from the nearby village of Anarwala. At this place, one can witness a strange phenomenon of nature - a stream of water gushes underground and quite mysteriously, re-appears a few meters away. The cave itself is a beautiful sight but sadly, rampant commercialization has marred the nearby surroundings so much so that one can hardly find a spot to spread out a picnic lunch.
It is a matter of pride that the great Indian Military Academy is located in Dehradun. India is the fifth largest nation in regards to the military power possessed. The Indian army possesses the latest and sophisticated ammunition which are displayed in Chetwode Hall. Apart from direct displays this museum also shows video clips describing various weapons. This war gallery serves as a prominent part of the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
3 Kms from Doiwala and 22 Kms from Dehradun, on the Haridwar/Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. An extremely popular picnic spot, it is frequented by large crowds on weekends. One can pack a picnic lunch and have it there and cool off in the water. Do carry towels and swimming trunks. The place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled in the greenery.
Located on the outskirts of the city about 5 kms from Dak Pathar on way to Chakrata is Kalsi. Here you can have a look at a third century rock inscription discovered in 1860. The rock inscription is the earliest tangible evidence of the history of the Doon Valley. There are 14 edicts carved on a rock and adjacent to these is the site where Raja Shilvarma of the Vrisheri dynasty made three horse sacrifices during his rule in the third century BC. At the site, large inscribed bricks are arranged in the shape of a bird with a fire altar in the middle. National Archaeological Department preserves it.
Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort
45 Kms from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a beautiful tourist spot in the western Doon Valley, amidst the Shivalik range. Dakpathar has emerged a wonderful tourist spot under the Yamuna Hydel Scheme. The place is connected by a regular bus service from the Parade Ground and Highway Bus Stand near the Railway Station, Dehradun. Accommodation is available in a Tourist Rest House with swimming pool facilities.
This fair held at Lakhawar village, during September-October, is very popular in the neighboring area of Chakrata, 78 km from Mussoorie. The fair reflects the customs and traditions of Garhwali tribes. Activities include cultural programs and sport competitions.