Side Trip in Dehradun
Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is a picturesque city that serves as a gateway to the lush landscapes of Uttarakhand. Known for its pleasant climate and charming ambiance, Dehradun offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and historical significance. From the tranquil Rajaji National Park and the ancient Buddha Temple to the vibrant local markets and colonial-era architecture, this city has something to captivate every traveler. Whether you're seeking spiritual solace, outdoor adventure, or a leisurely escape, Dehradun's unique blend of attractions ensures a memorable sightseeing experience. Discover the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting city, where every corner holds a story and every view is a masterpiece of nature.
For sightseeing and moving around the city, there is no dearth of options in Dehradun. You can get all modes of transportation ranging from buses, taxis, private cars, auto rickshaws, E-rickshaws and tempos. The city is well-connected through all these alternatives, hence moving from one place to another is not a problem and does not cost much.
Asan Barrage
The Asan Conservation Reserve, also known as the Asan Barrage, is a captivating blue-green water body located approximately 43 km from Dehradun. Renowned as one of the region's premier bird-watching destinations, it attracts nature enthusiasts and avid birders eager to capture the beauty of its avian inhabitants. Situated in the Dehradun district at the scenic confluence of the Yamuna and Asan rivers, this tranquil expanse is India’s first conservation reserve, established in 2005. Recently designated as Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, it has earned the distinction of being a 'Wetland of International Importance'.
Covering an area of 4.5 sq km, Asan is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BNHS and BirdLife International, and it is particularly famed for its diverse array of native and migratory bird species. The reserve hosts around 40 migratory bird species, including the ruddy shelduck, common coot, gadwall, kingfisher, Indian cormorant, Baer’s pochard, northern pintail, and bar-headed goose. It is also a key site for spotting congregations of Brahminy ducks. The prime time for bird-watching at Asan is during the winter months, from November to February. Visitors can explore demarcated routes within the reserve and stay in eco-huts designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
Best Time to Visit: While it’s an all-year-round destination, the best season to watch birds is from October to April.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park offers a unique blend of proximity to bustling cities and the tranquil allure of wilderness. Renowned for its impressive elephant population, the park is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, near Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. With the Ganga and Song rivers meandering through its landscape, Rajaji National Park is celebrated for its stunning scenery and diverse biodiversity.
A true haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados, the park boasts a rich array of fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, ghorals, and numerous bird species. Established in 1983, Rajaji National Park was formed by combining three sanctuaries—Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla—into a single protected area, named in honor of C. Rajagopalachari, the first Governor-General of India, affectionately known as “Rajaji.”
Spanning 820.42 sq km, Rajaji National Park lies in the Shivalik ranges at the gateway to the Indo-Gangetic plains. This expansive park represents a mosaic of distinct vegetation zones and forest types, marking the north-western limit of the Asian elephant’s range.
Dakpathar
Blessed with natural beauty, Dakpathar is 45km away from Dehradun and attracts several tourists. Dakpathar lies about 790m above sea level at the foothills of Shivalik range on the banks of River Yamuna. A wonderful tourist destination, it is well-connected by a regular bus service from the Doon Valley’s Parade Ground and Highway Bus Terminus. The Yamuna Hydel Scheme played an active role in making Dakpathar a fantastic tourist spot. There are several other tourist destinations near Dakpathar. If you wish to see the famous historic rock edict of Asoka you have to go to Kalsi, which is about 6 km from Dakpathar. Asan Barrage is about 11km from Dakpathar and has water sport facilities.
Paonta Sahib
Nestling on the banks of Yamuna in a quiet corner of Himachal Pradesh, and surrounded by a sal forest, Paonta Sahib is famous for Guru Gobind Singh’s Gurudwara. Devotees come in large numbers to pay their respects to the guru. The foundation of this city was laid by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and penultimate guru of the Sikhs. Its original name was Paontika. “Paon” in Hindi refers to feet and “tika” means stable. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh’s horse stopped at this place on its own and he decided to stay here. He did most of his writings here and Sahibzada Ajit Singh was also born here. It was on this very soil that Guru Gobind Singh fought the battle of Bhangani against neighbouring rajas of Bai-dhar. Legend has it that the guru collected his untrained force of volunteers here to fight against the might of the kings, whose army had a strength of 20,000 trained soldiers, and still managed to inflict a crushing defeat.