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Dehradun
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. Katyuris of Garhwal were the initial rulers of this region. Later, this stronghold of the Katyuri dynasty passed into the hands of the Sikhs and Mughals. The Gorkhas of Nepal also ruled here for a long time till the British came into the picture. Following a war between the Gorkhas and the British, the Treaty of Sugauli was signed in 1816. With this, the British established their hold over the entire Garhwal and Kumaon regions including Dehradun.
Today this enchanting city still retains the quaint flavours of the Raj, though the influences of the tourism are gradually turning it into a metropolitan. The people of the city pride themselves for having a smile for all those who come to their lovely city. Dehradun at present is the capital of Uttaranchal and poised for major developments in the coming future.
Dehradun is the part of Garhwal Himalayan region, which was earlier known as Kedar Khand. Katyuris of Garhwal were the initial rulers of this region. Later, this stronghold of the Katyuri dynasty passed into the hands of the Sikhs and Mughals. The Gorkhas of Nepal also ruled here for a long time till the British came into the picture. Following a war between the Gorkhas and the British, the Treaty of Sugauli was signed in 1816. With this, the British established their hold over the entire Garhwal and Kumaon regions including Dehradun.
Today this enchanting city still retains the quaint flavours of the Raj, though the influences of the tourism are gradually turning it into a metropolitan. The people of the city pride themselves for having a smile for all those who come to their lovely city. Dehradun at present is the capital of Uttaranchal and poised for major developments in the coming future.
| State | : | Uttrankhand |
| Location | : | Dehradun district of Uttarakhand |
| District Area | : | 37.17 sq. Km |
| Altitude | : | 2200ft above the sea level |
| Population | : | approx. 4,47,808 (in 2001) |
| Sex Ratio | : | 964 females per every 1000 males |
| Literacy | : | 77% |
| STD Code | : | 0135 |
| Best time to visit | : | February - May and September - November |
| Rainfall | : | 2073.3mm |
| Temperature | : | Summer: Max. 35°C - Min. 17°C Winter: Max. 22°C - Min. 3°C |
| Climate | : | Sub Tropical, with cold winters and pleasant summers. |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Light cottons Winter: Woolens |
| Local Languages | : | Hindi, English and Garhwali |
Forest Research Institute
On the Kaulagarh Road, northwest of the city center is the Forest Research Institute. Established by the British in 1906, the institute is dedicated to the preservation of India//’s varied and much threatened flora and fauna. Located in extensive grounds covered with myriad species of India//’s forest wealth, it is the biggest forest based product-training institute and the training school for all forest officers in India. With the Mussoorie ridge as its backdrop, the institute is home to six museums that are open to the public on weekdays.
Robber's Cave
Also known as Guchu Pani and situated at a distance of eight kilometres from the city center, Robber’s cave is a beautiful picnic spot. Here you can have a look at one of the nature’s strange phenomena; a stream of water goes underground 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.
Tapovan
Tapovan is a sacred site about five kilometres from the city centre 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.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Situated in the Garhi Cantonment area, 5.5 km from the city centre is the 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 the river are steps that lead to a cave in which water drips from the ceiling on a shivling. It is after this dripping of water that the temple has got its name 'Tapkeshwar'. Legends associate this temple with the time of the Mahabharata when, it is believed, Lord Shiva made milk to flow from this cave for Ashwathama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of both Kauravas and Pandavas.
Dakpathar
Dakpathar is 45 km away from Dehradun in the western Doon valley. The Yamuna Hydel Scheme, with its lush green lawns and blooming gardens, has become a major tourist attraction in the region. Adding to the grandeur of the place are the vast stretches of the Yamuna and the ragged Shivalik range. Arrangements can be made for a stay in the tourist bungalow there, which commands a beautiful view of the area.
Excursions
Chakrata
Situated at the distance of 92 kilometres from Dehradun is the 112-year-old town of Chakrata. Its altitude of 7000 m adds to the charm of this haven for nature buffs and trekkers. Covered with lush, dense forest, the area has quaint little villages, inhabited by the Jaunsari tribe. The tribe is said to have descended from the Aryan hordes that had invaded the Indus Valley Civilization. Around Chakrata are several other sites like Mundali, Tiger falls and Lakhamandal that are worth a visit.
Kalsi
Located on the outskirts of the city is Kalsi where you can have a look at a third century rock inscription discovered here in 1860. The rock inscription is the earliest tangible evidence of the history of the city of Dehradun. 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.
Mussoorie
The single major attraction for tourists visiting Dehradun is a trip to Mussoorie, which is only 34 kilometres away. Situated at an altitude of 2000 m, Mussoorie used to be a popular getaway during the time of the British rule and till today it has retained its attraction. Getting to Mussoorie from Dehradun is quite convenient as there are buses, taxis and other modes of transport available round the clock that take a maximum of 90 minutes to reach there. It has almost become a tradition for all those visiting Dehradun to also make a trip to Mussoorie.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is situated at a distance of 23 kilometres 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 contained 3 sanctuaries, Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. Spread over 830 kilometres on the foothills of the Shivalik range, 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.
On the Kaulagarh Road, northwest of the city center is the Forest Research Institute. Established by the British in 1906, the institute is dedicated to the preservation of India//’s varied and much threatened flora and fauna. Located in extensive grounds covered with myriad species of India//’s forest wealth, it is the biggest forest based product-training institute and the training school for all forest officers in India. With the Mussoorie ridge as its backdrop, the institute is home to six museums that are open to the public on weekdays.
Robber's Cave
Also known as Guchu Pani and situated at a distance of eight kilometres from the city center, Robber’s cave is a beautiful picnic spot. Here you can have a look at one of the nature’s strange phenomena; a stream of water goes underground 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.
Tapovan
Tapovan is a sacred site about five kilometres from the city centre 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.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Situated in the Garhi Cantonment area, 5.5 km from the city centre is the 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 the river are steps that lead to a cave in which water drips from the ceiling on a shivling. It is after this dripping of water that the temple has got its name 'Tapkeshwar'. Legends associate this temple with the time of the Mahabharata when, it is believed, Lord Shiva made milk to flow from this cave for Ashwathama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of both Kauravas and Pandavas.
Dakpathar
Dakpathar is 45 km away from Dehradun in the western Doon valley. The Yamuna Hydel Scheme, with its lush green lawns and blooming gardens, has become a major tourist attraction in the region. Adding to the grandeur of the place are the vast stretches of the Yamuna and the ragged Shivalik range. Arrangements can be made for a stay in the tourist bungalow there, which commands a beautiful view of the area.
Excursions
Chakrata
Situated at the distance of 92 kilometres from Dehradun is the 112-year-old town of Chakrata. Its altitude of 7000 m adds to the charm of this haven for nature buffs and trekkers. Covered with lush, dense forest, the area has quaint little villages, inhabited by the Jaunsari tribe. The tribe is said to have descended from the Aryan hordes that had invaded the Indus Valley Civilization. Around Chakrata are several other sites like Mundali, Tiger falls and Lakhamandal that are worth a visit.
Kalsi
Located on the outskirts of the city is Kalsi where you can have a look at a third century rock inscription discovered here in 1860. The rock inscription is the earliest tangible evidence of the history of the city of Dehradun. 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.
Mussoorie
The single major attraction for tourists visiting Dehradun is a trip to Mussoorie, which is only 34 kilometres away. Situated at an altitude of 2000 m, Mussoorie used to be a popular getaway during the time of the British rule and till today it has retained its attraction. Getting to Mussoorie from Dehradun is quite convenient as there are buses, taxis and other modes of transport available round the clock that take a maximum of 90 minutes to reach there. It has almost become a tradition for all those visiting Dehradun to also make a trip to Mussoorie.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is situated at a distance of 23 kilometres 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 contained 3 sanctuaries, Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. Spread over 830 kilometres on the foothills of the Shivalik range, 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.
Summers (March to June) have a maximum temperature of 35 °C and a minimum of 17 °C. Most of the tourists prefer this period for visiting Dehradun.
Monsoons (July to September) offer mild to medium rainfall during which period the destination looks more attractive.
Winters (December to February) have a maximum of 22 °C and a minimum of about 3 °C. Snowfalls are common feature during this season.
Monsoons (July to September) offer mild to medium rainfall during which period the destination looks more attractive.
Winters (December to February) have a maximum of 22 °C and a minimum of about 3 °C. Snowfalls are common feature during this season.
By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20 km away from city center. Taxi cabs are available from airport to city, which cost about Rs 400. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi, which is about 235 km away.
By Railway:
Dehradun is a major railway station which is connected to all cities in the country. The major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Ujjain and Indore are connected by express trains and super fast trains.
By Road:
All nearby cities are connected to Dehradun by State owned Uttarakhand transport buses. It also connects Kashmere Gate in New Delhi with Dehradun. There are overnight deluxe A/C bus services of Uttarakhand Tourism from New Delhi to Dehradun. A distance of 235 km from Delhi to Dehradun costs about Rs 900 by deluxe bus.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20 km away from city center. Taxi cabs are available from airport to city, which cost about Rs 400. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi, which is about 235 km away.
By Railway:
Dehradun is a major railway station which is connected to all cities in the country. The major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Ujjain and Indore are connected by express trains and super fast trains.
By Road:
All nearby cities are connected to Dehradun by State owned Uttarakhand transport buses. It also connects Kashmere Gate in New Delhi with Dehradun. There are overnight deluxe A/C bus services of Uttarakhand Tourism from New Delhi to Dehradun. A distance of 235 km from Delhi to Dehradun costs about Rs 900 by deluxe bus.
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