DEHRADUN
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and presently holds the status of being the capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is situated on the Garwhal region of Uttarakhand and is often called as Dera Doon perched at an altitude of about 447 meter (1467 ft). The city of Dehradun mainly comprises of forests, hills, waterfalls, temples, research institutes and schools that attracts tourists visiting Uttarakhand. As per geographical location to the north of Dehradun is Shivalik Hills, to the west is Yamuna valleys and to the east is Ganges Valley. Dehradun is located around 52 km from Haridwar and 43 from Rishikesh. Dehradun has gained the importance as the educational hub of Uttarakhand state and is also the home to several reputed teaching and educational institutions. Nestled on the lap of Doon Valley, this peaceful haven of Dehradun grows the famously known ‘Dehradun Rice’ in abundance. The word Dehradun is an amalgamation of two different word ‘Dera’ meaning Camp and ‘Doon’ meaning Valley that lies between the Himalayas and Shivalik range. As per Indian mythology the name of Dehradun is also found in the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is also known from Indian mythology that Dehradun is the birthplace of Guru Dronacharya. The locals of Dehradun belong to different ethnic groups and they live in harmony with each other. Dehradun was changed hand several times between 17th and 18th centuries. Guru Ram Rai retreated from Punjab and settled at Dehradun, the Mughal Governor occupied it during 1757 to 1770. The Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before Dehradun was taken over by the British rule in 1815. After Dehradun was taken by the British, it became an elite town. Apart from all these Dehradun has always been an important tourist destination of Uttarakhand.
Places of Tourist’s interest around Dehradun
Sahasradhara Waterfall: Sahasradhara meaning ‘thousand of folding spring’ is of the most popular tourist attractions in Dehradun. More than thousands channeling flows of water are falling on the walls of the cave. Sahasradhara is located around 11 km from Dehradun. The Sahasradhara waterfall is coming down from the gushing mountains and is set within the magnificent beauty of nature surrounded by dense greenery all over where the water drips from the limestone stalactites on the walls making the water high content of sulphur which is natural remedy for many diseases. The sulphur mixed water get gathers in a place making a natural spring which is a wonderful creation of the Himalayas. The locals of Dehradun also practice step cultivation and terrace farming near the Sahasradhara.
Sai Darbar: Sai Darbar Temple also known as the Sai Mandir is a popular pilgrimage centre located on the Rajpur road in Dehradun. The Sai Darbar Temple is around 09 km from the main city of Dehradun and also Dehradun railway station. The Sai Darbar Temple is a two storied building of which the ground floor is reserved for bhandara, prayers and arti, whereas the upper floor has a temple with a big iconic statue of Lord Sai. The Sai Darbar Temple have an unique architectural style of which the entire temple is built in white marble stone with corridors on all the four sides, the interiors are decorated with colourful glass paintings. Apart the iconic statue of Lord Sai, there lots of paintings and sculpture of other gods and goddesses inside the Sai Darbar at Dehradun. The Sai Darbar remains open from 09.00 am to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 pm to 09.30 pm.
Guru Ram Rai Gurdwara/ Darbar Shahib: Guru Ram Rai Gurdwara also known as Darbar Sahib is a philanthropic organization of the Udaseen act and is also the most famous religious center in Dehradun. The Darbar Shahib or Guru Ram Rai Gurdwara was establish during 1699 AD by Sri Guru Ram Rai and it is located around 05 km from ISBT Dehradun. Sri Guru Ram Rai was the eldest son of the seventh Guru of Sikhs Sri Har Ra Ji. The Darbar Shahib was established for protecting and spreading the traditions, ideals and philosophies of Hinduism. The city of Dehradun owes its name and history with the emergence of Sri Guru Ram Rai. The history of Dehradun dates back to 1676 when Sri Guru Ram Rai established his ‘Dera’ in the Doon Valley, which later became popular as ‘Dehradun’ or ‘Dera Doon’. The structure of Darbar Shahib is an epitome or a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture which is decorated with domes, minarets, gurdwara and Mural paintings. On the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ram Rai in his sacred memory every year in Dehradun Jhanda Fair is celebrated which one of the famous fairs of Northern India. The Jhanda Fair is held on the fifth day of Holi and visitors and tourists in large numbers gather to witness this fair.
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology: Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is a research institute and is also one of the prime and informative tourist’s attractions in Dehradun. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology was established back in the year 1968 in order to serve the nation with research services in the field of earth sciences and its application areas. Located around 04 km from Dehradun railway station this research institute aims to study the geographical truths related to mountain building (particularly on the Himalayan region), improving and understanding of geodynamic process, climatic variability and natural resources. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is a place worth visiting as its museum has wide collections of antique rocks and fossils. There is a library inside this research institute that has a numbers of exclusive collections of encyclopedias. Since 2009 this research institute opened a new house of study which is known as the ‘Center for Himalayan Glaciology’ that focuses on the study of Himalayan Glaciers and its effects and adaptability on climate change for sustained growth.
Indian Military Academy: The Indian Military Academy is one of the main attractions of Dehradun spread over an area of about 1400 acres (5.7 sq km). The Indian Military Academy was established in 1932 and is an officer training academy of the Indian Army located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The Indian Military Academy has a capacity of about 1650 cadets those who can undergo training program. The Indian Military Academy building at Dehradun is known as Chetwode Building after the name of Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, who was then the commander-In-Chief of India. The Indian Military Academy is located about 08 km on the Dehradun – Chakrata road and 03 km from Forest Research Institute at Dehradun.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple also known as Tapkeshwar Temple is one of the famous and popularly known temples of Dehradun dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located around 06 km to the North – West of Dehradun. It is believed that Dronacharya used to live in this cave as his residence and carried meditation inside this cave temple. The Tapkeshwar Temple is located in a serene and peaceful environment with a huge statue of Lord Hanuman placed nearby. The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located on the banks of Tamasha River. This serene cave temple of Lord Shiva has natural rock formations that make the outer cover of the shrine. The porous rocks make natural water droplets to continuously fall on the Shiva Linga and hence the name of the cave temple emerged. Apart from Shiv Linga there are other deities around the shrine making a beautiful ambience all around. Right next to the cave temple there is a temple dedicated to goddess Durga and a cave of Vaishno Devi.
Robbers Cave: Robbers Cave also known as Guchhupani is a natural subterranean river cave formation located around 08 km from the main city of Dehradun. The Robbers Cave measures about 600 meters long and divided into two parts. The Robbers cave has a highest fall of 10 meters. The Robbers cave is situated in Anarwala village and is a perfect location for those who seek adventure and thrill. Tourists and visitors are advised to carry a good pair of slippers or one can take on rent available at the entrance as the stones lying beneath are quite rough. It is also believed that the cave is home to Lord Shiva. Presently the Robbers cave became a popular picnic spot around Dehradun.
Forest Research Institute: The Forest Research Institute at Dehradun is an institute under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India. The Forest Research Institute was founded in the year 1878 as the British Imperial Forest School by Dietrich Brandis which later reestablished as Imperial Forest Research Institute under the British Imperial Forestry Service. The Forest Research Institute located around 05 km from Dehradun and spread over an area of 450 hectares. The Forest Research Institute is one of the main attractions of Dehradun. The Forest Research Institute has a Botanical Museum which is divided into six different sections those houses to wide species of plants, trees and herbs along with other things found in the wild. This museum remains open from 09.30 am to 05.00 pm except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Forest Research Institute is located 07 km from Clock Tower on the Dehradun – Chakrata motor-able road. The architectural style of the institute is built in Greco – Roman and Colonial Style with a plinth area of 2.5 hectares. The Forest Research Institute is bounded by Kaulagarh in the north, Indian Military Academy to the south and the Tons River to the west.
Tapovan Temple: Tapovan Temple is a holy place located around 05 km from the main city of Dehradun on the banks of River Ganges. The serene location and the tranquil ambience of the temple make it an ideal one for meditation and inner peace. Throughout the year large numbers of devotees throng here to witness the rituals and religious ceremonies. Tapovan Temple is set within the dense greenery all around. The word Tapovan comes from a Sanskrit word Tapas (meaning penance) and Vana (meaning forest). The ashram at Tapovan hosts periodic yoga seminars and tourists and visitors will often get to see yogis and sages meditating near the temple periphery.
Dehradun Zoo/ Malsi Deer Park: Dehradun Zoo which was formerly known as Malsi Deer Park is a major attraction at Dehradun. The Malsi Deer Park or Dehradun Zoo lies at the foothills of the Shivalik range and located around 10 km from Dehradun on Dehradun – Mussoorie road. The Malsi Deer Park or Dehradun Zoo acts as a conservation and rescue centre for wild animals and developing as an education center for children. Surrounded by lush green valleys and beautiful landscapes all over, Malsi Deer Park or Dehradun Zoo is home to more than 50 species of animals those includes five different species of Deer, Leopard, Sambhar, Crocodile, Rabbits along with wide varieties of bird species like Ostrich, Emu, Turkey, Macu, Peacock and many more. Deer species includes Two – Horned Deer, Neelgai (Indian Antelope) which are commonly spotted. A children amusement park is also constructed where several slides are installed. Children can involve in playing and learning activities in this park. The Malsi Deer Park has a separate aquatic section that displays wide varieties of fishes. The Malsi Deer Park remains open from 10.00 am to 07.00 pm except Mondays.
Chandrabani Temple: Chandrabani Temple is regarded as one of the religious sites placed on a hilltop and located around 07 km from Dehradun. It is believed that a part of Sati’s body fell here which resulted in establishing the Chandrabani Temple. The Chandrabani Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandrabani and is set amidst the Shivalik ranges within the lush greenery all over. The temple is also called as Gautam Kund as Sage Gautama once lived in the vicinity of this temple. The place where this Chandrabani temple is located offers marvelous view of the scenic landscapes and stunning views of sunrise and sunset. The spot is easily accessible by car, but one needs to trek a little to reach the Chandrabani temple.
Santala Devi Temple: Santala Devi temple is one of the popular places of worship for the Hindus in Dehradun. The temple or the holy shrine is dedicated to goddess Santala and her brother. The Santala Devi Temple is located around 15 km from the main city of Dehradun and is the most visited temple of the region. The Santala Devi Temple has historical significance and is situated in Santur Mountain in Dehradun. The temple is located right above the Nun Nadi in Dehradun and one need to trek around 45 minutes to reach the temple. The Santala Devi Temple lies within dense greenery all around. The Goddess Santala is much revered by Nepali origin. As per the local folk lore, Santala Devi and her brother used to stop the conversion of Hindus to Islam by the Mughals, one day both of them realized the fact that they no longer will be able to fight against the Mughals and hence they decided to pray. All of a sudden light flickered on them and they were converted into stone. It was a Saturday and then onwards every Saturday numerous devotees visit this temple to offer their prayers. Tourists and visitors are advised to carry water bottles during this trek. The temple has been developed by the Gorkha Regiment of Indian Army.
Lachhiwala: Lachhiwala is a popular picnic spot and also a tourist spot situated on the Haridwar – Rishikesh road at Doiwala. Lachhiwala is presently known as ‘Nature Park’ located around 22 km from Dehradun and encircled by Sal trees all over. This Nature Park offers splendid view of the valleys and visitors can enjoy fun bath in the manmade pools where the water from Suswa River gets collected in these pools. Lachhiwala is also a popular spot for bird watchers as many Himalayan birds inhabit this region.
Khalanga War Memorial: Khalanga War Memorial is another tourist spot located around 05 km from Dehradun. Khalanga War Memorial depicts the brave story of the Gorkhas. The Khalanga War Memorial was constructed by British in the memory of their General ‘Gilapsy’ and other army men as well as Gorkha General ‘Balbhadra Thapa’ to pay tribute to their courage jointly after the battle of Nalapani which was fought in 1814. The Khalanga War Memorial is perhaps the first memorial built by an army for their opponent. The battle of Nalapani was an Anglo – Nepalese war fought between the British soldiers and the Gorkha Soldiers on the eastern fringes of the city. In the month of October 1814 the battle was fought in order to occupy the Nepali territories situated between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in the Garwhal and Kumaon regions that had been occupied by the Nepali forces. The battle was fought at a high hill place called Nalapani, situated north – east of Dehradun. In this Battle the British forces were unsuccessful and withdrew to Dehradun. For long six weeks the Gorkhas fought bravely to protect the Khalanga Fort at Nalapani. Presently this place is under the conservation of Archeological Survey of India.
Regional Science Center: Regional Science Center at Dehradun is a newly formed science park that attracts tourists and visitors for its educational and entertainment programs especially for the children. The Regional Science Center is located around 15 km from clock tower on the Chakrata road NH72. This science center remains open from 10.00 am to 05.00 pm. Inside Regional Science Park there is a Dinosaurs Park, Himalayan Gallery, 3D Theater, Library, Auditorium and an Exhibition Hall. This science center displays 3D movies on global warming which is recommended for children. There is a planetarium inside this science center that departs knowledge on our universe and the galaxy. Tourists visiting Dehradun are advised to visit the Regional Science Center with their children.
Survey of India Office: The Survey of India is the central engineering agency in charge of mapping and surveying. The Survey of India office was set in the year 1767 to help the British in consolidating the territories of East India Company. Many eminent surveyors, engineers and mathematician worked here. It was in the year 1852 pioneering mathematician and surveyor Radhanath Sikdar a member of Young Bengal first calculated the height of Mt. Everest at Survey of India office in Dehradun. The Great Trigonometrical Survey (1802 – 1852) started by British Surveyor Col. William Lambton and completed under Survey General Lt. George Everest in 1852 was executed from the Survey of India office at Dehradun. The Survey of India office is located at Hathibarkala Estate, New Cant Road at Dehradun. For those who are interested in science, engineering, mathematics for them this is a must visit spot at Dehradun.
Clock Tower Dehradun: The Clock Tower forms one of the main landmarks of the city of Dehradun. The Clock Tower at Dehradun is also known by the name ‘Ghanta Ghar’ and it is a unique six faced hexagonal structure that has a heritage value. The Clock Tower of Dehradun is located nearby the Tibetan Market, Indira Market and Paltan Bazar area and connects with some of the major road networks of Uttarakhand like Chakrata Road, Paltan Bazaar Road, Rajpur Road and Haridwar Road. There is gold plate at the top of this Clock Tower where the names of the freedom fighters those who fought for independence are engraved. The construction of the clock tower was started in the year 1948 and got completed in 1953. The Clock Tower was earlier known as Balbir Tower and the height of the Clock Tower is about 85 meter tall.
Buddha Temple: The Buddha Temple is one of the most visited tourist attraction at Dehradun. Throughout the year both domestic and international tourists visit this temple. The Buddha Temple is also known by the name Mindrolling Monastery and is a Tibetan monastery built in the year 1965 by Kochen Rimpoche and other monks to promote and protection of religious and culture of Buddhism. The Buddha Temple complex is known as Nyigma and it is one of the four known schools of Tibetan religion. The Buddha Temple is built in Japanese architectural style and is believed to be the largest Buddha reliquary in Asia. This Buddha Temple measures about 220 ft high and has five floors with each floor is enshrined with statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava. The walls of the first three floors of this Buddha Temple are decorated with hand drawn eye catching ornate wall paintings illustrating the life of Lord Buddha and these were painted in pure gold. The fourth floor of this temple offers 360 degree panoramic views of the Doon Valley. Another major attraction of this Buddha Temple is a 103 ft high statue of Lord Buddha.
Daat Kali Temple: The Daat Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Kali located on the Saharanpur Road at Dehradun. The Daat Kali Temple is located around 14 km from the main city of Dehradun and it was established on June 13th 1804. Inside the Daat Kali Temple there is a divine flame that is consistently burning since 1921. Due to its location the Daat Kali Temple is visited almost by every visitors, tourists and passersby to offer their prayers. Devotees offer Clarified Butter or Liquid Butter along with Flour to the deity in order to stay away from bad influence.
Maldevta: Maldevta is a lesser known gem and a hidden paradise at Dehradun tucked within the dense greenery with a river flowing beside. Maldevta is an ideal spot for families to relax in the lap of nature and also for adventure lovers. Located around 20 km from Dehradun near Raipur area and far away from the city’s crowd. At Maldevta one can take part in activities like rock climbing, bridge slithering, bird watching, cycling, camping, landscape photography or nature walks. There is a temple at Maldevta which is worth visiting, but tourists and visitors need to climb few steps to reach the temple. Bird watchers can spot some of the beautiful species of Himalayan birds those inhabit the region of Maldevta. Small tents are also set up at Maldevta for tourists to relax within the breathtaking beauty of scenic landscapes, hills and river all around. This serene place of Maldevta is a must visit spot while at Dehradun.
Assan Barrage: Assan Barrage or Asan Barrage is mainly a wetland situated on the border area of Uttarakhand – Himachal Pradesh in the Doon Valley of Dehradun at the confluence region of two perennial rivers namely Yamuna and Asan. The Assan Barrage is located around 28 km Northwest of Dehradun. The Assan Barrage is about 287.5 meter long and the river bed being 389.4 meter above sea level. This wetland area of Assan Barrage is home to more than 53 species of migratory birds those are extremely endangered and in the IUCN list to name but a few are Fishing Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Greater Spotted Eagle, Osprey, Steppe Eagle, Greylag, Brahminy, Common Teal, Mallard, Common Pochard, Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveller, Ruddy Shelduck, Cormorants, Egrets, Pond Heron, Red Crested Pochard, Storks, Herons and many more. The Bird sanctuary was established in the year 1967 as a manmade wetland at the confluence zone of Yamuna and Assan Rivers. The best time to visit Assan Barrage is from October to December and from mid March to the end of April. Tourists visiting Assan Barrage can enjoy both boating and bird watching.
Shri Parkasheshwar Mahadev Mandir: The Parkasheshwar Mahadev Mandir also known as the Shiv Mandir located on the Mussoorie – Dehradun road near Kuthal Gate. This temple is one of the very significant temples of Dehradun dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity or the Shiva Linga placed inside this temple is made of white glittering stone. One of the unique attractions of this Shiv Temple is that visitors and tourists are forbidden to offer donations and the Prasad offered to the guests and devotees are absolutely free of cost. The Shiv temple is spread over a vast area and is around 20 km from Dehradun.
Gurudwara Nanaksar: Gurudwara Nanaskar is a popular religious site dedicated to the Sikhs community and it was founded by Sant Baba Gurudev Ji in 1973. The Gurudwara Nanaskar is located around 10 km from ISBT and 02 km from the Clock Tower of Dehradun on Raipur Road. The Gurudwara provides free services to the commons and also the needy. During particular occasions the Gurudwara is visited by numerous visitors and special arrangements are also seen.
Shikhar Fall: Shikhar Falls is one of the popular tourist’s attractions in Dehradun and also a frequently visited spot by the tourists. Shikhar is located around 15 km from the main city of Dehradun in Kairwaan Village. The Shikhar Falls is also an ideal picnic spot and is surrounded by lush green vegetation all over. There is a hike of about 40 to 45 minutes that reaches to the top of the waterfall and this spot offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and regions of Dehradun. The area of Shikhar Fall is the common habitat of numerous Himalayan birds and different species of butterflies as well those inhabit this region. For bird photographers and landscape photographers this spot is an ideal one.
Tibetan Sakya Monastery: The Sakya Monastery is a Tibetan monastery located in Rajpur Road which is around 12 km from the main city of Dehradun. The Sakya Monastery was set up by the 41st Sakya Trizin, Ngawang Kunga, the then throne holder of the Sakyapa who went into exile in India in 1959 during the Chinese invasion of Tibet. He has lived in Dehradun in the foothills of Western Himalayas and reestablished the Sakya Monastery with a number of senior monks and scholars those who escaped from Tibet. These scholars and monks saved many original scrolls of the original Sakya Monastery and bring those to India. Around Dehradun they set up several institutions along with charitable hospitals, monastic colleges and a nunnery. Presently the Sakya Monastery has become a major tourist hotspot and educational hub in Dehradun.
Maa Bala Sundari Mandir: Maa Bala Sundari Mandir is a popular religious site for the Hindus located in Sudhowala in Dehradun. The temple is exactly situated 3.5 southwest of Sudhowala amidst lush greenery. Maa Bala Sundari is an incarnation of Vaishno Devi. This temple is believed to be a Sidh Peeth and is believed to be very old. During particular festivals many cultural programs are organized in this temple.
MDDA Park: The MDDA Park is a major tourist’s attraction located in the Kairwaan Village at Rajpur, Dehradun. The MDDA Park is located around 09 km from the Clock Tower which is the centre of the city and 11 km from Dehradun Railway station. The MDDA Park is nestled within the dense greenness all over with eye catching scenic beauty. As the park is nestled on the foothills of Himalayas hence it offers panoramic view of the lower Himalayas and the surrounding valleys. There are swings, playground areas for children along with meditation area. This is a must visit spot to be included in the travel checklist while planning for Dehradun.
Sura Devi Temple: The Sura Devi Temple is popular tourist’s attraction in Dehradun that also has a religious importance. The Sura Devi Temple at Dehradun lies close to Malsi Deer Park and Ambika Devi Temple. The Sura Devi Temple is nestled at an elevation of about 989 meters and is located near Dak Patti and Barkuli area. Devotees gather here during the auspicious night of Navaratri to offer their prayers to the Goddess.
Manak Sidh: The holy shrine of Manak Sidh is dedicated to sage Manak who was among the 84 disciples of Lord Dattatreya. The Manak Sidh is the first among the four other Sidh temple located in Dehradun. Sage Manak was a devotee of Lord Shiva and locals believe that whoever prays here with a pure heart, the sage grants their wishes. The Kalu Sidh temple is situated in Budhi Gaon on Dehradun – Shimla bypass road and is located around 16 km from Dehradun’s Clock Tower. Devotees from far of the places travel to Manak Sidh to offer their prayers as this is an important shrine for the people and it acts as the center of social consciousness and harmony.
Mandu Sidh: Mandu Sidh is the second among the four other Sidh temples located in Dehradun. Mandu Sidh temple is dedicated to Sage Mandu. This temple is tucked away in the quite ambience of Phulsani in Premnagar at Dehradun and is located about 10 km from Dehradun’s Clock Tower. Mandu Sidh temple is situated to the north of Dehradun. The temple is set amidst lush greenery and absolute silence all over. It is believed that anyone who prays with a true heart gets their wishes fulfilled. During the special occasion of Vasant Panchami (which generally occurs between late January and early February), a grand fair is organized at this temple which is followed by offering bhandara (also known as Community Feast). The main sanctum inside the temple is a Shivling along with pictures of Lord Ganesh and Saraswati imprinted on the walls. The cave near the temple where sage Mandu used to meditate is worth visiting.
Kalu Sidh: Kalu Sidh Temple is the third among the four Sidh Temples located in Dehradun. The Kalu Sidh Temple is dedicated to Sage Kalu who was among the 84 disciples of Lord Dhattatreya. The Kalu Sidh Temple is located in Kaluwala Village in Bhaniwala at Dehradun. The Kalu Sidh Temple is set within the Thano Forest range amidst dense forest of Sal trees all over. The Kalu Sidh Temple has a baffling fact that this temple does not have a roof on it, though several attempts to build the roof over it got failed. The location of Kalu Sidh temple is an ideal spot for bird watching, hiking and landscape photography.
Laxman Sidh Temple: Laxman Sidh Temple is one of the most popular temples and also the last and the most popular among the four Sidh temples located in Dehradun. The Laxman Sidh Temple is the famous cremation site of holy Saint Swami Laxman Sidh. The Lamxman Sidh Temple is located around 12 km from the city of Dehradun on the Haridwar – Rishikesh road. The temple is set amidst lush greenery of a part of Rajaji National Park and the serene and tranquil ambience of this temple periphery attracts tourists those who visits Dehradun. As per Indian mythology this temple is also known as the site where Laxman the younger brother of Ram went repentance after slaying Ravan the king of demon. Every year on the last Sunday of April month Laxman Sidh Fair is organized in this temple where numerous devotees gathers to witness the fair.
How to reach/ Getting There
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Dehradun which is located around 25 km from Dehradun main city. Regular flights like Air India, Jet Airways, Jet Connect and Spice Jet connects to Dehradun. Car services are available from the Airport to reach the city. From Jolly Grant Airport it takes about 40 to 45 minutes to reach the main city of Dehradun.
By Rail: Doon Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Dehradun city. Dehradun is well connected with strong railway networks with major cities of India. From Kolkata direct trains like Doon express and Upasana Express reaches Dehradun. Other trains are Shatabdi Express and Mussoorie Express connects Dehradun with other cities like Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi.
By Road: Dehradun is well connected with strong road networks with other destinations of Uttarakhand and New Delhi as well. Regular buses also ply from New Delhi those reaches Dehradun. Regular buses are available from ISBT, Kashmiri Gate and Delhi. Both state run and private buses are available within the state of Uttarakhand.
Best time of visit: Though Dehradun can be visited throughout the year, but summers are the peak season for a hill destination. Summers at Dehradun lasts from mid-March to June and the temperature remains very pleasant. Though the temperature drops slightly as the night grows making it pleasant relief from the blazing summers of northern India. Monsoon varies from July to September, the temperature during this time remains almost same as during the summers, but tourists are advised to avoid the monsoon due to probable chances of floods and landslides. Winters at Dehradun are cold enough for snowfall, but the climate remains very clear. For tourists likes to enjoy snowfall in the state of Uttarakhand, for them winter is the best.
Distance of other destinations from Dehradun
Dehradun – Haridwar: 52 km
Dehradun – Rishikesh: 43 km
Dehradun – Yamunatri: 239 km
Dehradun – Gauri Kund: 257 km
Dehradun – Delhi: 255 km