Dehradun is the capital city of the state of Uttarakhand in the northern part of India. Located in the Garhwal region, it is 236 km north of India’s capital New Delhi and is one of the “Counter Magnets” of the National Capital Region (NCR) being developed as an alternative centre of growth to help ease the migration and population explosion in the Delhi metropolitan area.Dehradun is in the Doon Valley on the foothills of the Himalayas nestled between two of India’s mightiest rivers — the Ganges on the east and the Yamuna on the west. The city is famous for its picturesque landscape and slightly milder climate and provides a gateway to the surrounding region. It is well connected and in proximity to popular Himalayan tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, Nainital and Auli and the Hindu holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh along with the Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of Char Dham.
Dehradun is renowned for its natural resources, publishing services and particularly for its prestigious educational institutions. It is one of the highest rain receiving areas of North India. It hosts some of India’s best schools and training institutions of national importance such as the Indian Military Academy.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
You can easily get regular flights to Dehradun from other major cities of the country.
By Train:-
There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Dehradun.
By Bus:-
Dehradun is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.
 WHAT TO SEE
Museum:-
The Museum, situated on Haridwar Road, is one of the most popular museums of the destination. Renowned as Zonal Museum, this museum displays collection of artefacts related to the origin, development and sustenance of mankind on earth. In addition, the functioning of this museum was commenced in 1971.
Forest Research Institute:-
Forest Research Institute (FRI) is located in the north-west centre of the city, on the Kaulagarh Road. Sprawling over an area of around 2000 acres, this research institute was established in 1906.
The main attraction of this institute is the building itself, which has been constructed in Greco-Roman colonial style. This building houses six museums related to forestry, which include museums on social forestry, pathology, silviculture, timber, non-wood forest products and entomology.
Clock Tower:-
Clock Tower, located on the Rajpur road, is one of the most prominent attractions of the destination. Encircled by the commercial centre of the city, the Clock Tower is one of the most renowned landmarks of the city that was constructed before independence by the British. A beautiful tourist attraction, this tower has six faces.
At present, this clock tower is not functional but it is said that previously the chime of this clock was audible even far away from the commercial centre of the destination. Tourists visiting the Clock Tower can also head towards the important institutions, schools, hotels, shopping complex and tourist spots located in the vicinity.
Sahastradhara:-
Sahastradhara, located at a distance of around 14 km from the heart of the city, is a popular tourist attraction of Dehradun. Literally meaning ‘Thousands fold Spring’, Sahastradhara is a beautiful spring, having a depth of around 9 m.
Owing to the presence of sulphur in the water of this spring, it is believed to have medicinal value. Besides medicinal merits, the spring is also known for its beautiful views. The beauty of this spring is further enhanced by the surrounding caves and Baldi River.
Malsi Deer Park:-
Malsi Deer Park, located at a distance of 10 km from Dehradun, is one of the major tourist attractions in the city. Situated on the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, this park is a Zoological Garden.
Apart from Deers, tourists visiting the park can also spot beautiful peacocks. In addition, this reservoir is home to Nilgai, which is also known as Antelope. This place is an ideal picnic spot, where the park authorities have even installed several slides for children to play.
Mindrolling Monastery:-
Mindrolling Monastery, located in Clement Town area of Dehradun, is one of the most prominent monasteries of the destination. Locally known as Tibetan Monastery, it was established by Rigzin Tendak Lingpa in the year 1676. The name of the monastery, Mindroling in Tibetan language means Place of Perfect Emancipation.
This is a renowned monastery of the Nyingma sect, which has survived several challenges, including numerous attacks as well as natural calamities. However, the present structure of this monastery is attributed to Khenchen Rinpoche. Besides, this monastery is among one of the largest Buddhist Viharas located in the country, which is also known for its architectural beauty.
Robber’s Cave:-
Robber’s Cave, located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre, is one of the most popular picnic spots of the destination. Popularly known as Guchu Pani, this place is situated at a distance of 1 km from the village of Anarwala. The place is famous for a strange phenomenon, wherein a stream of water suddenly disappears from the sight and appears again after few metres.
SHOPPING:-
Uttaranchal has a tradition of handicrafts. Dehradun being the capital of the state has good market places. So you can easily find the specialties of Uttaranchal in the markets of Dehradun.
FOOD:-
There are a lot of eating options available in Dehradun ranging from street side joints to international fast food outlets. Most of the restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines are located on Rajpur Road. North Indian delicacies are extremely popular in these restaurants.Tibetean delicacies are extremely famous in Dehradun and can be found in the Tibetan Market. Small stalls that serve noodles in a unique way are thronged by tourists.
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