Best time to visit : Round the year
The popular venue for meditation and penance among the eminent personalities of Ramayana and Mahabharata, the pristine Doon Valley at the foothills of Himalayas is home to Dehradun (also spelled Dehradoon). Revived as an important city during the British Rule and a prestigious hub of reputed schools and institutes today, Dehradun boasts of a majestic old-world charm with diverse tourist places to its credit. The city is picture perfect for the newlywed couples, adventure tourists, nature lovers as well as for those who enjoy exploring the footprints of bygone eras. A noteworthy aspect of this North India tourist destination is its pleasant climate and soothing environment.
Facts
The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is popularly called the gateway to Himalayas. Apart from being the first step to the most amazing hill stations like Mussoorie and Auli, the city offers entryway to some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destinations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag and Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Flanked on one side by the enchanting Shivalik Hills, on the second by River Ganga and on the third by River Yamuna, Dehradun can be your best bet for holidaying. Attractions of Dehradun consist of architectural marvels, natural vistas, religious sites and adventure spots. Resting at an average elevation of 2,100 feet, the city enjoys pleasant summers and cool winters.
Dehradun has top-class restaurants and fast food joints in every corner. At the same time, one can enjoy the street food served at small stalls. Rajpur Road accommodates some of the best eating points, the most popular ones being Atithi, Countdown, The Orchid, Yo China and Kumars. The must try cuisines include kandalee ka saag, Tibetan momos and noodles (at Tibetan Market) and jhangora ki kheer. There are good restaurants serving North and South Indian delicacies.
Rajpur Road also has the popular shopping places, while many others are located in Paltan Bazaar and Astley Hall. Artefacts, woollens and brassware are among the most popular items. Hand-woven blankets and carpets too attract the buyers. Visit Ellora’s Melting Moments to buy the popular stickjaws of Dehradun. There are many shops that sell books and flower bulbs and are popular shopping venues. Traditional knives (called khurkis) and local Basmati rice (well-known for their fragrance) are other worthwhile items.
Nearby Places:
- Mussoorie (about 30 km.): One of the best hill stations you can ever visit in a lifetime, Mussoorie is popular for its waterfalls, gardens, vintage points and colonial charm.
- Dakpathar (about 42 km.): With lavish greenery all around, it is a wonderful picnic spot located on the bank of River Yamuna. Two other nearby attractions include Asan Barrage (with amazing water sports) and Kalsi (known for centuries old rock edicts).
- Rishikesh (about 45 km.): The popular destination for pilgrims, adventurers, nature lovers and for those interested in the best yoga and meditation experiences.
- Haridwar (about 53 km.): The well-known Hindu pilgrimage site alongside River Ganga, it has some of the best Hindu Temples and religious sites.
- Chakrata (about 81 km.): Blessed with abundant rhododendrons, oaks and coniferous forests, this splendid place has nearby attractions like Tiger Fall, Mahasu Devta Temple, natural caves, Mundali meadows and many picturesque hamlets.
When in Dehradun, you can also obtain tourist information to visit other prominent tourist destinations like Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rajaji National Park, Kanatal, Chamba, New Tehri and Devprayag.