Your updated source of information about Dehradun & Uttarakhand.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

DEHRADUN TRAVEL

Dehradun, a city situated in the newly formed state of Uttaranchal. Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India its reference is even fiven in the written that dates back to 250 BC even the great king Ashoka's inscriptions can be found outside the city. There are 14 edicts carved on a rock and the site where three horses were sacrificed by Raja Shilvarma of the Vrisheri dynasty. Large bricks with writing on them are laid out in the shape of a huge bird with a fire altar in the middle.

In the ancient Vedic times, the Garhwal Mandal, of which Dehradun is a part, was known as the Kedar Khand. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharaya, a Brahmin teacher of warfare, found Dehradun a place that was fit for meditation & worship and therefore, the valley of Doon was christened Drona Ashram, which means "The Abode of Drona". Perhaps that is why Indian army trains its finest cadets in the Indian Millitary Academy that is situated in this part of the state.

Dehradun has always been famous for various educational institutes that are present in the city. Its close proximity from the bustling city of Delhi and another tourist attraction Mussoorie adds to the attraction of the city. Its mild climate and the list of endless places to visit in the city makes it an important tourist attraction.

HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport from Dehradun is the Jolly Grant around 25 km away, on the outskirts of the town. There is a daily flight from here to Delhi, which is the nearest international airport.

By Rail - Dehradun is a major railhead on the Northern Railway line with direct trains to almost all the metropolitan cities of India and some important tourist destinations in Uttaranchal. The Shatabdi Express is the best option for the tourists coming from Delhi and the other good option is the Mussorie Express. The Dehradun-Mumbai Express connects the city to Mumbai. There are also trains to Varanasi, Kolkata and Lucknow.

By Road - Dehradun is well connected to other cities of Uttaranchal and Delhi with regular bus services. Distances of some major cities from Dehradun are Agra 381 km, Calcutta 1562 km, Chennai 2365 km, Delhi 235 km, Jaipur 493 km, Lucknow 582 km, and Mumbai 1578 km. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

WHEN TO GO

Dehradun can be traveled round the year. but its better to plan your tour between April to August, as this is the most ideal time for all visitors.
WHAT TO SEE
 
Rajaji National Park -  is distinct for its pristine scenic beauty and rich bio- diversity. Rajaji National Park in the state of Uttranchal is situated along the hills and foothills of Shivalik ranges in the Himalayan foothills and exhibits the Shivalik ecosystem. Rajaji is one of northern India’s major wildlife reserves - and one of the best places to see the fauna and flora of the terai region. The park named after the great freedom fighter Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari; popularly known as "Rajaji" was created after joining the three sanctuaries in the Western UP, Shivaliks - Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla into a large protected area in the year 1983.Elephant Rides are conducted in morning and eveningIn Rajaji you will see as many as 23 species of mammals and 315 birds species.
 

 
Forest Research Institute - On the Kaulagarh Road, northwest of the city center is the Forest Research Institute. Established by the British in 1906, the institute is dedicated to the preservation of India's varied and much-threatened flora and fauna. Located in extensive grounds covered with myriad species of India's forest wealth, it is the biggest forest based product-training institute and the training school for all forest officers in India.
 

 
Tapkeshwar Temple - Situated in the Garhi Cantonment area, 5.5 km from the city center is the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple. It is a cave temple, on the banks of a seasonal river, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the only significant temple in Dehradun. Beside he river are steps that lead to a cave in which water drips from the ceiling on a shivling. It is after the dripping that the temple has derived its name 'Tapkeshwar'. Legends connect this temple to the time of the Mahabharat when, it is believed, Lord Shiva made milk flow from this cave for Ashwathama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of both the Kauravas and Pandavas
 

 
Tapovan - Tapovan is a sacred site about five km from the city center on the Dehradun-Rajpur Road. The place is located in the picturesque Doon valley and according to popular belief, Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of warfare to the Kauravas and Pandavas, underwent his penance here.
 

 
Malsi Deer Park -  At the foothills of the Shivalik range, about 10 km from Dehradun on the road leading to Mussorie, a new tourist spot named the Malsi Deer park has been developed. The park with its deer, neelgai, and a variety of birds makes it an ideal excursion site. It also serves as a picnic spot where the tourists en route to Mussorie can take a break. A mini-zoo with a children's park and lovely natural surroundings do their bit to attract tourists of all age groups.
 

 
Robbers Cave - Also known as Guchu Pani, and situated at a distance of eight km from the city center, Robbers cave is a beautiful picnic spot. On display here is one of natures strange phenomena; a stream of water goes underground here and reappears a few meters away. The cave is surrounded by hills and is a beautiful getaway for those looking for peace and quiet of the hills. Buses are available up to the nearby Anarwala village, from where the caves are only a kilometer away.
 

 
Sahastradhara - Around 14 km from Dehradun is the cold Sulphur water spring called Sahastradhara. The spring is believed to have exceptional medicinal value and the dripping caves and a bath in the Baldi River near the spring are said to rejuvenate the body and soul. Many people come to the spring in the hope of being cured from polio and other such ailments.
 

 
AROUND DEHRADUN
 
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.
 

 
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
 

 
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.
 

 
WHERE TO EAT
There are many good restaurants which serves delicious pure vegetarian food as well. 

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