Dehradun, one of the oldest cities in India, rests in the foothills of the Shivalik range. The city was initially referred to as Dehra by the Britishers.
Founded in the year 1676, the city is of great historical importance as it lies in the region of Kedarkhand – the home of Lord Shiva. It also finds mention in the great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. The famous monk who came to India from China, Huen Tsang has also mentioned this place in his memoirs.
Things to do in Dehradun
One can indulge in adventure sports like paragliding in the midst of Dehradun’s beautiful landscape. You can also go on treks and cover the city on foot. You can check out the markets of Dehradun that are always bustling with activity and have a variety of goods on offer, making it a shopper’s paradise. Then, there are tourist spots like Robber’s Cave and Tapkeshwar Temple that you can visit.
Tourist attractions in Dehradun
Dehradun has a plethora of tourist spots. From nature parks to ancient temples to museums, it caters to multiple tastes. The popular tourist attractions are Malsi Deer Park, Mindrolling Monastery, Sahastradhara, The FRI Museum, Clock Tower, The Char Siddhs, Sai Darbar Temple and Tapovan.
Places to shop in Dehradun
The city has multiple street markets, such as Indira Market, Paltan Bazaar and Tibetan Market. Dehradun’s speciality is Basmati rice and you can get it from the local shops at reasonable rates. Monthly trade fairs are also held in Dehradun where you can buy exotic goods at cheap prices that have been sourced from various Indian states.
Best time to visit Dehradun
The period between March and June is the ideal time to explore Dehradun. The weather is pleasant and perfect for adventure sports or just sightseeing.
Modes of transport
Like most Indian cities, Dehradun has auto-rickshaws for hassle-free travel within the city. Dehradun is also well-connected by roadways and railways. You can also rent a car to explore the city.
Weather in Dehradun
Summers in Dehradun are relatively pleasant compared to rest of India. But, the temperature can cross 40°C on some occasions making it uncomfortable for everyone. Winters are foggy with the temperature ranging between 1°C and 19°C.
Airport in Dehradun
IndiGo operates several intercity flights from Dehradun Airport (IATA: DED). The airport offers free medical facilities, currency exchange services and ATM machines. For flight-related information, visit IndiGo’s official website.