Holidays in Valley of Shiwalik Hills

Dehradun is the capital city of the state of Uttarakhand (previously acknowledged as Utttaranchal) in India. Dehradun is one such place whose awe-inspiring beauty attract tourist and can drive a person mad. “Doon” dhoon or dun in Sanskrit language means a valley formed by the tectonic activity within the earth. It is gorgeously and magnificently placed within the Himalayan Mountains in the north, the shiwalik hills in the south, the river Ganga in the east and river Yamuna in the west. Dehradun is known as “valley in shiwalik hills” Dehradun is one of the enthralling destination for tourists from all over the world. The queen of hills, mussoorie, located near Dehradun here can just make a person go breathless after seeing it’s beauty. Places like robbers cave, Sahatradhara, dak pathar et cetera are some of the other wonderful places of Doon valley. The forest research institute and the Indian military academy are the biggest institute in India. Institutions like welhams, the Doon school etc is well known schools of India.

Tourist Places to see in Dehradun

Robber’s Cave: Also known as GachchuPani, situated at a distance of 8 km away from Dehradun. Robber’s cave is one of the beautiful picnic spot. It display here one of nature’s strange phenomena; a stream of water initially goes underground and reappears again after a few meters away. This peaceful and serene cave is surrounded by hills and is a beautiful getaway for those looking for quiet and peace of the hills and springs.

Sahastradhara:The meaning of name Sahastradhara means ‘‘the site of ‘thousand springs’ . Sahastradhara is situated near Rajpur Village, which is about 16 km away from Dehradun, it is one of the very popular picnic spot. The main attraction of this place is during rainy season, when there is plenty of water in the springs. The water of sulphur spring is assumed to have exceptional medicinal value that can help cure skin ailments and have miraculous effects on many diseases. The dripping caves and a bath in the Baldi River near the spring believe to rejuvenate the soul and body.

Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and an ancient place of worship of Lord Shiva. The annual fair held during Shiva Ratri is the major attraction here. It is situated 8 km away from Dehradun, on the banks of a stream, in Garhi Cant. The temple is associated with legends from the Mahabharata.

The Rajaji National Park: It is named after Late Shri C.Rajgoplalachari the last Governor General of India, popularly known as Rajaji. Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 820.42 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 reverine, forest, scrub land and grassy pasture lands broad leaf mixed forest, chirpine forest.This National Park is home to many important species of animals, birds and plants. There are 315 of avi-fauna and 23 species of mammals. The main attraction of the park is the elephant population. It is one of the major tourist spots near Dehradun, situated at a distance of 23 km away from Dehradun.

Forest Research Institute: one of the famous institutes in Dehradun, this is one of the interesting place to visit in Dehradun. The botanical garden and museum are the chief attractions. Forest Research Institute is established as Imperial in 1906, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun is a premier institution under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). Set in the sylvan surroundings of Doon Valley, the Forest Research Institute is a proud testimony to the vision of foresters, foresight and administrators of long ago.

Malsi Deer Park: Malsi Deer Park is refuge for deer is a beautiful forest and is very popular as a picnic spot. It is recently developed picnic spot cum mini zoological park on Mussoorie Road, situated approximately 9 km away from Dehradun. This is one of the perfect places for refreshment as well as for having a great time with your family. Malsi Deer Park is a miniature zoological park, comprising a children`s park, natural surroundings, encased within splendid, and building up Dehradun`s nature tourism to the utmost reachable position.

Dakpatthar: It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Dehradun. This place is noted for the magnificent scenic tourist beauty surrounding it in the western Doon Valley. Dakpathar has come forward as a lending esteem to the touring guidance of nature tourism in Dehradun, and as a brilliant tourist spot under the Yamuna Hydel Scheme.

Lachhiwala: 3 Kms from Doiwala and 22 Kms away from Dehradun, It is located on the Hardwar/Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. The blissful and serene spot is famous for its picnic spots. The place also provides accommodation to all the tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled all over the greenery.

Near By Tourist Attraction in Dehradun

Chakrata : Chakrata is situated approximately 98 km from Dehradun. It is the perfect destination for trekkers and nature lovers.Chakrata is another nearby hill station, but it is a good 80 km away. Paonta Sahib is a pilgrimage place for Sikhs with a historic Gurudwara on the banks of the Yamuna.

Harkidun : Har ki Doon Trek is situated in the Western Garhwal Himalayas, at the base of Fateh Parvat. This cradle shaped valley, South-east of Jaundar glacier is surrounded by dense forests of pine, deodar and other coniferous trees. It is totally covered by a blanket of blue and purple flowers. The surrounding forest is rich in wild life and exotic birds and forms part of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park. The main snow clad peaks visible from here are Swarga-Rohini, Bandarpunch and Kala Nag.

Mussoorie : Mussoorie, ‘Queen of Hills’, is a scenic town situated in Uttaranchal – at a distance of mere 35 km from the capital city of Dehradun and 290 km from delhi by road. The pine-covered slopes of the hill resort, combined with the exquisite views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains, make it one of the popular weekend getaways. Mussoorie is one the beautiful hill stations in India and the most frequently visited.

Dhanaulti : Dhanaulti is 325 km from Delhi (an 8-9 hour drive) and 25 km from Mussoorie.Situated amidst misty and dreamy surroundings, in the Garhwal Hiils, is the pictorial town of Dhanaulti. The lush greenery, comprising of soaring tress of deodar, rhododendron and oak, makes the hill station look like a painting created by Almighty himself. Dhanaulti Hills is one of those places with beauty that remains etched in your memory forever.

Haridwar : One of the few places in India that seem to be infused with the holy spirit, Haridwar lies at the foot of the Himalayas. It stands sprawled over the west bank of Ganges, in which one dip is said to wash away all the sins of a person. Delhi to Haridwaris 220 km and takes about 6 hrs by road.

Rishikesh : Located amidst the reaches of the lower Himalayas, Rishikesh is a small town that enchants its visitors. It is located hardly 25 km from the holy city of Haridwar and is regarded as the Gateway to the Char Dhams.Rishikesh is easily accessible by bus from Delhi. It is 6 hours (250 kms) journey.

Dehradun – Best Time to Visit

The hill resort of Dehradun is ideally located amongst the hills and experiences moderately pleasant climate throughout the year. The temperature hovers between 44.5°C and 16.7°C in the summers. While in the Winters Dehradun grows colder with the temperature varying between 23.6°C and 5.4°C. Dehradun is flocked by tourists all through the year. In summers it is the retreat from the plains and in winters it is the snow-time! You can enjoy the snow in the Garhwal Himalayas during November/December. April to July is the ideal time for a trip to the Doon valley and skip the heat and the dust of the Indian summer in the hill resort of Dehradun.

How to Reach Dehradun

By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport, 25 km away, which is linked with flights to Delhi.
By Rail: An excellent rail network connects Dehradun to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
By Road: Well-connected by an extensive network of roads, Dehradun has regular bus services to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and Lucknow. Renowned tourist places of Uttaranchal like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Rajaji National Park are also connected by road to Dehradun.

Facts & Figures About Deharadun

Area : 3088.00 sq. kms
Latitude : 30.19° N
Longitude : 78.04° E
Temperature : Max.: 27.8 °C; Min.: 13.3 °C
Average Rainfall : 2073.3 mm
Forest Land : 2200.56 sq. km.
Population : 1025680 (2001 census)
Population Density : 332 per sq. kms.
Literacy Rate : 69.50%
No. of Tehsils : 4
No. of Villages : 764
STD Code : 0135