Places To Visit In Dehradun- Tourist Spots

Dehradun is still a great place to spend a couple of days (in spite of all the traffic that has burgeoned since it became a capital). The climate of the city is temperate. Even during summer, it is not so warm in Dehra Dun as it is in the district south of it. The Forest Research Institute which is world famous for its research work in forestry and is the only institution of its kind in Asia is situated here. Besides, headquarters of important establishments like the Oil and Natural Gas Commission(ONGC), Survey of India, the Indian Military Academy are also located here. The Gurudwara built by Guru Ram Rai during the reign of Aurangzeb in the Dhamanwala locality of the town is a religious place of eminence. For many years, Dehradun has been one of the best known educational centres in northern India. Earlier known for its schools, now Dehradun is fast emerging as a hub for higher education. Dehra Dun is well linked by rail and road with Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Lucknow and Varanasi.

Dehradun is an hour’s drive from religious places like Haridwar and Rishikesh and located en-route to the hill station of Mussoorie. Here are some suggestions with an insider’s comments on places to visit in and around Dehradun.

Mindrolling Monastry

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.

Day time visits to the Great Stupa need not be arranged in advance.
Tel: +91-135-2640556, 2640968

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

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.

Forest Research Institute (FRI)

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.

Survey Of India

Established in 1767, the office of Survey of India is located at a distance of 4 km from the city centre and forms an important landmark of the place. A repository of ancient maps and documents; it determined the height of Mount Everest, under the initiative of Sir George Everest; the then Surveyor of India. The peak was later named after him. It is a must-visit, especially if you are on the lookout for ancient maps.

Wadia Institute Of Himalayan Geology

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.

Sahastradhara

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.

Malsi Deer Park

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.

Shakya Centre

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.

Robbers Cave

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.

Chetwode Hall

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).

MDDA Park

Drive down to the end of Rajpur road. On reaching Rajpur village, just after the famous Pakodewala Sardarji, take a right turn and you are there. A small but well maintained park. Young children will enjoy the swings and aquariums filled with fishes.

Beyond Dehradun

Lachhiwala 
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.

Kalsi

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
A water sports resort has been developed at the Asan Barrage by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in the year 1994. Asan Barrage was created in 1967 and it is popularly known as Dhalipur Lake. Situated 43 kms from Dehradun on Chandigarh-Shimla highway, the resort offers facilities like water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing etc. Wildlife lovers have an added bonus as, during the winter season migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity.

Dakpathar 
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.

Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is situated at a distance of 23 kilometres from Dehradun. Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 830 sq.kms. The park with its magnificent ecosystem, is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges. The forest around this region contained 3 sanctuaries, Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. In 1983, these three parks were merged into one and named Rajaji National Park, after the great freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari. The park is known for its elephant population. The park is also home to the forest tribe of Gujjars who have lived in these forests for over 200 years. Rajaji is a magnificent ecosystem. It represents the flora of several zones of the forest, reverine, broad leaf mixed forest, chirpine forest, scrub land and grassy pasture lands. It is home to as many as 23 species of mammals and 315 species of birds.

Tourist Information Uttarakhand Tourism (UTDB)
PT. Deen Dayal Bhawan
Near ONGC Helipad
Garhi Cantt, Dehradun

Festivals

Jhanda Fair This fair marks the arrival of Guru Ram Rai, the Sikh Guru, at Dehradun. In the year 1699, Guru Ram Rai built a Gurudwara, Guru Ram Rai Darbar and hoisted his flag. Till this day a large fair is held here every year in the month of March/April on the sixth day after Holi and a flag (Jhanda) unfurled at Jhanda Chowk.

Tapkeshwar Fair 6 km from Dehradun is the famous Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple. Annually a fair is held here on Shivratri dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lakhawar FairThis 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.

Sports

Fishing: Premier fishing spots are

Satya Narain (40 km from Dehradun on Haridwar-Rishikesh road)

Kansro (36 km from Dehradun on Haridwar rail route)

Dhalipur (53 km from Dehradun)

Kulhal (43 km from Dehradun)

Lachhiwala (22 km from Dehradun on Haridwar-Rishikesh road)