Dehradun – The city of love.
Fascinating history and intriguing mythology meet at this beautiful Valley, one of the most popular in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas, just 240 kilometers from Delhi, Dehradun is surrounded by towering mountains and dense sal forests. Known for its pleasant year-round climate and scenic surroundings, the town is the gateway to several popular hill stations such as Mussoorie, Dhanaulty and pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Combining unparalleled scenery with modern conveniences, bustling Dehradun is a favorite city for business and leisure travelers alike. Once a retirement retreat, it is now full of excitement but maintains a laid-back atmosphere. Rustic cafés and lounges line monuments and bazaars.
The educational hub of North India, the city is home to the Welham and Doon School, alma mater of supporters such as former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Olympian Abhinav Bindra, and famous author Amitabh Ghosh. Famous institutions such as The Indian Military Academy is also located here. Said to have been founded by Sikh Guru Ram Rai in 1675, the city is also known as the home of Dronacharya, a famous teacher of the epic Mahabharata. Fascinating history and intriguing mythology meet at the crossroads of this beautiful city, making it one of the most popular vacation spots in the country.
Below is a list of top 5 places you should visit, if you’re in Dehradun:
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Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun:
One of the most famous sites in Dehradun, Mindrolling Monastery is one of the six major Tibetan Nyingma monasteries. Built in 1676 by Rigzin Terdak Rinpoche, this monastery was rebuilt in 1965 by Cohen Rinpoche. The place is of great importance to both tourists and religious visitors and is considered an architectural masterpiece.
Surrounded by endless gardens, sprawling grounds and the impressive Stupa, the tallest in Asia, the monastery is known for providing spiritual guidance to hundreds of devotees each day. Paintings and murals surrounding the monastery depict the life of Buddha and Buddhist teachings. Built in the Japanese architectural style, the five-storey building is dedicated to Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava.
The fourth floor has a huge open space where visitors can experience 360 degree views of the Dehradun Valley. The monastery is home to one of the world’s largest institutions dedicated to Buddhist studies, the Gagyurnyingma College, providing education to over 300 monks.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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Robbers Cave, Dehradun:
Experience the wonders of nature at Robbers Cave. It is approximately 8km from Dehradun. Robber’s Cave is a 600m long, natural cave. A river flows through this cave, uniting this place. A perfect picnic spot for family and friends.
Where jets of water miraculously appear in the robber’s den, It disappears underground and reappears a few meters away. It is a very pristine and peaceful place.Therefore, it has attracted many tourists. Robbers Cave is a must see when you’re in Dehradun.
Timings- 7 AM to 6 PM
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Maldevta, Dehradun:
Hidden in the Raipur area of Dehradun, Maldevta is rich in nature. From ancient temples to stunning views of the Himalayas, this beautiful spot is a godsend for nature lovers. The pristine lanes of this place, flanked by the meandering Song River, lead you to a picturesque hamlet surrounded by a lap of lush green hills, making it one of the best places in Dehradun.
Maldevta is also known for recreational activities such as swimming, sightseeing, biking, bird watching, photography and camping. The best way to spend the night in Maldevta is to pitch your own tent under the stars, preferably in groups. Dance around the campfire at night and wake up to the sweet chirping of birds and the bright rays of the sun.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM.
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Lacchiwala, Dehradun:
Surrounded by Sal trees, deciduous shrubs and shimmering in the cool waters of the Sushma River, Lacchiwala is known as a natural park. A highlight of the picnic area is the pool, which will appeal to nature lovers. Soak up the sun as you swim in the man-made pool at Lacchiwala.
The place is also visited by tourists for its lush forest cover, bird watching, trekking, swimming and other interesting activities. This place is a bird watcher’s paradise as it is home to many species of birds and you can hire a local guide to tell you about these birds and where you can find them.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM.
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Forest Research Institute, Dehradun:
Surrounded by lush greenery in the beautiful city of Dehradun, the Forest Research Institute is an educational and tourist destination. It is known for its natural diversity, spectacular beauty and magnificent architecture. This institute is one of the best places in Dehradun. The institute offers education and research in various areas of forestry, including flora, climate, topography, fauna and birds of the Himalayan forest.
The building was built on the model of Greco-Roman architecture and covers an area of 5 km. The campus was founded in 1906 by an Englishman. The site houses six museums that showcase research in the field of forestry. The renowned Indian Forest Research Council is also part of this Institute. Tourists can enjoy this place for its scenic views, rich architecture, picnic areas, and fresh surroundings.
Timings: Monday to Friday –9 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person.
With a lot of varied attractions in Dehradun, tourists will definitely have a great time in the Doon Valley. Hope you have a pleasant stay.
