Dehradun

Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is recently declared as the Provisional Capital of newly created Uttarakhand State in the month of November 2000. Also known as the �Adobe of Drona�, Dehradun has always been an important center for Garhwal rulers. It is a favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts from various walks of life to its serene environs. Added to this are the abundance of special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the city into a paradise.

History of Dehradun

According to Skanda Purana, Dun formed part of the region called Kedar Khand. It was included in the kingdom of Ashoka by the end of the 3rd century B.C. It is revealed by history that for centuries the region formed part of the Garhwal kingdom with some interruption from Rohillas. For about two  decades till 1815 it was under the occupation of the Gorkhas. In April 1815, Gorkhas were ousted from Garhwal region and Garhwal was annexed by the British. In that year the area now comprising tehsil Dehra Dun was added to district Saharanpur. In 1825, however, it was transferred to the Kumaon Division.  In 1828, Dehra Dun and Jaunsar Bhabar were placed under the charge of a  separate Deputy Commissioner and in 1829, the Dehra Dun district was transferred  from the  Kumaon Division to the Meerut Division. In 1842, Dun was attached to Saharanpur  district and placed under an officer subordinate to the Collector of the district but since 1871, it is being administered as separate district. In1968, the district was taken out from Meerut division and included in the Garhwal Division.

Tourist Attractions of Dehradun

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 visit are Municipal Garden, Kempty Falls, Gunhill, Depot Hills, and The Jheel.  Mussoorie is also accessible from Dehradun through trekking.

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.

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. 

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. 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, where skiing is possible during the period from November to April. Deoband, Kanasar, Kathiyan, Molta, 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.

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.