Dehradun Travel Guide - A Scenic Escape in the Doon Valley
The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is no less than a mystical travel getaway majorly famous for its landscapes, crisp blue skies, refreshing cold gusts of winds and beautiful tapestry of lush nature.
Nestled in the Doon Valley, Dehradun is surrounded by the holy Ganges on one of its sides and the mighty Yamuna on the other. This comes across as one of Dehradun’s highlighting features, successfully making it to the bucket list of the travel enthusiasts.
History of Dehradun
The word Dehradun is the combination of two words Dehra meaning home and Doon meaning valley. Since the beginning, it has been a desired travel destination for people. Even the Britishers used to come here to escape the heat of the plains.
It is interesting to know that the city of Dehradun also has been mentioned time and again in our epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Talking about modern history, then till the 90s, there were only 4 primary colleges for graduation as far as education is concerned. These were DAV PG college, DBS college, SGRR PG college and KP PG Girls’ college.
In 2000, the state of Uttarakhand was annexed from Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun was made its capital city.
Ancient and Modern History of Dehradun. Even Skand Purana states Dehradun as a region called Kedar Khand which came under the kingdom of Ashoka the Great during the 3rd century.
Till 1815, Dehradun remained under the supervision of the Gorkhas, however, soon in 1815, they were defeated by the Britishers. After this, Dehradun was attached to Saharanpur. Then, in 1828, it was placed under the Then-Deputy Commissioner. In 1968, it was added to the Garhwal Division.
Major Attractions in and Around Dehradun
1. Robber’s Cave
This cave is locally referred to as Gucchu Pani. Many legends are associated with this cave and one such legend states that Lord Shiva himself resides here. For any adventure enthusiast, this is a must-visit travel getaway.
2. Sahastradhara
Literally meaning a thousandfold spring, Sahastradhara is a very popular tourist attraction and is famous for its medicinal and therapeutic values. Due to its natural beauty, this place is a must-visit for any travel lover. Don’t forget to take your camera here.
3. Lachchiwalla
It is a less explored picnic destination which is full of nature’s goodness. It is less commercialized thus is just the right travel getaway to spend some really memorable time of your life. Impressed with its beauty, you won’t mind staying here forever.
4. Har Ki Dun
This place is nestled away from the chaos of city life. It’s cradle shape and unexplored panoramic views make it a worth experiencing travel escapade. It is perhaps due to its wonderful charm that many people also refer to it as the Valley of Gods. All that can be said is Har Ki Dun is your perfect vacation spot.
Things to Do in Dehradun
- Enjoy a cave trek at Robber’s Cave and wade through its mysterious water stream.
- Take a dip in the sulfur-rich waters of Sahastradhara.
- Visit the Forest Research Institute and admire its colonial architecture.
- Experience Tibetan culture at the Buddha Temple (Mindrolling Monastery).
- Hike to Tapkeshwar Temple and witness the natural water dripping onto the Shivling.
- Shop for woolen clothes, handicrafts, and local souvenirs at Paltan Bazaar.
- Take a day trip to Mussoorie, just 35 km away, for stunning hill views.
Best Time to Visit Dehradun
- Summer (March to June) - Pleasant weather (17°C to 35°C), ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
- Monsoon (July to September) - Heavy rainfall, making the region lush but prone to landslides.
- Winter (October to February) - Chilly and scenic (3°C to 22°C), best for those who enjoy cold weather and misty landscapes.
How to Reach Dehradun
Dehradun is an adorable city nestled quietly in the Himalayan foothills. It is situated at an approximate distance of 256, 1,657, 1,720, and 2,372 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Dehradun via the following means of transportation.
By Air
If you are planning to travel here by flight then, it is advisable to board connecting flights to Dehradun from Delhi and Chandigarh. You will need to deboard at the Jolly Grant Airport and from there take a cab or some other means of public transport to reach your destination.
By Train
If you are planning to visit Dehradun by train, then you would need to deboard at the Dehradun Railway Station. Once off the train, take a cab or any other viable means of transport to reach your destination.
By Road
Driving to Dehradun can be a very pleasant experience. It is well-connected with nearby cities. So, if planning to travel here, you can either take a bus, hire a cab or even drive your own vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dehradun
Q. What are the major attractions in Dehradun?
A. The major tourist attractions in Dehradun include the Forest Research Institute, Sahastradhara, Robber's Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, Tapkeshwar Temple, and the Malsi Deer Park.
Q. Why is Dehradun famous?
A. Dehradun is known for its scenic beauty, educational institutions (like Doon School & FRI), adventure spots, spiritual sites, and as a gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
Q. How many days are enough for a Dehradun trip?
A. A 2-3 day trip is sufficient to explore Dehradun’s major attractions, local markets, and nearby places like Mussoorie or Rishikesh.
Q. What are the best places for shopping in Dehradun?
A. Visit Paltan Bazaar for budget shopping, Tibetan Market for woolens, and Astley Hall for handicrafts and local products.
Q. Are there any wildlife sanctuaries near Dehradun?
A. Yes, Rajaji National Park, just around 50 km away, is great for wildlife safaris and birdwatching.
Q. What spiritual places can I visit in Dehradun?
A. Dehradun has many temples and monasteries, including Tapkeshwar Temple, Mindrolling Monastery, Tapovan Ashram, and Sai Darbar Temple.
