The city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s capital city, is nestled between two of the most eminent rivers in India – The Yamuna and Ganga. This city is currently being developed by the government as an alternative growth centre to take some of the load off Delhi.
The population of the city is approximately 1,250,000. The city houses the famous Doon school – one of the most eminent schools in India. The city acts as a transit point for other tourist destinations in the area such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Auli. Dehradun is famous for its Basmati rice.
Things to do in Dehradun
You can pack food and beverages and opt for a picnic at Sahastradhara. Take a bath in the Baldi River to rejuvenate your body and mind. You can also take morning and evening walks amidst the natural and scenic landscapes.
Tourist attractions in Dehradun
You will get a feel of history at the Kalinga war memorial built by the British to commemorate the sacrifice of the Gorkhas. The Mindrolling monastery at Dehradun is an ideal place to calm and relax the mind. Other tourist attractions include – Tapovan, Sai Darbar Temple, Forest Research Institute, Robber’s Cave, Dehradun Zoo, The Char Siddhs and Tapkeshwar Temple.
Places to shop in Dehradun
Dehradun experiences significant trekking activity because it is the base camp for people who undertake treks to the Garhwal ranges. So you will find high-quality trekking gear in Dehradun. Paltan Bazaar is the popular market in Dehradun for Basmati rice. For handmade shawls and other locally made apparel, check out Himalayan Weavers. For book lovers, visit The English Book Depot that has fiction, magazines and travel-related books.
Best time to visit Dehradun
The ideal time to visit Dehradun is between March and June. The weather during this time is pleasant and the skies are clear to get that panoramic view of the mountains.
Modes of transport
Dehradun has local buses but they tend to be crowded. There are plenty of fixed-route autos that ply in Dehradun. These autos operate on a share basis so the cost is cheap. You can also rent a car from various car rental companies to get around the city.
Weather in Dehradun
The summer temperature reaches up to 40 degrees in Dehradun. Winters are cold with temperatures varying between 1 and 18 degrees. Dehradun remains foggy during the winter. Monsoons in Dehradun see heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Airport in Dehradun
Dehradun Airport (IATA: DED) or Jolly Grant Airport is located 30 km from the city of Dehradun. IndiGo operates multiple domestic flights to various cities like Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai from this airport. To check out IndiGo's flight schedule from this airport, visit IndiGo’s official website.