Believed to be one of the oldest cities in India, Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is a beautiful valley surrounded by hills and encompasses several forests. The name ‘Dehradun’ comes from two words, ‘dera’ meaning camp and ‘dun’ meaning valley. Despite polished urban structures such as multiplexes and apartment complex replacing what were once the oldest, even if neglected, landmarks, there is a certain vintage charm to Dehradun. One often finds quirks and odd qualities in small towns, and Dehradun is no stranger to many of them. What`s interesting in Dehradun, is the way people give you directions. There is no left, right or straight. There is "upar" and "neeche", possibly because of the "upar/neeche" terrain. Dehradun is full of "olds"–families, shops, gallis, etc, that have been there for generations. It is known for its educational institutions and national foundations, including the Forest Research Institute, the Doon and Welham schools.
Ideal for a short vacation, nature lovers will find it the perfect place for a holiday and has plenty of things to see and do…
Shastradhara
Ideal for picnics, Shahastradhara means the ‘thousand springs’. With a waterfall of nine meters, there is a cable car, disco and an amusement park and is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. It also has sulphur springs, famous for its medicinal value.
Malsi Deer Park
Not too far from Dehradun, en route to Mussooorie, is the Malsi Deer Park, a mini zoological park. Located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges, it is often visited by tourists. It also has a play area for kids with swings.
Forest Research Institute
With beautiful and intricate architecture, the Forest Research Institute is a well-known institute in the field of forestry and is run by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. It was established in 1906 also has a museum, which houses information on trees, their species and is open to the public. The film Student of the Year was also shot here.
Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai
An important pilgrimage site for Sikhs, it is believed that the Sikh guru Ram Rai, the eldest son of the seventh Sikh guru Har Rai, stayed here in 1676. In the heart of Dehradun city, the city owes it’s name to guru Ram Rai’s arrival in ‘dun’ (valley), where he set up his ‘dera’ (camp). The construction of the present building was completed in 1707 and you can see beautiful portraits of gods, goddesses, saints, sages and religious stories on the walls.
Tapkeshwar Temple
One of the oldest temples in Dehradun, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of a river, the temple is named Tapkeshwar because of the water droplets that fall from the rocks on the shivling. The Tapkeshwar fair is held every year during Shivratri.
Tapovan
One of the most sacred places for Hindus, Tapovan is situated on the banks of the river Ganga. According to Hindu mythology, this was the place where the Guru Dhronacharya had undergone penance. Surrounded by greenery, it is also a well-known location for meditation and hold periodic yoga classes as well.
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
The training academy of the Indian military, the IMA was established in 1932. The structure is a signature building in Dehradun and the institute has been standing tall for several years. Each year the institute has a famous passing out parade.
Robber's Cave
Locally known as Guchhupani, Robber's Cave is a river cave, situated approximately 8 km from the city centre. The cave is about 600 meters long and has a waterfall at the end. You can wade through the water inside the cave, which keeps rising as you walk. To complete the experience, you can enjoy a plate of Maggi at the canteen just at the beginning. Now a popular tourist spot, the best time to visit this cave is early in the morning, so that by the time the crowd arrives, you`re all set to make your way back.
Mindrolling monastry in Clement Town
is one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma school in Tibet. Founded by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa in 1676, Mindrolling in Tibetan means `Place of Perfect Emancipation`. While it is crowded, the monastery in Dehradun, approximately 10 km from Clement Town centre has a peaceful vibe. It has a large college, beautiful gardens and stunning frescoes.
Food
Try Tibetan food at Lhasa restaurant and the dimsums at Orchards on Rajpur Road are a must. Don't miss out on the specials like momos, thupka, shaptak and cold coffee at one of the local cafes—Sunburn Bistro, Cafe Marigold and Cafe 82. There's the old-fashioned Kwality, Hotel President and Kumar Food Restaurant, which are worth heading to, but also try the burgers, breadrolls and shakes at Buffet on Rajpur Road. Many people also vouch for the food at the Ellora's chain.
Shopping
You can pick up organic food, handmade products and Tibetan items like prayer flags, woven cloth, wooden items and glass jewelry from Paltan Bazaar. You'll find almost everything you need, here. The Tibetan markets across the town have all kinds of fake brands.
Head to Mussoorie from Dehradun and visit Mussoorie Lake, which is approximately 6 km from Mussoorie on the way to Dehradun; Gun Hill, the second highest peak in Mussoorie; Sir George Everest House, the estate of Sir George and the place where he lived and had his office; Jwalaji Temple, which has an idol of Mata Durga and is surrounded by thick forests;
Shopping- The Mall. The Mall Road connects two bazaars Kulri and Library
With inputs from Pallavi Pundir and Sanghamitra Ghosh