Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is recently declared as the Provisional Capital of newly created Uttaranchal (Now Uttarakhand) State in the month of Nov’2000. Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always been an important center for Garhwal rulers which was captured by the British. The headquarters of many National Institutes and Organizations like ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest Research Institute, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc. are located in the city.
Dehradun is a popular tourist destination enroute Mussourie and is flocked by the tourists in summers. It has several places of interest including the Rajaji National Park, several notable Hindu temples and Gucchupani (or the criminals cave)
Places to Visit in Dehradun
Forest Research Institute
Established in the year 1906, the Forest Research Institute is spread over 4.5 square kilometres and has an imposing Colonial and Greco-Roman styles of architecture. This premier institution in the field of forestry research in India is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Nestled in the serene backdrop of the Doon Valley, Forest Research Institute is also a significant tourist attraction of Dehradun. The beautiful sprawling campus of Forest Research Institute has been drawing a lot of media as well.
This institute has been internationally acclaimed due to its developed infrastructure and various notable courses offered here. The infrastructure is fully equipped with amenities like laboratories, library, herbarium, printing press, arboreta and multiple areas for conducting forestry research.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Located at a distance of 6.5 kilometres from the city centre of Dehradun, the Tapkeshwar Temple is a humble cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Simple and charming in its appearance, this revered temple is situated along the banks of a river which imparts it a unique sanctity. A Shiva Linga is enshrined in the main complex which is believed to grant the wishes of all those who seek the Lord's blessings. Water trickles from the ceiling continuously on the Shivalinga, making it an interesting spectacle to watch. This cave was once resided by the famous guru Dronacharya and hence is also famous as Drona cave.
One of the popular destinations in Dehradun, Tapkeshwar Temple is one of the most visited temples in the region. Residing in the lap of gentle green mountains, this destination is thronged by young travellers as an unlikely but ideal picnic spot as well.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara literally means 'thousand-fold spring'. It is a popular attraction, famous for its ecstatic beauty and therapeutic value since its water contains Sulphur. While the place can be visited any time during the year, you would love the charming beauty of the waterfall during the rainy season when the stream proposes the appearance of a gushing torrent. Sahastradhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand and is placed in the picturesque town of Dehradun.
The place exhibits true scenic beauty, where water drips from limestone stalactites, making the water Sulphur-rich and thus it is also known as Sulphur Springs. The water is fresh and sweet, and the area is a warehouse of the exquisite beauty of caves, waterfalls and steppe farming by locals. Sahastradhara is situated at about 11 km from the city of Dehradun,
Laxman Sidh Temple
A Popular temple, Laxman Siddh is around 12 kilometres from Dehradun on Haridwar-Rishikesh road, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is easily accessible by uncountable devotees especially on Sundays from all over the world. It is also the cremation site of Saint Swami Laxman Siddh and to pay the homage to the saint, multiple devotees gather at the holy Samadhi (penance) here.
The Lakshman Sidh Temple is located in the heart of a dense forest and is the cremation site of Swami Lakshman Sidh, a renowned saint. In the middle of wilderness and away from the chaos of Dehradun, the Lakshman Sidh Temple is famous for the peace and tranquility it offers visitors. The temple is also a great place for bird watchers, as the temple and its surrounding area is flocked by many birds across different species.
Malsi Deer Park
Located at the base of the Shivalik range, Malsi Deer Park is a zoological garden, and it is home to two horned Deer, Tiger, Neelgai, Peacock and many other animals. Heaven for all the nature lovers out there, the beauty of the place is worth spending time at. Rich in flora and fauna, the park is a great point to unwind and break away from the busy life of the city. The park is blessed with natural and serene surroundings and an attractive environment perfect for sightseeing and picnic.
Though the park is mainly famous for deer, the tourists there can also spot peacock, nilgais, rabbits, and tigers to name a few. The park is home to Himalayan beauties such as nilgais and antelopes which draw children and animal lovers from all over the world to the place.
Sai Darbar
The Sai Darbar Temple is a standout amongst the most beautiful and well known temples in Dehradun. Situated on Rajpur Road, 8 kilometers from the Clock Tower, found far from the rushing about of Dehradun. Devoted to Shirdi Sai Baba, the temple is regularly visited by numerous aficionados crosswise over diverse beliefs. The Sai Darbar Temple is built of marble and the icon of Sai Baba is set amidst the temple.
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Dehradun. Dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, the temple is visited by many devotees across different faiths. The Sai Darbar Temple is constructed out of marble and the idol of Sai Baba is placed in the middle of the temple. There is a large hall in the temple where prayers are held every evening.
Tibetan Temple
The Mindrolling Monastery was established in 1676 by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa which was re-established in Dehradun by Khochhen Rinpoche along with a group of monks in 1965. The monastery is not only a tourist attraction but also a destination where on a daily basis almost hundreds of individuals attain spirituality. Being an architectural masterpiece with several sections, the monastery is no less than a wonder to look at. Numerous beautiful gardens, large areas, and a stupa are all situated within the perimeter of the monastery.
The monastery is an unnatural beauty owing to its gardens, university complex and the tallest Stupa in Asia surrounded by greenery. It also has numerous shrine rooms, Tibetan art forms, and murals. However, what catches the attention of every tourist is the presence of the tall statue of Lord Buddha. Situated in the middle of the serene foothills of the Himalayas.
Robber’s Cave
Robber's cave is a river cave formed in the Himalayas about 8 kilometres from Dehradun in the north-eastern state of Uttarakhand. This river cave is very close to Sahasradhara which are the thousandfold springs in Uttarakhand. It is mostly frequented by tourists seeking the adventure of witnessing this natural formation that has river water flowing from the middle of a cave.
Tourists need to trek a distance of about 1 kilometre through the Anarwala village to reach this place. It is a perfect location for those seeking adventure and thrill. Locals call it Guchhu Pani and also believe that it is home to Lord Shiva. Tourists can explore this 600 metres long cave that has been divided into two main parts. If you happen to walk a little further through the stream, you can also spot splendid waterfall.
Lachhiwala
If you are looking to spend a day amid breathtaking beauty in Dehradun, head to Lachhiwala. Surrounded by Sal trees, this place is a relaxing and serene picnic spot known for gorgeous sunset views, trekking trails, and bird watching. Lacchiwalla is a popular picnic spot situated a short distance away from Dehradun. Located on the Haridwar-Rishikesh Road, Lacchiwalla is 22 kilometers away from Dehradun and is very popular among tourists. Easily accessible, Lacchiwalla is renowned for its lush greenery, scenic beauty and pleasant climate all through the year.
A large forested area, with numerous man-made ponds, Lacchiwalla is a great place to enjoy nature at its best and most tranquil. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy spotting the many different species of colourful birds at Lacchiwalla. Lacchiwalla is also a great spot for children who will enjoy running around the large open spaces.