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Dehradun

Dehradun

Dehradun is located in the Doon valley, 230 kilometers far from New Delhi. The district is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north, Sivalik Hills in the south, the river Ganga in the east, and the river Yamuna in the west. The water divide of Ganga and Yamuna passes through the city. Dehradoon is the capital city of the Uttarakhand state (earlier called Uttaranchal) in India.

Dehradu is today one of the most developed cities of India. Situated on the threshold of a world full of adventure, spiritualism and tranquility, amidst the Shivalik ranges, the foothills of Himalayas, Dehra Dun is an entry point for all the trekkers and mountaineers onto their journey into the Garhwal Himalayas. A gateway to the popular hill station of Mussoorie and the pilgrimage centres of Haridwar and Rishikesh

History

History of Dehradun

In Skanda Purana, Dun is mentioned as a part of the region called `Kedar Khand`, the abode of Shiva. Another belief states that Dronacharya, the great teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas dwelled here, for a brief period; hence the name, "Drona-nagri". Dehradun during its historical era was part of the region of Kendarkhand, which was the abode of Lord Shiva who gave his name to the Shivalik Hills. Numerous lords and famous personalities have paid a visit to Dehradun, Uttarakhand for peace and atonement. Rama and Lakshmana gave themselves atonement for killing the Lanka King, Ravana. Dronacharya also had landed in Dehradun in quest of peace; the place was then named as Drona Ashram, the habitat of Drona. The five Pandavas also came on their way in Dehradun to the Himalayas to sacrifice themselves.

Guru Ram Rai retreated here from Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-ud-Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before ceding it to the British in 1815. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institutions like Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools for girls and boys, many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time. Dehradun has now become an important tourist destination.

Places to visit

Forest Research Institute

Forest Research Institute

Forest Research Institute or the FRI, is one of the best research institutes devoted to the same purpose all around the world. A vast extensive museum in its premises displays a wide range of diverse botanical specimens. Open on all, weekdays from Monday to Friday, it is a great experience to witness the innumerable species of vegetation on the Earth. The Botanical Garden set in the campus is another attraction of the place.

Tapkeshwar Temple

Tapkeshwar Temple

Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple is an ancient place of worship and is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area, 5.5 Kms from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. It is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets, originating from a rock, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.

Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara

The cold sulphur springs of Sahastradhara are situated at a distance of 11 kms. from the city of Dehradun. Throughout the year, the Baldi river springs and the caves attracts hundreds of visitors who come to marvel not only at the scenic beauty but also for the water's medicinal properties. Sahastradhara literally means 'thousandfold spring'. The water falls from a height of 9 metres and due to the inherent mineral deposits present in the water, leaves behind a crust of lime along its path. Over centuries, these lime encrustrations have accumulated to form a projecting ledge and a cave.

Robbers' Cave

Robbers' Cave

Robbers' Cave is 8 km from Dehra Dun, just beyond the Anarwala village, the famous Robber's Cave is a fabulous picnic spot, which is sure to delight the visitors. The best way to reach the place is to take a bus to the village and then stroll to the pace at a leisurely pace giving yourself time to take in the picturesque surroundings. It is known for a strange phenomenon as a stream of water suddenly disappears from sight at a point and then reappears again a few metres ahead as a squally stream.

Malsi Deer Park

Malsi Deer Park

Malsi Deer Park, the most recently developed picnic spot nestled in the foothills of Shivalik range 9 km far from dehradun, on mussoorie road. It is a mini zoological park and is home to beautiful creatures like deers, panthers, sambhars etc. The place also houses a children's park and several refreshment stalls.

Laxaman Siddh

Laxaman Siddh

Lakshman Siddha Fair at Dehradun is organized at Lakshman Siddha which is one of the four siddhpeeths around Dehradun. This place lies about 10 kilometers far away from Dehradun at Dehradun-Rishikesh Road and you can reach there by city bus or auto rickshaws or private cars. After reaching the Dehradun-Rishikesh road you need to get 1 kilometer deep into the forest to reach the venue where the Lakshman Siddha fair of Dehradun is organized every Sunday.

Sai Darbar

Sai Darbar

Situated 8 kms. along the Clock Tower on Rajpur Road is the Sai Darbar temple. This place holds a high cultural and spiritual value and is visited by tourist form across the country and foreigners as well. Tibetan Temple Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar is a huge and colourful temple of Lord Buddha.

Tapovan

Tapovan

Tapovan is a very sacred place which echoes spirituality. The air here is filled with a spirit of devotion and sanctity. It is enveloped by lush green surroundings, which have a rejuvenating effect on the jaded nerves. It is situated close to the river Ganga which adds to the holiness of the place. It is located in the vicinity of the Raipur/Sahastradhara crossing.

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park

Tapovan is a very sacred place which echoes spirituality. The air here is filled with a spirit of devotion and sanctity. It is enveloped by lush green surroundings, which have a rejuvenating effect on the jaded nerves. It is situated close to the river Ganga which adds to the holiness of the place. It is located in the vicinity of the Raipur/Sahastradhara crossing.

Other Places