Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital city of the heavenly Uttarakhand is a great place to spend a couple of days. The Forest Research Institute which is world famous for its research work in forestry and is the only institution of its kind in Asia is situated here. Headquarters of important establishments like the Oil and Natural Gas Commission(ONGC) Survey of India and The Indian Military Academy are also located here.
The Gurudwara built by Guru Ram Rai during the reign of Aurangzeb in the Dhamanwala locality of the town is a religious place of eminence. For many years Dehradun has been one of the best known educational centres in northern India. Earlier known for its schools, Dehradun is fast emerging as a hub for higher education. Dehra Dun is well linked by rail and road with Delhi Bombay Calcutta Lucknow and Varanasi.
Dehradun is an hour’s drive from religious places like Haridwar and Rishikesh and located en-route to the hill station of Mussoorie. Here are some suggestions with an insider’s comments on places to visit in and around Dehradun.
Mindrolling Monastry
Located in Clement Town Mindrolling Monastry is a beautiful Buddhist monastry . The Stupa is open everyday of the week from 9:00 a.m. The great Stupa is 185 feet tall and 100 square feet in width. It is the world largest Stupa and is a magnificent example of Buddhist art and architecture. The Stupa is surrounded by a 2-acre landscaped garden. On the facade of the Stupa Maitreya the future Buddha has been beautifully painted.
Descending the steps is the present Buddha the Buddha Shakyamuni. On the several floors inside the Stupa are shrine rooms with elaborate murals executed in the finest tradition of Tibetan Buddhist art. Sacred relics have also been placed in the Stupa. Constructed to benefit all beings and dedicated to world peace the Great Stupa was inaugurated on 28th of October 2002.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Located at the outskirts of the city at a distance of 5.5 km from the city centre this cave temple sprawls on the banks of a seasonal river. It is dedicated to the Hindu Deity Shiva and derives its name from the Hindi Word Tapak which means to drip. Water naturally drips on the shivling (holy stone) from the ceiling of the cave.
According to legends during the time of the Mahabharata Lord Shiva made milk flow from this cave for Ashwarthama son of Rishi Dronacharya.
Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Located to the northwest of the city center on the Kaulagarh Road is the vast campus of the Forest Research Institute (FRI). Established by the British in 1906; the institute constantly strives towards the preservation of the various species of Indias forest wealth and is one of the best institutes in the world on the science of forestry.
The six museums located within its premise house diverse specimens of Indian flora and fauna and remain open for the public on weekdays. It is sheer pleasure to stroll in the verdant FRI campus.
Survey of India
Established in 1767 the office of Survey of India is located at a distance of 4 km from the city centre and forms an important landmark of the place.
A repository of ancient maps and documents; it determined the height of Mount Everest under the initiative of Sir George Everest; the then Surveyor of India. The peak was later named after him. It is a must-visit especially if you are on the lookout for ancient maps.
Wadia Institute Of Himalayan Geology
One of the best institutes of the country on Himalayan Geology Wadia Institute conducts various studies and research works on the subject.
It also houses a museum that displays the geological diversity of the Indian subcontinent with its different samples of rocks and semi-precious stones. With the display of the fossils unearthed in the Himalayan region the institute also throws light on the birth of the Himalayas.
Sahastradhara
Located around 14 km from the city centre the cold sulphur spring of Sahastradhara is believed to have healing powers. People visit the place to bathe in the therapeutic waters of the spring and the dripping caves nearby to get rid of various skin diseases.
Many people also bathe here for fun. With its picturesque surroundings and a 9-meter high waterfall the place also serves as an ideal picnic spot
Malsi Deer Park
Situated at a distance of 10 km from Dehradun en-route to Mussoorie this park lies on the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range. With its tranquil atmosphere and its collection of deer neelgai ducks and rare birds this sanctuary delights the children no end. People traveling to Mussoorie generally halt here for a short break before resuming their journey.
The mini-zoo coupled with a children park with lots of swings makes it very popular among children. Refreshments are available and one can have a picnic lunch here amongst the verdant surroundings but be careful because monkeys are always lurking around waiting to grab the food.
Laxman Siddh Temple
Surrounded by the dense forest and in a scenic environment, Laxman Siddh Temple is believed to be the same place where Lord Laxman, brother of Lord Rama underwent repentance after slaying the demon king Ravana. Saint Swami Laxman Siddh underwent penance and cremated at this site.
On every Sundays, devotees visited the temple in large numbers. Laxman Siddh Fair is organized at Laxman Siddh Temple on last Sunday of April month every year. Visitors can see a culture and customs of local tribes of Dehradun at the Laxman Siddh Temple.
Robbers Cave
Famous as Guchu Pani among the locals; the Robbers Cave located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre and 1 km from the nearby village of Anarwala. At this place one can witness a strange phenomenon of nature - a stream of water gushes underground and quite mysteriously re-appears a few meters away.
The cave itself is a beautiful sight but sadly rampant commercialization has marred the nearby surroundings so much so that one can hardly find a spot to spread out a picnic lunch.
Chetwode Hall (IMA)
It is a matter of pride that the great Indian Military Academy is located in Dehradun. India is the fifth largest nation in regards to the military power possessed. The Indian army possesses the latest and sophisticated ammunition which are displayed in Chetwode Hall.
Apart from direct displays this museum also shows video clips describing various weapons. This war gallery serves as a prominent part of the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
Lachhiwala
3 Kms from Doiwala and 22 Kms from Dehradun on the Haridwar/Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. An extremely popular picnic spot it is frequented by large crowds on weekends.
One can pack a picnic lunch and have it there and cool off in the water. Do carry towels and swimming trunks. The place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled in the greenery.
Kalsi
Located on the outskirts of the city about 5 kms from Dak Pathar on way to Chakrata is Kalsi. Here you can have a look at a third century rock inscription discovered in 1860. The rock inscription is the earliest tangible evidence of the history of the Doon Valley.
There are 14 edicts carved on a rock and adjacent to these is the site where Raja Shilvarma of the Vrisheri dynasty made three horse sacrifices during his rule in the third century BC. At the site large inscribed bricks are arranged in the shape of a bird with a fire altar in the middle. National Archaeological Department preserves it.
Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort
A 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 offers facilities like water skiing boating rowing kayaking canoeing etc. Wildlife lovers have an added bonus as during the winter season migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is situated at a distance of 23 kilometres from Dehradun. Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 830 sq.kms. The park with its magnificent ecosystem is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges.
The forest around this region contained 3 sanctuaries Rajaji Motichur and Chilla. In 1983 these three parks were merged into one and named Rajaji National Park after the great freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari. The park is known for its elephant population. The park is also home to the forest tribe of Gujjars who have lived in these forests for over 200 years. Rajaji is a magnificent ecosystem. It represents the flora of several zones of the forest reverine broad leaf mixed forest chirpine forest scrub land and grassy pasture lands. It is home to as many as 23 species of mammals and 315 species of birds.