Best places to visit in Dehradun
Snowy high hills, the dales, the fragrant long-grained rice, the swaying pine trees dotting the lanes of Dehradun and plenty other reasons make this place a must-visit destination on the tourist’s itinerary. Situated in a large valley, or doon, between the Shivaliks to the south and the higher ranges of the Himalayas to the north, Dehradun has grown from a sleepy cantonment town to a thriving state capital. The skyline has changed drastically — the city part of Rajpur Road is choc-a-bloc with hotels, shopping malls and traffic, leaving little room for any worthwhile exploration of scenic beauty. Being close to the hill station of Mussourie has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Known also for its birdlife, some of the winged friends you can make while in Dehradun are the common mynah, the jungle babbler, the house sparrow, the ashy wren warbler and humming birds.
Must See in Dehradun
Robbers’ Cave
Don’t let the image of Ali Baba’s cave with big chests overflowing with cash and jewellery creep in your mind at the mention of it. Robbers’ Cave is actually a picnic spot with a strange phenomena — a stream of water goes underground here and reappears a few metres away. One can wade through the stream inside the dimly-lit cave, daylight coming in through narrow gaps in the roof. You can trek down the 1-km distance from the road to the cave, which is an exciting option.
Sahastradhara
Around 14 km from the city, you can get yourself recharged at Sahastradhara, famous for its sulphurous spring and a waterfall. The waterfall descends from a height of 9m and comprises a thousand streams, hence the name. The spring is believed to have exceptional medicinal value — a dip is said to rejuvenate the body and soul and relieve you of all your skin diseases and other such ailments. Set amidst the picturesque bounty of nature, Sahastradhara has become quite popular with tourists. The spring is well-connected by a regular bus service and private taxis.
Tapkeshwar Temple
An ancient place of worship, the Tapkeshwar Temple is about 6km from the city centre. A cave temple, set on the banks of a seasonal river is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Garhi cantonment area. The name of the temple, Tapakeshwar is derived from the fact that water drips naturally over the shrine from the rocks of the cave. The temple is linked to the city with well-maintained roads.
Forest Research Institute
The Forest Research Institute is at a distance of about 7km from Clock Tower, on the Dehradun-Chakrata Road. One of the biggest forest-based training institutes in India, it is the main centre of research and planning in the fields of flora and fauna. Established by the Britishers in 1906, the institute is aimed at preserving the varied and much-threatened flora and fauna of India. The institute has six museums in its proximity which are open to public on weekdays. These museums display some of the most sought after species of flora and fauna of India including insects, furniture, and other wildlife. Even a few stuffed animals, along with a library and bookshop are housed in the complex. It also has succeeded in grabbing international attention. With the outer ranges of the Himalayan mountains forming its backdrop, the building itself is located amidst a lush green estate, which spreads over a sprawling area of land extending for almost 450 hectares.
Malsi Deer Park
At a distance of approximately 1km from the main city, en route Mussourie, is a place called Malsi Deer Park. A brilliantly developed mini-zoological park lying at the foothills of the Shivalik range, it has a beautifully landscaped park for children. The availability of refreshments makes this place an ideal locale for a picnic. Deers are fun to watch from a distance, but one attempt at getting near them and they vanish off in thick bushes. Spread on an acre of land, with beautiful rolling hills and giant trees as its backdrop, the Bird House is an ideal set up to watch the feathered beings of varied colours and sounds.
Tapovan
Tapovan, approximately 5km from the city bus stand on the Dehradun-Rajpur Road is situated amidst picture-perfect beautiful surroundings of the Doon valley. Tapovan is a sacred site and is believed to be the place where Guru Dronacharya of the Mahabharata fame had his ashram. He was the teacher of warfare to the Kauravas and Pandavas and it is here that he underwent his penance.
Mindrolling Monastery
The famous Mindrolling Monastery is located in Clement Town, the suburbs predominated by Tibetans-in-exile. This local monastery is a portrait of tranquillity. In 1965, His Eminence Khochhen Rinpoche, along with a small group of monks began the process of establishing Mindrolling Monastery but the enthronement was finally done in 1976. The complex now has the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist institutes in India. It also has the Great Stupa which in itself is a fine example of Tibetan architecture. The glorious stupa measures 185ft and was inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama in 2002. The stupa is a treasurehouse of materials related to Buddhist religion, culture, tradition, art and heritage which are worth seeing.
Tel Bhawan Complex
Think museums and you think of dreary places with artefacts arranged to make learning monotonous. But a step inside the ONGC Golden Jubilee Museum and you are sure to find things to fascinate you. Walk into the complex and perhaps you will find plenty of things to hold your attention. As an added attraction, the complex is dotted with hundreds of litchi trees, perhaps one of the best litchi orchards in India. There’s also a statuesque rudraksh tree that on a generous day sheds rare ekmukhi beads.
As you move ahead and walk along, looking at the displays, you learn more. You pick up trivia from every little display. If you think you are smart, try the interactive quiz.