Geography and People
Dehradun is now one of the fastest growing districts in Uttarakhand. It spreads over 3088 sq kms at an altitude of 415 meter from sea level. The Dun valley is surrounded by Shivalik hills in the south and the Himalayas in the north. Ganga, Yamuna, Asan, Suswa, Tons, Rispana, Bindal and Amalava are the main rivers that flow in the district. Dehradun is surrounded by dense Sal and coniferous forests with an area 1477 sq.kms of area, around 43.70 of the total area of the district.
The population of Dehradun according to the 2011 census was 16,98,560 in which Dehradun city has 8,50,090 with a sex ratio of 906 female per 1000 male. The literacy rate of Dehradun is about 90 percent. Hindus form the majority of people in Dehradun and Hindi and Garhwali and the major languages spoken by the people. Other languages spoken in the region are Punjabi, English, Nepali, Tibetan, and Kumaoni.
Dehradun is around 250 km from Delhi, 55 km from Rishikesh and 75 km from Haridwar. Dehradun city is divided into several small sub areas such as such as Patel Nagar, Rajpur Rd, Gadi Cantt, Dharampur, Rispana pul and so on.
Dehradun has extreme climate so summers are hotter and winters colder. Dehradun does not receive snowfall. Cottons in summers while woolens in winters are the most suited clothing. Dehradun can be visited any time of the year..
Tourism in Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India. It has seen many invasions and war with the Mughals, Gurkhas and the Britishers. Old Mughals and British architectural styles buildings suc as the Clock Tower, Forest Research Institute, Morrison Memorial Church, Indian Military Academy, Jama Masjid and Darbar Sahib still remind us of the past.
Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and is well known for its scenic grandeur and beautiful surroundings. There are several places well known temples, medicinal sulphur springs, buildings with historical importance, picnic spots in the city. There are also many well known educational institutions and museums in the city. Dehradun also has a its share of water and amusement parks which can be enjoyed during the summers. It is also surrounded by well known hill stations which are a must visit during the winters.
Dehradun has the largest Braille print press in India which produces text book in Braille The Central Braille or Rashtriya Drishtibaditarth Sansthan Bharat.
Dehradun once a beautiful retirement city has now grown up to be a modern happening place, while modern facilities and infrastructure is a good welcome, they should all be well planned so that Dehradun does not lose it natural beautiful surrounding which it was once well known for.
Places to visit in Dehradun
Clock Tower - Ghanta Ghar
The Clock Tower was built by the Britishers in Dehradun is located in the centre of the city and next to Paltan Bazaar. It is also known as Ghanta Ghar.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapeskhwar Temple is at a distance of 10 kms from Dehradun is dedicated to Lord Shiva . The temple got its name as Tapkeshwar as water droplets, originating from a rock, fall on the shivling placed in the temple.
Sahastradhara
Sahasratra Dhara on the Badri River is a good picnic spot for the tourists at a distance of 11 kms from Dehradun. The water here is said to have medicinal properties and is said to cure many skin infections. Tourist come here and enjoy shower in the waterfall.
Robbers Cave (Guchhu pani)
( 10 kms ) Robbers Cave (Guchhu pani) is a scenic picnic spot.The cave is a natural picnic spot surrounded by hills where water suddenly disappears underground only to reappear in the form of a stream. Good Picnic Spot to relax and unwind.
Darbar Sahib
The Darbar Sahib Gurudwara was built by followers of Shri Guru Ram Rai way back in the 17th century. Shri Guru Ram Rai was the the eldest son of the seventh Sikh Guru Sri Har Rai Ji. The walls of the Gurudwara are decorated with murals depicting the life and time of their Guru. Many old paintings with respect to Mughals and Rajasthani Art can be found here. The Gurudwara is built with the char bagh-style of architecture, with several domes and main building is separated by a beautiful garden.
Lachhiwala
Lachhiwala is 22 Kms from Dehradun, on the Hardwar/Rishikesh road. The picnic spot is a good place for one to relax and be close to nature. The place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest House .
Chandrabani Temple ( Gautam Kund )
( 7kms ) located in the midst of Shivalik hills, the place is a beautiful tourist spot. It is located on the Dehradun-Delhi road 2kms away from the main road.It is believed that the daughter of Goddess Ganga manifested here on this spot and thus got it name Gautam Kund.The temple is visited by lots of visitors every year.
Malsi Deer Park
This is a beautiful picnic spot at the foot hills of the Shivalik Mountain Ranges. It is a mini park with beautiful, natural surroundings. The picnic spot is located 7kms from Dehradun. Few wild animals such as Leopard and Deer can be found in the Park.
Laxman Siddh Mandir
Located at a distance of 12kms from Dehradun. Laxman Siddh Mandir is dedicated to Lakshman ( Ramayana epic ) and is famous among the tourists.
Buddha Temple
This temple is on the ISBT rd towards Clement Town. It is located at a distance of 15 kms from Dehradun. The Temple is huge and colourful temple dedicated to Lord Buddha. The tourist enjoy the peaceful surrounding of the temple and one gets to learn a lot of Tibetan history within the temple.
Education
Dehradun is home to some of India's best boarding schools such as the Doon School, Welham Schools, ONGC, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies. The city also has the highest number of centers of engineering, medical, management, law and others for purpose of higher education.
It also has important government institutions such as the Indian Military Academy, Defence Electronics Application Laboratory, Instruments Research and Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organization which manufactures products for the Indian Armed Forces.
Indian Institute of Petroleum, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Wildlife Institute of India and the Forest Research Institute, the Botanical Survey of India and the Survey of India. The Survey of India greatest achievement was to determine the height of Mt. Everest.
Shopping and Entertainment
The main shopping areas in Dehradun are around the Clock Tower, along Rajpur Road, Paltan Bazaar and Astley Hall. Lots of Malls, Multiplexes, Game Parlors and Bars have also come up in the city.
The MDDA park built opposite to Astley Hall is also a good place to spend some quality time. If you foodie and like street food you can also enjoy Bun Tikkies and Momos in Dehradun.
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Dehradun is also well known for its bakery products such as biscuits and rusks. Lots of well known bakeries can be found near Rajpur Rd. It is also well known for the long grain basmati rice and litchies. Local Garhwali cruisine is very tasty and one should make it an effort to have it when in Dehradun.
Forest Research Institute
The Forest Research Institute is located at Dehradun a deemed University institute of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India. The Forest Research Institute campus hosts the IGNFA (Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy), the staff college that trains officers selected for the Indian Forest Service (IFS).
The F.R.I. has a Botanical Museum for the tourists interested in Forestry.
There are six sections in the museum:-
Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and the Entomology Museum
Indian Military Academy Dehradun
The Indian Military Academy, is an institution that trains army officers of the Indian Army. The Indian Military Academy became functional from 1stOctober 1932 with batch of 40 Gentlemen Cadets. Brigadier L.P. Collins was its first commandant.
The Indian Military Academy, Dehradun has several attractions located within this academy that attract tourists and travellers. The Museum, War Memorial, Shooting Demonstration Room and 18-holes FRIMS Golf Course are some of the attractions located within the Indian Military Academy.
Wadia Geological Institute
The Wadia Geological Institute has advanced laboratories and other infrastructural facilities and is a centre of excellence in the field Himalayan Geology. It also has a museum which educates us about the its origin of the Himalayas, evolution in time and space, natural resources, life in the geological past, earthquakes and environmental aspects.
A relief model of the Himalayas and paintings depicting the impact of human activities on the environment displayed in the Museum remained a point of attraction for the visitors. People from all over the world come to visit the museum. Must Visit.
What more to do in Dehradun?
Santala Devi Temple
The temple of Santala Devi is located around 16 km away from Dehradun. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Santhala Devi. Saturdays is regarded to be the day of Goddess Santala Devi and people from far and wide come here to accept her blessings. There is also a river here which you can bathe and enjoy your 2 kms trek to the temple.
Fun N Food Kingdom
Located 11kms from Dehradun it is one of the most famous amusement parks near Dehradun, Fun N Food Kingdom is the perfect destination for a family outing during the summers.
Asan Barrage
Asan barrage is situated at the confluence of two rivers - Yamuna and Asan. It is located at a distance of approximately 50 km from Dehradun. The Asan Barrage is also a conservation reserve which protects the endangered bird species that visit here during the summers and winters. This is well known place for bird lovers as well as water-sport enthusiasts.
Kalu Siddha Mandir
Kalu Siddha Mandir is located in Kaluwala almost 30kms from Dehradun on the way to Rishikesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is usually crowded during Sundays. There are many Rudraksha trees in the temple compound.
Trekking and Cycling
Adventure enthusiasts go for various exciting trek. A small trek from Dehradun to Mussoorie can be done from Rajpur rd. Cycling can also to undertaken from Dehradun to Mussoorie.
