The Doon Valley is situated between the two most important rivers of India.
i.e. Ganga & Yamuna, is most picturesque having moderate climate,
nestling a number of places of tourist interest.
It is named after Guru Dronacharya - A great teacher in Mahabharat epic.
The renowned religious town of Rishikesh, the queen of hills Mussoorie, the
renowned sulphur springs at Sahastradhara and a part of Rajaji National
Park, the quit Chakrata hills all lie in this district. Also visit the
Chardhams.
Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2200 feet above sea level. It is one
of the most developed cities of India having moderate climate. The places to
be visited nearby are Sahastradhara (14 Kms.) Robbers Cave (8 Kms.) Forest
Research Institute (5 Kms.) Tapkeshwar Temple (5.5 Kms.), Laxman Sidh (12
Kms.) Malsi Deer Park (9 Kms.)
Prime Attractions of Dehradun
§ Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Shiv temple is an ancient place of worship.
§ Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park, situated at the edge of the sprawling Dehradun
valley, was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of about 820 sq. km.
Nestled in a lush valley of the Shivalik Range, the park is an ideal holiday
resort with its many picnic spots and excursion sites for the nature lover.
Excursions of Dehradun
§
Rishikesh
A celebrated spiritual centre, Rishikesh enjoys a calm environment,
impressive water front and dense forest hills. Virtually a town of saints,
sages and scholars, Rishikesh is a large religious centre situated at the
right bank of river Ganga.
There are a number of Ashrams where religious discourses are held for the
benefit of the visitors. The place is also a renowned centre for Yoga
teachings. River rafting is another attraction for Rishikesh. A number of
organizations have established their camps 15 kms. Upstream. Good hotels are
available in addition to a tourist bungalow and many Dharamshalas.
§ Mussoorie
Famous as queen of hills this charming hill station is situated at an
altitude of 3000 metres above sea-level and is 36 Kms. from Dehradun,
connected by a good motorable road. There are a number of good hotels
besides a tourist bungalow, PWD inspection house and couple of Dharamshalas.
The places to he visited nearby are Municipal Garden (4 Kms.) Kempty Falls
(14 Kms.) Gunhill (through cable car) Depot Hills (5 Kms.) The Jheel (6
Kms.) Mussoorie is also accessible from Dehradun through trekking. For
details of trekking route between Dehradun and Mussoorie, Click Here
Dhanaulti (26 Kms.) Surkhanda Devi (35 Kms.) Chamba (57 Kms.) New Tehri (70
Kms.) Nagtibba (48) Kms.)
§ Asan Barrage
Popularly known as Dhalipur Lake, Asan Barrage, created in 1967, was
developed By Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), as a water sports complex in
1994.
§ Sahastra Dhara
Located 14 km from Dehradun is the famous picnic spot called as the
Sahastra Dhara. Noted for their astounding beauty the medicinal sulphur
waterfalls are a great attraction.
§
Skiing at Mundali
Located in the Dehradun district of Uttar Pradesh, Mundali is 129 kms from
Dehradun via Chakrata Dak Pathar Under the Yamuna Hydel Scheme, Dak Pathar
has emerged as a tourist spot which boasts of lush green lawns and blooming
gardens. It is 45 Kms. situated on Dehradun - Chakrata road and is connected
by regular bus service. A tourist bungalow and few hotels are available
§ Lakha Mandal Temple
Lakhamandal is situated on a hill slope along the bank of the yamuna in
district Dehradun. It is a site rich with ancient remains of temples,
sculptures and insriptions, some dating from as early as fifth century A.D.
§ Kalsi
It is about 5 kms. from Dak Pathar on way to Chakrata, where there is an
Ashoka edict inscribed on the sizeable rock. It is preserved by National
Archaeological Department.
§ Chakrata
Situated at a distance of 92 Kms. from Dehradu, at an elevation of about
700 feet. Chakrata is known for its serene environ and sylvan charm. The
place is devoid of all artificiality and one can move in perfect calm &
in pollution free atmosphere. One can find accommodation in the forest rest
house. There are few ordinary hotel also.
The northern part of Chakrata sub-division, Provides most fascinating area
for trekkers and nature lovers. Covered by dense virgin forest dotted with
attractive village of colourful Jaunsari tribe, the area is dominated by
10,000 feet high peak of Kharamba.
On its northern slopes is situated Mundali (9,000), where skiing is
possible during the period from November to April. Deoband (9,000) Kanasar
(8500), Kathiyan (7000) (all connected by road), Molta (7000), Tiger Fall
near Chakrata are some other spots worth visiting. The famous temple of
Mahasu Deota at Hanol is annually visited by thousands of pilgrims from
Garhwal and Himachal Pradesh.
§ Jhanda Fair
The Jhanda Fair marks the arrival of Guru Ram Rai, the Sikh Guru, at
Dehradun.
§ Lakhawar Mela
Lakhawar fair is a village fair, held during the months of September-
October.
§ Laxman Sidh
This picturesque place about 12 Kms. from Dehradun on Hardwar road is
frequented by a large number of people specially on Sundays. Legend has it
that a saint underwent penance at this place. The place is connected by
local bus service.
§ Lakhamandal
About 80 Kms. from Mussoorie on Mussoorie - Yamnotri road Lakhamandal is
believed to be the place where Duryodhana of Mahabharat episode conspired to
burn alive the Pandavas in the Lakshyagriha a house specially constructed
with shellac. There is a temple believed to be constructed in the eighth
century with a number of carved figures on stone which are of archaeological
significance. Taxis are available at Mussoorie for visiting the place. There
is however, no place to stay at present.
How to Get there
§ Air : Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport
situated 24-km from Dehradun.
§ Rail : Dehradun has got a railway station of its
own, connected to all the major cities of the state.
§ Road : Being a capital city of Uttaranchal is
well-connected with all the major cities of the state.
Places to Stay in Dehradun
Dehradun is a good place to selct mid-range hotels, many of them strung
along the Rajpur Road, while resonable budget accommodations can be found in
the town centre.
Nearby Cities of Dehradun
» Meerut (170 km)
» Chandigarh (175 km)
» Mussoorie (36 km)
»
Delhi
(235 km)
