Dehradun

Dehradun is Uttaranchal’s capital and the most popular tourist destination among Indians. It is a magnificent hill station known for its adventure, spiritualism, and stunning natural beauty. You can visit Shhastradhara, a beautiful scenic area, the Tapkeshwar Temple of Lord Shiva, Santaula Devi Temple, Guchhupani, Lachhiwala, Chandrabani, and many other places.

History Of Dehradun

Dehradun owes the most of its history to the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The place is said to have gotten its name from the Mahabharata character ‘Guru Dronacharya’. According to Chinese explorer Huen Chang, Dehradun was first known as ‘Sudhnagar’ in the seventh century.

Several rock inscriptions link Dehradun to Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the first century BC. However, some say that Guru Ram Rai created this town. Thus, “city” refers to the Dera or community in the Doon Valley.

Dehradun has seen multiple dramatic changes over the last century, which should be recapitulated to properly understand the city’s future trajectory. In 1890, the first train from Haridwar arrived at Dehradun Station. This historic year began the process of making the valley more accessible to the rest of India, particularly the British. It was also the year that the Kutchery compound saw the establishment of its first radio station.

Dehradun flourished fast under the rule of Englishmen. Tea plantations established by Britons are a key source of income for their unique taste and aroma around the world.

Culture of Dehradun

People here value their spiritual beliefs and are fairly traditional. People in this historical, religious, and attractive city wear traditional clothing. Women prefer to wear ghagra choli, lehengas, sarongs, bandhani, sarees, and long skirts.

The bulk of Dehradun’s population speaks Garwali and Kumaoni. Hindi is also spoken in the region, and there are numerous heritage temples scattered throughout the city because the majority of the people practice Hinduism.

If you want to learn more about a city, attend its cultural festivals. Dehradun hosts a variety of events, including the Jhanda Fair, Tapkeshar Fair, and Bissu Fair. The temples are the best way to experience the local art, culture, and architecture.

This city is full of its distinct flavours and delectable cuisine. Dehradun’s cuisines include kandalee ka saag, bal mithai, kulath phanu, gulgula, arsa kaafli, singodi, sani hui muli, and nimbu. Experience the local cuisine of the city.

Dehradun Tourism

Dehradun is one of India’s oldest cities, set like a brilliant jewel in the lower Himalayan mountain ranges. Dehradun serves as the gateway to the famous hill station of Mussoorie, as well as the pilgrimage sites of Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple, located on the banks of a stream in Garhi Cantt, is a historic religious site. The temple is well-connected by road and is about 5.5 kilometres from the city bus terminal. Tapkeshwar is named after water droplets that fall from a rock on the Shivling in the shrine. Many people attend the Shivratri fair to offer their respects to the deity.

Sahastradhara: This is also known as the ‘thousandfold spring’, is located 11 kilometers from Dehra Dun. The location is great for picnics and is a popular tourist destination. The Baldi River and Caves offer a beautiful panorama.

The water here falls around 9 metres and leaves an incrustation of lime on everything it touches. Particles have accumulated throughout the centuries, forming a protruding ledge and a sort of grotto with a constant shower falling from its roof. There is also a sulfur spring where guests frequently bathe. Its water is claimed to heal skin diseases and have other therapeutic effects.

Chandrabani: The famous Chandrabani temple (Gautam Kund) is located 7 kilometres from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Delhi road. According to mythology, this location was inhabited by Maharishi Gautam, his wife, and daughter Anjani, who are revered by the locals. It is claimed that the daughter of heaven, Ganga, revealed herself in this place, which is today known as the Gautam Kund. Each year, a huge number of devotees take a plunge in the sacred Kund. The location is a wonderful tourist destination, 2 kilometres from the main road and in the middle of the Shivalik hills.

Robbers Cave: Robber’s Cave, also known as Gucchu Pani, is a river cave formed in the Himalayas approximately 8 kilometres from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This river cave is said to be Lord Shiva’s residence and is located near Sahasradhara, also known as ‘The Thousandfold Springs’ in Uttarakhand. Its unique feature is that river water emerges from the centre of the cave.

Mindrolling Monastery: Khochhen Rinpoche established the Mindrolling Monastery, also known as the Buddha Temple Complex, near Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, in 1965. The Mindrolling Monastery, located in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas, is one of India’s largest Buddhist centres, attracting thousands of people from throughout the country and around the world. Every day, hundreds of people learn about spirituality here.

The monastery, an architectural marvel with multiple components, is a visual delight. The monastery emanates beauty with its gardens, academic complex, and Asia’s highest Stupa. While surrounded by vegetation, it also houses several shrine rooms, Tibetan art forms, and murals. Every traveller is drawn to the tall statue of Lord Buddha.

Forest Research Institute: The Forest Research Institute, founded in 1906, spans 4.5 square kilometres and features towering Colonial and Greco-Roman architecture. Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is home to India’s top institution for forestry research. Forest Research Institute, located in the tranquil Doon Valley, is a popular tourist attraction in Dehradun.

The attractive, spacious site of the Forest Research Institute has also attracted a lot of media attention. The Institute has been used to shoot several Bollywood films. The Tons River runs along the institute’s western boundary, adding to its beauty.

Regional Science Center: The Regional Research Centre at Vigyan Dham, Jhajra in Dehradun is a recently developed research park. It includes a variety of indoor and outdoor displays and installations that educate people, particularly children. It features exhibits on nuclear power generation, robotics, cloud computing, carbon nanotubes and graphene, and more.

Subir Raha’s Oil Museum: The Subir Raha Oil Museum in Uttarakhand is housed in Tel Bhawan on the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) campus. It was founded to highlight the various phases of the oil and gas value chain and was named after ONGC’s former chairman and managing director. The museum also exhibits the industrial history of petroleum in India, as well as the conservation method for fossil fuels. The museum is arranged into parts to provide a full overview of the history and value chain.

Ram Rai Gurdwara: Ram Rai Gurudwara was founded in the 17th century by ‘Ram Rai’, the eldest son of Sri Har Rai ji, the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. It is one of the oldest Gurudwaras and a significant pilgrimage place for the Sikh religion.

Weather and Climate of Dehradun

The average temperature of Dehradun is roughly 18°C, but it can range from 8°C in the winter (January) to 25°C during the monsoon (June). The hottest month of the year is June, with temperatures ranging from 17.3°C to 32.1°C. The coolest month of the year is January, when temperatures range from 0.4°C to 17.8°C.

Best time to visit Dehradun

During the peak season of March to June. The weather is good, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 35 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor sports.

Population of Dehradun

Dehradun’s current population forecast for 2024 is 807,000, with a metro population of 1,001,000. The current forecasts for The city are based on past growth rates. According to preliminary Census India data, The City’s population in 2011 was 569,578. Although the city has a population of 569,578, the urban or metropolitan population is 706,124.

Dehradun Religion

Hinduism is the most popular religion in Dehradun, accounting for 82.53% of the population. Islam is the second most common religion, with roughly 11.75% adhering to it. Christianity is followed by 1.06%.

How To Reach Dehradun

Airport: Dehradun’s airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre. Air India, Jet Airways, Jet Konnect, and Spice Jet operate regular flights to The City. You can take a taxi from the airport to the city, which should take around 40 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Rail: Regular train service connects Dehradun to Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ujjain, Chennai, and Varanasi. The City Railway Station is 1-2 kilometres from the city centre and should take you no more than 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Trains that connect The City to the rest of the country include the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Doon Express, Bandra Express, and Amritsar Express, among others.

Road: The City is well connected to most cities, including Delhi, Shimla, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Agra, and Mussoorie, via Volvo, Deluxe, Semi-deluxe, and Uttarakhand State Transport buses. These buses come and go from The City Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) near Clement Town. Buses leave from here every 15 minutes to an hour. Other bus terminals in Dehradun include the Mussoorie Bus Station, which is located at The City Railway Station and provides regular bus service to Mussoorie and other neighbouring locations. The City also has another interstate bus terminal, the Delhi Bus Stand on Gandhi Road.