The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is fed by the two great rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Guru Ram Rai, the eldest son of the seventh Nanak Guru Har Rai, founded the city in 1676 when he set up a temporary camp in the Doon Valley. Thus, Dehradun derives its name from ‘Dehra’ meaning a settlement or a camp, and ‘Doon’ meaning a valley. The ancient city also finds several mentions in Skanda Purana, Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Things to do in Dehradun
Seek the blessings of Lord Shiva at Tapkeshwar Temple. Nature lovers must visit Malsi Deer Park, as it is the ideal place to spot deer and some rare species of birds. Enjoy boating while you spend an entire day admiring the natural beauty of the surroundings in Lacchiwala. Try out various local dishes from an array of street food joints. Visit famous trade fairs, such as Krishi Mela and Handloom Mela, held occasionally.
Tourist attractions in Dehradun
Rajaji National Park is home to various species of fauna and flora, and certainly a major tourist spot in Dehradun. Robber’s Cave is a series of caves famous for its natural rock formations and a narrow river flowing through it. A few other prominent attractions here include Assan Barrage, Tapovan, Mindrolling Monastery, Sahastradhara, Kalinga War Memorial, Guchhupani, Nag Tibba, Har ki Dun, and Lakshman Siddh.
Places to visit in Dehradun
The most popular shopping destinations are Tibetan Market, Indira Market, and Paltan Bazaar. Here, you can shop for a variety of traditional jewellery pieces, woollen garments and shawls, brass and copperware, handicrafts, and souvenirs. If you are an avid reader, head straight to The English Book Depot. You will find a wide range of books here. For a more elaborate shopping experience, visit the city malls on Rajpur Road. The Cross Road Mall and Pacific Mall are famous for its wide collection of high-street brands.
Best time to visit
Summers (March to June) are the perfect time to explore Dehradun at its best.
Modes of transport
The best and cheapest way to get around the city is on auto-rickshaws and buses. One can also opt for taxis and rented car services to travel a short distance from Dehradun.
Weather in Dehradun
Dehradun experiences warm and pleasant summers with the temperature rising to a maximum of 35 degree Celsius. Monsoon brings moderate to heavy rainfall, lasting from July through September. Winters (December to January) are dry and cold with the temperature varying from 6 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius.
Airport in Dehradun
The main airport in Dehradun is Jolly Grant Airport (IATA: DED), located less than an hour’s drive from the city. IndiGo operates several domestic flights to various locations from this airport. For more information, visit the ‘flight schedule’ page on IndiGo’s official website.