DEHRADUN

ABOUT DEHRADUN

Valley City Of Dehradun is situated in the newly formed Himalayan state of Uttaranchal around 235 km from Delhi at the center of the Doon valley. The city has the Himalayas to its north, the Shivalik range to its south, the sacred Ganges to its east and the Yamuna to its west. Dehradun is the part of Garhwal Himalayan region, which was earlier known as Kedar Khand.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air : The nearest Airport to Dehradun is 24-kms away from Dehradun. The airport is called Jollygrant Airport but there are no regular flights to this place.So New Delhi airport is the nearest airport which is about 250 Km from Dehradun.
Rail: Dehradun has got a railway station of its own, connected to all the major cities of the state.
Road: Being a capital city of Uttaranchal Dehradun is well-connected with all the major cities of state and India.

DISTANCES FROM MAJOR CITIES

» Delhi (235 km)
» Meerut (170 km)
» Chandigarh (175 km)
» Mussoorie (36 km)

PLACES OF INTEREST IN DEHRADUN

Tapovan : Tapovan is a sacred site about five km from the city center on the Dehradun-Rajpur Road. The place is located in the picturesque Doon valley and according to popular belief, Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of warfare to the Kauravas and Pandavas, underwent his penance here.

Survey of India : Four kilometers from the center of the city is the office of Survey of India, founded in 1767. The greatest achievement of this organization was that it determined the height of Mount Everest under the leadership of the then Surveyor General, Sir George Everest.

Tapkeshwar Temple : Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple. It is a cave temple, on the banks of a seasonal river, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the only significant temple in Dehradun. Beside he river are steps that lead to a cave in which water drips from the ceiling on a SHIVLING.

Lakshman Siddh : This temple is 12 km off Dehradun on route to Rishikesh. It is one of the few temples in the region, which can be accessed by a motorable road, and a large number of people visit this temple on Sundays. Legend has is that Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord ram underwent his penance here for killing the demon king Ravan.

Malsi Deer Park :At the foothills of the Shivalik range, about 10 km from Dehradun on the road leading to Mussorie, a new tourist spot named the Malsi Deer park has been developed. The park with its deer, neelgai, and a variety of birds makes it an ideal excursion site.

Rajaji National Park : Rajaji National Park is situated at a distance of 23 km from Dehradun. This densely forested sanctuary is known for its elephants, barking deer, leopards, sambar and peafowl and a variety of birds. The forest around this region contains 3 sanctuaries, Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. In the year 1983, the three parks were merged into one and named Rajaji after the great freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari,

Robbers Cave : Situated at a distance of eight km from the city center, Robbers cave is a beautiful picnic spot. On display here is one of natures strange phenomena; a stream of water goes underground here and reappears a few meters away. The cave is surrounded by hills and is a beautiful getaway for those looking for peace and quiet of the hills. Buses are available up to the nearby Anarwala village, from where the caves are only a kilometer away.

Sahastradhara : Around 14 km from Dehradun is the cold Sulphur water spring called Sahastradhara. The spring is believed to have exceptional medicinal value and the dripping caves and a bath in the Baldi River near the spring are said to rejuvenate the body and soul. Many people come to the spring in the hope of being cured from polio and other such ailments.

EXCURSIONS FROM DEHRADUN

Rishikesh : Rishikesh is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Rishikesh is one of the popular pilgrimage for the Hindus. At this place the Ganges leaves the mountains and prepares herself to begin a long journey through the plains.

Haridwar : Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks.

Mussoorie : Famous as queen of hills this charming hill station is situated at an altitude of 3000 metres above sea-level and is 36 Kms. from Dehradun, connected by a good motorable road.

Asan Barrage : Popularly known as Dhalipur Lake, Asan Barrage has as a water sports complex.

Kalsi : It is about 5 kms. from Dak Pathar on way to Chakrata, where there is an Ashoka edict inscribed on the sizeable rock. It is preserved by National Archaeological Department.

Lakhamandal : About 80 Kms. from Mussoorie on Mussoorie - Yamnotri road Lakhamandal is believed to be the place where Duryodhana of Mahabharat episode conspired to burn alive the Pandavas in the Lakshyagriha a house specially constructed with shellac.

Lakha Mandal Temple : Lakhamandal is situated on a hill slope along the bank of the yamuna in district Dehradun. It is a site rich with ancient remains of temples, sculptures and insriptions, some dating from as early as fifth century A.D.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS IN DEHRADUN

The Jhanda Fair is celebrated in Dehradun to mark the arrival of Guru Ram Rai to the city in the year 1699.Followers from all over the country converge at Dehradun to participate in this fair, which is the largest one celebrated in the Doon valley. A flag (Jhanda) is ceremoniously unfurled at the Jhanda Chowk in the city.

SHIVRATRI fair is held every February to celebrate Shivratri at the Tapkeshwar Temple, where people from nearby towns and villages throng to worship Lord Shiva. Another fair Lakhawar Fair is held at the village of the same name in the months of September-October every year.

SHOPPING

Dehradun is famous for woolens. Check out the Sahakari Bazaar, Rajpur Road, Astley Hall, Paltan Bazaar, and Connaught Place in Dehradun for the purchases. The carpets weaved by the carpets made by Tibetan refugees also make excellent option for gifts and souvenirs from Dehradun.

ADVENTURE IN DEHRADUN

Dehradun is the adventure seekers paradise.The valley of flowers, Har-ki-Doon, Dodital, and Pindari glacier etc. make excellent trekking routes from Dehradun.