Dehradun Travel Guide
About
Dehradun:
Nestled in the mountains of the Himalaya, Dehradun in one of the oldest
cities of India. Also known as the abode of Drona (the mentor of
Pandavas), Dehradun has always been an important centre of the Garhwal
rulers which was captured by the British. The headuarters of many
national institute like ONGC , Survey of India , I.I.P. etc. are located
in the city. Dehradun has a string of premier educational institutes
like the Forest Research Institute, Rashtriya Indian Military College
and the India Military Academy. It is favoured tourist destination as it
attracts tourists, piligrims and enthusiasts from various parts of India
and world. Add to this the abundance of special Basmati rice, tea and
leechi gardens which contribute in turning the city into a paradise.
Getting There:
Air
There is an airport called Jolly Grant Airport, which has direct flghts
to Delhi, a major international airport of India.
Rail
Dehradun is the terminus of the Northern Railway well connected to
places like Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi etc. A
Delhi Dehradun Shatabdi Express has recently been introduced.
Road
Dehradun is on the NH 45. The Himachal road transport, Delhi and
Haryana road transport, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan state transport
buses, ply regularly to Dehradun. Taxis, cars, coaches are available
with private operators. Most of the buses start from the Gandhi Road
Interstate Bus Terminus. It is also the Gateway city to the hilly
regions of Mussoorie and beyond and is connected with them with good all
weather roads.
Tourist Attractions:
Sahastra Dhara
Sahastra Dhara, literally meaning, the 'thousand fold spring' is
situated at a distance of 11 Km from Dehradun. The place makes an ideal
picnic spot and is of immense attraction to visitors. There is a sulphur
spring in which visitors often take bath. Its water is said to cure skin
infections and possess other medicinal properties.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National park is situated 20 Km from Dehradun and is one of the
best national parks of Uttaranchal. The sanctuary is famous for its
population of elephants, tigers and leopards. The park is perfect for
the lovers of jungle safari, especially the elephant safari.
Tapovan
Five kms away is Tapovan, where the legendary Dronacharya, the great
guru of the heroes of the Mahabharata, is believed to have performed
years of intensive penance.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev
Tapkeshwar Mahadev, a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located 6
kms from the centre of the town, by the banks of a river. According to a
tale from the Mahabharata, Shiva made milk flow from this cave for
Asvathama, the son of guru Dronacharya
Mussoorie
Mussorie, often called as 'Queen of hill stations' is 38 Km from
Dehradun. The uphill journey to Mussoorie from Dehradun can make anyone
feel excited. The place is so beautiful, that it requires a full trip,
rather than spending a couple of days. Mussoorie has been a favorite
summer resort of Britishers and was developed heavily by them.
Accommodations
Dehradun offers some of best stay facilities in Uttaranchal. One can go
for a luxury or economic stay option, depending on the budget. The
restaurants here offer Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
