Dehradun – The City of Love
Dehradun is a valley, located on the foothills of Himalayas and Shivaliks, nestled between Ganges and Yamuna River. It is well known by the capital of the beautiful state “Uttrakhand”, its scenic beauty attracts a lot of tourists therefore, Dehradun is a popular destination for tourists on vacations. Apart from its natural beauty, Dehradun is also known as an education city, the famous and oldest Doon School is located in Dehradun. There are so many other famous schools and universities here, where children from all over India come to study. Moreover Dehradun is also known as a fashion city after Chandigarh city in entire North India, therefore, fashion designing institutes also here. IMA (Indian Military Academy) is also here, the place which makes our citizens to serve for their country. When you pass over that way you feel the same patriotic feeling as our upcoming Soldiers feel. Dehradun is also famous for its FRI(Forest Research Institute), Wildlife Institute of India, National Institute for Blinds, Indian Institute of Petroleum, ONGC(Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), Survey of India, IT Park.
Dehradun got its name from the encampment (Dera) of Guru Ram Rai, this place is surrounded by the Doon hills, hence its name “Dehradun”. Dehradun also has various religious stories and cultures, it is said in the Ramayana that Lord Rama came here after killing Ravana, the king of Lanka. It is also believed that in Mahabharata times, Guru Dronacharya lived here. In Dehradun you can see people from everywhere from India therefore, there is a different fun in being close to every culture, their clothing, their food, their festivals, etc. Hindi, Garhwali, Jaunsari are widely spoken languages in Dehradun.
Dehradun is spread over 300 km², Population approx 16 lakhs with a literacy rate of 85.24℅, density is around 550 km² and elevated at 447 m from the sea level. The city is so unique for its landscapes and the lovely climate it has, you will never know the uniqueness of Dehradun until you will not spend a long time. Let’s talk about Dehradun’s atmosphere, not too cold not too warm, sudden heavy rain, winters are amazing, the summers temperature would never go too high, pleasant breeze, long drives, and all that calmness. Dehradun has an amazing atmosphere, relaxed life. Once anyone been there, you would want to go back there, every once in a while. It is known to have the highest levels of rain during monsoon season.
Dehradun has easy connectivity to Mussoorie just 35 km away from the city, Haridwar just 55 km, Rishikesh just 50 km from Dehradun makes the start of your journey better. From our National Capital Delhi it is 260 km away and from Chandigarh it is 172 km away. Dehradun is the all-time best place, but if you have no time and you plan to visit Dehradun. So the best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June, the weather is very pleasant and clear. Uttarakhand’s most popular airport is in Dehradun, which is also named Jolly Grant Airport, where domestic flights operate from all over the country.
Places you can visit in Dehradun
The Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar is one of the oldest Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated in the forest area. The temple and Shivlinga is situated inside the natural cave, water drops continuously falls from the rocks inside the temple. There is a river also flowing amidst the temple and it’s very appealing to the eye. During Mahashivratri, there is a lot of people come here to take the blessings of Lord Shiva. The story about this place is that the during Mahabharata period the Guru Dronacharya, guru of Pandavas, and Kauravas used to live here while receiving their education.
FRI (Forest Research Institute): FRI is one of the largest and oldest universities for Forest research and education spread over in 450 acres area, founded in 1878 as British Imperial Forest School, and later in 1906, it is reestablished as Imperial Forest Research Institute. You can spend your whole day just sitting and observing nature with your loved ones. The architecture of the building is 114 years old worth a visit. FRI also contains different museums on forestry, you can visit those museums to explore your knowledge. The FRI Campus is so beautiful you can experience your Photography skills here, many Movies also shoots on this campus.
Dehradoon Zoo: Malsi Deer Park is now renamed as Dehradun Zoo, situated on the way of Mussorie. It is spread across an area of 25 hectares. There are many animals in this zoo-like parrot, peacock, crocodile, tortoise, leopard, tiger, etc. There is also a big aquarium department in which a lot of fish is collected in different aquarium according to their species in a cool environment. There is a kids play zone in which cartoon characters are available for the photo shoot. 3D theatre, aquarium, and snake house are the most attraction of the zoo.
Robber’s cave: Nice place to visit when you are in Dehradun, different and refreshing experience. You have to walk in a cave around 500 feet in the flowing water. At the end of the cave, there is a small waterfall. Facilities are there like washrooms, sleepers, food shops. Other than that summertime is best to visit but not in monsoon season because the water level can be increased suddenly. So stay healthy and safe.
Buddha Temple: Temple has a very peaceful, enchanting, beautiful ambiance, eye-soothing greenery and so much of positive vibes. Must go there if you want to spend a peaceful time and also see Dehradun from heights. You can also buy religious stuff from the shops which are inside the temple area. You can also meet monks to know about temple stories. Amazing place Go there with your family & friends to cherish the holiness. No photography allowed inside the temple but you can click pictures from outside.
Shashtradhara: Shastradhara is the most popular destination for visitors, it is located 14 km from the main city Dehradun. Shastradhara means “thousand folded spring” in one place. As in this place water contains Sulphur, this place is also known as its medication and therapy value for the skin diseases. People come from far and wide to get water here. Apart from its Natural water story this place is a picnic destination for the local people and visitors.