Dehradun

Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most beautiful resorts in the sub mountain tracks of India, known for its scenic surroundings. The name Dehradun is a collection of two words "dera" meaning camp and " dun" meaning valley.

Said to be one of the oldest cities in India, it is believed that Lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king. During the 17th and 18th centuries Dehradun changed hands several times: Guru Ram Rai retreated here from Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-ud-Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before ceding it to the British in 1815. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institutions like Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools for girls and boys, many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time. Dehradun has now become an important tourist destination.

Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 24 km from Dehradun city.

Rail : It is connected among other places, to Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and other major cities. 4309/4310 Ujjain-Dehradun. 2019/2020 Bombay-Dehradun. 4041/4042 Delhi-Dehradun. 4265/4266 Varanasi-Dehradun. 3009/3010 Howrah-Dehradun. 2017/2018 Delhi-Dehradun.

Road : Dehradun is connected to other parts of India with a wide network of road route.

Local Transport Services : Private Bus Services, tempos (vikrams), auto rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and taxis.

• PWD inspection House (Rajpur Road) Ph: 0135 2623746
• Circuit House (New Cantt, Road, Reservation-DM) Ph: 0135 2652552. 2659975
• Railway Rest House (Railway Station. Reservation Station Supdt.) Ph: 0135 2744064
• FRI Inspection House (FRI, Reservation Incharge Rest House) Ph: 0135 2754348
• Survey of India (Hathi Barkala, Reservation-Asst. Surveyor) Ph: 0135 2744064
• ONGC Guest House (Tail Bhawan, Reservation-GM Admn.) Ph: 01352758365
• YMCA (Raipur Road. Reservation-President YMCA) Ph: 0135 2743945
• MES Guest House (Cantt. Reservation-Garrison Engineer) Ph: 01352270220

Situated on the foothills of the great Himalayan, Dehradun is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Surrounded by beautiful hills, doon valleys and dense forests, city welcomes tourists to come and enjoy real world of nature.

Dakpathar : 45 kms. from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a beautiful tourist spot in the western Doon Valley, amidst the Shivalik range The place is connected by a regular bus service. Accommodation is available in a Tourist Rest House of GMVN with swimming pool facilities.

Rajaji National Park : Rajaji National Park is spread over an area of 820 sq. kms., the park with it‘s magnificent ecosystem, is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges. It represents the flora of several zones of the forest, revering, broad leaf mixed forest, chirping forest, scrub land and grassy pasture lands. There are 23 species of mammals and 315 of awl-fauna here. Named after Late Sheri C. Raigoplalachari. popularly known as Raiaii. Best Tourist season is between November to mid June.

Sahastradhara : Shastradhara laterally means. the thousand springs‘ is at a distance of 11 kms from Dehradun. The place is a picturesque picnic spot. The Baldi River and the caves provide a breath-taking view. The water here has a tall of about 9 meters and leaves an incrustation oi lime on all its touches. Particles thus accumulating over the centuries have formed a projecting ledge. and a sort of cave. from the root of which tails a perpetual shower. There is also a sulphur spring known for its medicinal value. in which visitors often take bath. It is believed that. the water can cure skin infections and possesses other medicinal properties.

The Educational Centre : Dehradun is well known for its quality education standards and these high standards are due to the presence of century old Catholic and Protestant convent schools. It is a home to over 300 high schools including the famous Doon School, which is considered to be the best public school in India. Some of the other popular schools are:

• Army School (located in Indian Military Academy)
• Brightlands School
• Brooklyn School
• Cambrian Hall
• Colonel Brown Cambridge School
• Convent of Jesus and Mary High School
• Marshall's School
• Raja Rammohan Roy Academy (now known as Cambridge School)
• Riverdale High School
• St. Mary's Convent School
• Shri Guru Ram Rai Public School
• St. Joseph’s Academy
• Welham Boys‘School
• Welham Girls‘ High School
• The Army Public School
• Neshville Day School
• Asian School
• Various Kendriya Vidhyalayas

Dehradun Basics : 230 km. from Delhi, Dehradun is set amidst a valley in the Shivaliks. the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,200 feet above sea level.

Dehradun has a population of 447.808. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47% Dehradun has an average literacy rate of 7796%.

The city has cold winters season. mild hot summer, rainy monsoon season and a balmy spring season. The winter ranges from November to February in which the months of December and January are the coldest due to winter rains. coinciding with snow-fall in the nearby mountains ranges. While the spring from March to April are very pleasant. Summer lasts from April- May to July followed by good monsoon months till September. You can enjoy the magic of all seasons in Dehradun.

Mussoorie : Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young of the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made this place his residence. This marked the foundation of a hill station aptly called Mussoorie. The name. Mussoorie is derived from plants of ‘Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. When the plains of North India experience heat waves. Mussoorie provides a welcome break, overlooking picturesque Doon valley. From Dehradun one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mussoorie.

Chandrabani : 7 kms. from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Delhi route is the famous temple of Chandrabani (Gautam Kund)- According to the myth. this spot was inhabited by Mahirishi Gautam, his wife and daughter Anjani who is widely worshiped by the people. It is believed that the daughter of Ganga had manifested herself on this spot which is now popularly known as the Gautam Kund. Every year devotees. in large numbers, take a dip in this holy kund, 2 kms. away from the main road-Located amidst the Shivalik hills. the place is a major tourist spot.

Malsi Deer Park : 10 kms. from Dehradun, enroute to Mussoorie is situated a beautifully developed tourist spot lying at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Malsi Deer Park is a mini-zoological park comprising children‘s park enveloped by beautiful land, natural surroundings. This is also an ideal picnic spot for tourists.

Lachhiwala : Lachhiwaia is 22 kms. off Dehradun while approaching from Haridwar, Rishikesh, An extension of the Rajaji National Park, It is a serene and blissful spot among tall Deodar forests with water springs running all year round.

Bhagirathi Resorts : 18 kms. away from the city along Chakrata Road, Bhagirathi resorts is situated in Selaqul village, From here one can experience a clear view of the majestic Himalayan ranges, The resort lures tourists with its swimming pool, water slides, fountains and other fun, floric recreational activities.

Santala Devi Temple : The famous temple of Santala Devi is about 15 kms. away from Dehradun. A 2 kms. trek takes you to this temple. The temple stands as a symbol of the faith and fervor among devotees people and it has a great cultural and religious significance. Santala Devi, along with her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the mighty Mughal Army, abandoned their weapons and started offering pray. A light flickered and within moments they both were transformed into stone images. It is within the fort that the shrine was built and Saturdays marks the transformation of the Goddess into stone.

Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort : A famous 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 otters facilities like water skiing. boating, rowing, kayaking. canoeing etc. During the winter season you can also see a fleet of migratory birds here.

Tibetan Temple : Situated on Rajpur Road adjacent to the Sai babe: is the Tibetan Temple a temple devoted to Lord Buddha with all it‘s rich Tibetan traditions. culture and ambience.

Kalanga Monument : Located on the right of the Dehradun -Sahastradhara route. the Kalanga monument recalls the story of the bravery of an 180 year old battle between the British and the Gorkhas. Perched on the hull. 1000 ft over the bank of river Rispana. the monument represents the history of the rulers of Garhwal.

Indian Military Academy : Indian Military Academy was established in 1932. It is Situated 8 kms. on Dehradun-Chakrata road and 3 kms. beyond ER.I, Dehradun. It is a premier training institute for the Indian Army Officers. The academy has places of tourist interest that includes the Museum, Library, War, Memorial, Arms and ammunition, Shooting demonstration room, FRIMS Golf Course (18 holes) etc.

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology : The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is an autonomous research Institute of the Department of Science & Technology Government of India. The Institute was shifted to Dehradun from Delhi in 1976. It is named after the late Prof. D.N.Wadia (tou nder of the institute). It is situated at General Mahadev Singh Road. 5 kms. uphill from the Clock Tower. The institute carries out research in Himalayan Geology and related fields.

Sai Darbar : As the name suggests temple is dedicated to lord Sai Baba, it is located on Rajput road.

Tapkeshwar Temple : It is one of the oldest temples in Dehradun, dedicated to lord Shiva, it is at the distance of 5.5 km from city bus-stand and well connected by road. A fair is organized every year on the occasion of Shivratri. As the name suggests, temple is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets from rocks falls on shivling and gives it marvelous look.

Tapovan : Situated near Raipur/Sahastradhara crossing Topovan is famous for its beautiful surroundings and its auspicious nature relating to Hindu mythology. it is a common sight even today, to find hermits doing all sort of penance to appease the Gods in Topovan. its location is approx 5 kms. from Dehradun. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharya had done penance in the area.

Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) : An ideal place for picnic, Robber's Cave is 8 kms. from the City in Garhi Cantt area. The last one Kilometer is to be trekked to reach this beautiful cave formed by a natural rift in a mountain, Through this flows a very cold stream of water. The darkness of the cave combined with the sound of the fast flowing stream gushing past the feet gives it an unforgettable touch.

The Zoological Survey of India : Founded in 1916, the Zoological Survey of India, 5 kms. away on Kaulagarh road, a wing of the Ministry of Environment and Dorests, is a premier National Institute exploring the faunal diversity of the country. it undertakes surveys in all the blogeographic zones to collect, identify, collate and inventories faunal diversity of our country. The museum of this institute has a variety of Himalayan faunal diversity.

Clock Tower : The only Clock Tower in Asia with six (6) faces & Clocks. Latitute: 30'1927.55'N Longitude: 78"2"30,73'E

Sight Seeing Tours Dehradun City, Sakpathar, Haridwar and Mussoorie Organised by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.

City Tour (Soon Darshan) Timing Dep. 10:30 to Arr. 5:00

• Forest Research Institude (Tariff. Rs. 120/-)
• Malsi Deer Park
• Sahastradhara
• Buddha Gompa (Clement Town)

Dehradun - Mussoorie Timing Dep. 10:00 to Arr. 6:00

• Malsi Deer Park (Tariff Rs. 150/-)
• Mussoorie Jheel
• Kempty Fall

Dehradun - Haridwar Timing Dep. 10:00 to Arr. 7:00

• Rishikesh (Tariff Rs. 200/-)
• Laxman Jhula
• Swarg Ashram
• Har ki Pauri
• Mansa Devi
• Chandi Devi
• Pooja Darshan