Dehradun

7 Things to do Dehradun

Dehradun is one of the most visited cities in India during the summer months. A great place to go for a vacations with friends or family, Dehradun is not just another hill station. Here’s a list of things you should definitely do and visit while you’re vacationing in Dehradun. 

1) Religious:

Dehradun is a paradise for everyone, even the religious type. Full of temples, this places witnesses a high amount of devotees throughout the year. So let’s have a look at the places you can visit while you are here.

a)Tapkeshwar Temple:

Also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, it is one of the most popular temples that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the forest side, the main shivalinga at the temple is inside a natural cave.

It also the site of the annual Maha Shivratri Fair. The Tapkeshwar Temple is packed with devotees of Lord Shiva.

Since the temple is on the banks of a river, it enters the cave eventually falling on the shivaling. The dripping of water on the shivaling is what the temple is named after.

b) Mindrolling monastery:

Located in the Clement Town near Dehradun, this is one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma school of Buddhism. Set up in 1965 by Khochhen Rinpoche and his fellow monks in a desire to renew the the Mindrolling Monastery in India. Home to Ngagyur Nyingma College, one of India’s largest Buddhist institutes, this is also a very popular destination here.

c) Ram Rai Gurudwara:

This gurudwara was established by the seventh Sikh Guru, Ram Rai. Built in the 17th century, this gurudwara is one of the oldest in Dehradun. Since it’s famous, it’s quite obvious it is full of devotees visiting it. According to the local legend, after Guru Ram Ra was banished from his native place he came and settled in Dehradun and built a Gurudwara in the city. Serving as the community kitchen, it’s also the venue of the Jhanda Festival which is held five days after holi every year.

d)Swarg Niwas temple:

Located in Rishikesh, it is about 45 kilometers and an hour’s drive away from Dehradun. It’s a 13 story temple which is one of its kind in India. Flooded by tourists and pilgrims on a regular basis. It is owned by an organization headed by Guru Kailashanand who also manage it, each floor is dedicated to a different Hindu deity.

2)Parks and Gardens:

a) Lachhiwalla:

A very popular picnic spot , Lacchiwalla is 22 kilometers away from Dehradun. Situated on the Haridwar-Rishikesh Road, and and is very popular among tourists. Enjoy the green lushes that are here for you to give you a fresh breathe throughout the year. You can either lie down here or have a nice birthwater. Either of them will leave you relaxed and fresh.

b)Forest Research Institute:

Established in 1906, the institute is India’s leading and one of its kind institutes in the field of forest research. Larger than the Buckingham Palace, it’s one of the oldest institutes in India and was recognized as a deemed university in 1991. A combination of Greco-Roman and Colonial architectural styles, the FRI has a plinth area of 2.5 hectares. It also serves as a museum.

3)Museums

a) Zonal Museum:

The museum specializes in the study, collection and display of artifacts related to the origin and survival of life on earth. Apart from these things the museums also attempts to explain the social customs of the early inhabitants of people who lived in the foothills of Himalayas.

b)Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology 

It’s a self-governing research institute which is part of the Department of science and Technology. Named after Late. Professor D.N Wadia for his immense contribution to Geology, the institute is well equipped. It has a laboratory with modern equipment harnessed by qualified scientists and technicians and a library with 25000 books and journals on geology.

4) Famous Attrations

a) Tiger Falls:

Tiger falls is one heck of a place to spend a great day. Located in the Chakrata, Dehradun is one solid place. It might sound like one tiring trip but, it’s going to be worth it. The falls is a beautiful place to spend time with a good company and chill.

b)Lakshman Sidh Temple:

Situated 12 kms from Dehradun, is this beautiful temple. The temple gained its fame for its subtle beauty that attracted tourists from far land too, still does. Another thing it’s great for is for the peace and tranquility it offers. The temple is also a great place for bird watchers, as the temple and its surrounding area is flocked by many birds across different species.

5) Festivals and fairs

a) Maha shiv ratri:
Maha Shiv ratri is a festival that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm here. Celebrated in the months of February or March, thousands of followers of Lord Shiva visit various temples in Dehradun.  They fast, perform ceremonies, present offerings in a manner of showing their love to Lord Shiva. The atmosphere in Dehradun during Maha Shivratri is rich with festivities and is worth experiencing.

b) Shivratri fair:

Celebrated in the months of February and March at the Tapkeshwar Temple, the annual Shivratri Fair attracts a humongous crowd of devotees of Lord Shiva.

c) Lakhawar festival:

Celebrated in the months of September and October, the fair is held annually in the village of Lakhawar near Dehradun. A great event to be at, you’ll learn a lot about the culture of Garhwali tribes. Its a lively and colourful engagement with Garwal culture with lots of sporting events, music and dance performances.

d)Jhanda Fair:

Annually celebrated five days after Holi, is one of the most popular festival called Jhanda fest. Celebrated in the memories of the Sikh Guru Ram Rai who came to Dehradun in 1699 and constructed a Gurudwara named the Guru Ram Rai Darbar. The name comes from the act of Guru Ram Rai hosteding a flag in the Gurudwara. Ever since then the Guru’s followers unfurl a flag in the Gurudwara every year to honour him.

6) Landmarks: Clock Tower

A very famous landmark here, the clock tower in the city of Dehradun ( also known as Ghnata Ghar), is famous for its design and architecture. Situated on Rajpur Road, the Clock Tower has six faces making it unique. For your info, this tower was built  before Independence,but doesn’t function anymore. However, it hasn’t affected the tourists in anyway.

7) Shopping:

There’s alot of places you can shop in while you’re in Dehradun. Some of them are:

a) Paltan Bazaar:  Near the clock tower, has almost everything you’ll need.

b) The Mall: A vibrant and colourful market in Dehradun. It has a large number of eateries here as well.

c) Indra Market: Another great place to shop in near the Clock Tower. Speciality:  Accessories for men.

d) Rajpur Road: A great place to shop for garments and footwear.

e) Landour Bazaar: Located at a distance of 30 kms from Dehradun, it’s a nice place to go and shop in. Speciality: Leather products.

So are you ready to explore Dehradun by yourself? Share with us your experience.