Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand is a hill resort and ideal gateway to several tourism destinations in Uttarakhand. Dehradun is a great tourism site with several tourists spot great for family vacation. Tourism in Dehradun is has grown in the past few years. Tourists generally use Dehradun as a gateway for several others tourism destinations in Uttarakhand like Mussoorie, Dahpathar, Kalsa, Surkanda Devi etc.
Dehradun tourism is encouraged by good transport system. The nearest airport to Dehradun is only 25 km away which has played a major role in bringing tourism from foreign countries and Southern states of India. Due to the ideal weather conditions and several attractions Dehradun Tourism is a great value destination.
Dehradun weather in summer remains modest making it ideal tourism destination for summer travel. Its not just summer, Dehradun Weather remains good in winter as well. Although temperature of Dehradun falls is cold in the winter but despite that it remains a good place to spend vacation. Although sometimes Dehradun weather in January becomes extreme with snowfall and temperature can go down around 3 degree. Weather conditions in summer and Monsoon are good with temperature around 30 to 17 degree.
For adventure tourists, Dehradun serves as a base for trekking and adventure tourism. Thousands of tourists stays overnight in Dehradun hotels that provides great value before heading to the Garhwal Hills.
While you are traveling to Dehradun, do not forget the shopping experience that city provides. Dehradun is famous for traditional knives also known as Khurkis. The sword used by Russel Crowe in the movie Gladiator was built in Dehradun. The city is also famous for woollen iteams like shawls. Paltan Bazaar is place a with great value for woolen items.
Dehradun hotels are of great value. The city offers varieties of hotels for the tourists from budget hotels to the luxury five star hotels. The budget hotels in Dehradun offer great value and service, so is the case with luxury hotels in Dehradun. Some great value hotels in Dehradun both budget and luxury includes Hotel Doon Castle , Hotel Great Value Dehradun, Hotel Aketa, Hotel Magent House etc.
TOURISM PLACES TO VISIT IN DEHRADUN
Kalinga War Memorial - The Kalinga War Memorial is located on the Sahastradhara road in Dehradun. One of the famous tourism spot in Dehradun, the Kalinga War Memorial is the only memorial that was erected by the British to honor their enemies - The Gorkhas.
Tapkeshawar Shiva Temple - The Tapkeshawar Temple is located in the Garhi Cantt. some 6 km away from Dehradun. The Tapkeshawar Temple is important Pilgrimage tourism site in the Dehradun region. The temple was named Tapkeshawar because of the water droplets that fall on the Shivling - the statue worshiped at the temple.
Sahastradhara - The meaning of Sahastradhara is thousand fold spring. This place is located around 11 km away from Dehradun. The major attraction of the Sahastradhara is the sulphur spring that can cure skin infections. Thousands of tourists take bath in the spring. Due to the healing values, tourism in Sahastradhara has increased over the years.
Malsi Deer Park - This mini zoological park is ideal family tourism spot. The Malsi Deer Park is located 10 from Dehradun. Tourists usually travel to the Malsi Deer Park during their visit to the Mussoorie. There is a children park onsite with beautiful natural landscape.
Sai Darbar Temple - The Sai Darbar Temple has a significant spiritual value therefore all tourists traveling to Dehradun should visit Sai Darbar Temple.
Chandrabani - Chandrabani is a beautiful tourist spot some 7 km from Dehradun. The site is famous for the Chandrabani temple. Thousands of devotee travel to the Chandrabani to take a dip in the holy kund some 2 km away from the site.
Robber’s Cave - Located 8 km from Dehradun the Robber’s Cave also known as Guchchu Pani is ideal picnic spot. The place is surrounded by the hills that adds to its beauty. A great place for romantic couples due to quietness.
Char Siddhs - The Char Siddhs comprise of 4 temples around Dehradun - Lakshman Siddh, Kalu Siddh, Madu Siddh and Manak Siddh. These four small temples are important pilgrimage tourism site in the region. It is believed that visiting all four Siddhs on a same day fulfills the person's wish.
Rajaji National Park - The Rajaji National Park is spread in the region of 820 sq kms. The park is nestled in the beautiful valley of Shivalika ranges. There are 23 species of mammal to see for the tourists. The best time to visit Rajaji National Park is November during the prime tourist season.
Tapowan - Tapowan is located 5 km away of Dehradun. The surrounding of the tapowan are very beautiful. Guru Dronacharya from the epic Mahabharata is believed to had done penance in the region.
Santala Devi Temple - The Santala Devi Temple is a very famous pilgrimage tourism destination 15km from Dehradun. It is believed that Santala Devi and her brother transformed into stone images. The temple is located within the fort. Devotees will have to trek around 2 km to reach the temple.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS IN DEHRADUN
Jhanda Fair - The Jhanda Fair or Flag Fair takes place five days after Holi at Guru Ram Rai Darbar in Dehradun. The fair starts with placing a new flag at the complex. The fair is traveled by thousands of tourists from North India.
Tapkeshwar Mela - A big fair takes place at the Tapkeshwar Temple on Shivratri. Thousands of devotees travel to Dehradun for the Tapkeshwar Fair. The highlight of the Tapkeshwar Mela is giant swings, apart from that Tapkeshwar has several small food shops.
Bissu Fair - Bissu Fair is must visit for foreign tourists. It takes place around 3 km from Chakrata. The Bissu Fair is a local tribal fair. The Jaunsari tribe celebrates the fair to mark harvesting season. Bissu Fair gives a great chance to understand the uniqueness of Indian Culture.
