Tourist Places to Visit in And Around Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital city of the heavenly Uttarakhand is a great place to spend a couple of days. The Forest Research Institute which is world famous for its research work in forestry and is the only institution of its kind in Asia is situated here. Headquarters of important establishments like the Oil and Natural Gas Commission(ONGC) Survey of India and The Indian Military Academy are also located here.
The Gurudwara built by Guru Ram Rai during the reign of Aurangzeb in the Dhamanwala locality of the town is a religious place of eminence. For many years Dehradun has been one of the best known educational centres in northern India. Earlier known for its schools, Dehradun is fast emerging as a hub for higher education. Dehra Dun is well linked by rail and road with Delhi Bombay Calcutta Lucknow and Varanasi.
Dehradun is an hour’s drive from religious places like Haridwar and Rishikesh and located en-route to the hill station of Mussoorie. Here are some suggestions with an insider’s comments on places to visit in and around Dehradun.
Robber's Cave(Guchhupani)
Robber's Cave(Guchhupani)
8Km from Clock Tower Dehradun, Robber’s Cave is situated in Vijaypur near Anarwala village of Dehradun city. Naturally built cave with scriptural interior attracts visitors and fills them with pleasing smile. It is believed that robbers hid in the Robber’s cave, also called GucchhuPani from Britishers.
Forest Research Institute(FRI)
Forest Research Institute(FRI)
Spread in 500 hectare land, built between 1924 and 1929, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Museum was designed by CG Blomfield. Old fashioned and dry displays on every aspect of forestry in India along with the animal, bird and plant paintings by AfshanZaidi, display on the medicinal uses of trees and part of a 700 year old deodar tree are the major attractions of the FRI Museum but the red brick building with Mughal towers, arches and Roman colums itself keeps visitors spellbound.
Lachhiwala
Lachhiwala
17Km from Dehradun City and 6Km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Lachiwala is popular tourist destination of Uttarakhand. You can even take bath at the manmade water pools on a flowing river amongst the forest. Loved by picnickers and mostly travelled by nature lovers and trekking lovers, Lachiwala lets you enjoy bird watching.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple
Located at the outskirts of the city at a distance of 5.5 km from the city centre this cave temple sprawls on the banks of a seasonal river. It is dedicated to the Hindu Deity Shiva and derives its name from the Hindi Word Tapak which means to drip. Water naturally drips on the shivling (holy stone) from the ceiling of the cave.
IMA (Indian Military Academy)
IMA (Indian Military Academy)
It is a matter of pride that the great Indian Military Academy is located in Dehradun. India is the fifth largest nation in regards to the military power possessed. The Indian army possesses the latest and sophisticated ammunition which are displayed in Chetwode Hall.
SahastraDhara
SahastraDhara
Sahastra meaning thousands and Dhara meaning taps or spring- Sahastradhara is one of the most visited destination in Dehradun 14Km from the main city. People go to Sahastradhara to take bath in the sulphur spring with medicinal and healing property for skin diseases.
Survey of India
Survey of India
Established in 1767 the office of Survey of India is located at a distance of 4 km from the city centre and forms an important landmark of the place. A repository of ancient maps and documents; it determined the height of Mount Everest under the initiative of Sir George Everest; the then Surveyor of India. The peak was later named after him. It is a must-visit especially if you are on the lookout for ancient maps.
Institute Of Himalayan Geology
Wadia Institute Of Himalayan Geology
One of the best institutes of the country on Himalayan Geology Wadia Institute conducts various studies and research works on the subject. It also houses a museum that displays the geological diversity of the Indian subcontinent with its different samples of rocks and semi-precious stones. With the display of the fossils unearthed in the Himalayan region the institute also throws light on the birth of the Himalayas.
Malsi Reserved Forest
Malsi Reserved Forest
On the way to Mussoorie, 10Km from Dehradun, Malsi Deer Park at the foothills of Shivalik range attracts hundreds of tourists daily with its pleasing environment and the picturesque view it provides. As the name suggests, Malsi Deer Park houses lovely Deers that you can see grazing and treading softly from a distance but you cannot go near to them. Tiger, Neelgai, Rabbits and Peacock are also seen in the park.
Buddha Temple
Buddha Temple as the replica of a Tibetan monastery in 1965. Buddha Temple was built to protect and promote Tibetan culture in India, and lots of renovation and additions were done to the temple building and whole temple complex during later years. The main stupa of the temple, about 220 feet in height, is built in the Japanese architectural style. It is claimed to be the largest reliquary in Asia. The Buddha Temple building has five floors in total, and there are stairs to access each floor. All five floors enshrine statues of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, and feature colourful wall paintings that completely mesmerize first-time visitors. After viewing ornate decorations on three floors of the Buddha Temple, you will reach the open viewing platform on the fourth floor of the temple, which offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the entire Doon Valley.
Mindrolling Monastry
Buddha Temple as the replica of a Tibetan monastery in 1965. Buddha Temple was built to protect and promote Tibetan culture in India, and lots of renovation and additions were done to the temple building and whole temple complex during later years. The main stupa of the temple, about 220 feet in height, is built in the Japanese architectural style. It is claimed to be the largest reliquary in Asia. The Buddha Temple building has five floors in total, and there are stairs to access each floor. All five floors enshrine statues of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, and feature colourful wall paintings that completely mesmerize first-time visitors. After viewing ornate decorations on three floors of the Buddha Temple, you will reach the open viewing platform on the fourth floor of the temple, which offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the entire Doon Valley.
Shikhar Fall
Shikhar Fall
MDDA Park
MDDA Park
Asan Barrage
Asan Barrage
Shiv Mandir
