The winter capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a popular hill station resting in the mighty Himalayas. The city is located close to Mussoorie (33.9 km) and Haridwar (53.5 km). Dehradun is mentioned as part of the Kedarkhand region in ancient Hindu texts. It was once part of the great Maurya Empire under Emperor Ashoka’s rule between 273 BC and 232 BC.
Things to do in Dehradun
There are numerous fascinating things you can do in Dehradun to make your trip a memorable one. Explore the city markets and shop for local goods, taste some of the delicacies at a local food joint. Sit relaxed and dip your feet in the cool waters at Robber’s Cave or enjoy the sunset at a popular picnic spot in Lacchiwala. You can also go trekking or bird-watching for a more exciting experience.
Tourist attractions in Dehradun
The divine city of Dehradun is adorned with several ancient temples and monasteries, such as Tapkeshwar Temple, Tapovan Temple, and Mindrolling Monastery. Another major attraction is Sahastradhara or ‘Thousand-fold Spring’, which has therapeutic properties that can cure skin ailments. Other tourist spots worth visiting include Tiger View Jungle Camp, Malsi Deer Park, Rajaji National Park, Bali Pass, Assan Barrage, and Zonal Museum.
Places to shop in Dehradun
Paltan Bazaar is a popular shopping destination, famous for beautiful artefacts, aromatic spices, and Basmati rice. Tibetan Market and Indira Market stock a variety of clothing, footwear and accessories. With three convenient malls in the locality, namely Pacific Mall, Cross Road Mall, and Parsavnath Mall, Rajpur Road is the busiest and most crowded shopping destination in Dehradun.
Best time to visit
Anytime between March and June, which marks the summer season, is the ideal time to explore Dehradun at its best.
Modes of transport
The easiest and most economical mode of transport in Dehradun is auto-rickshaws. Private buses are also available for commuting to nearby places. However, these buses tend to be crowded with locals, as well as tourists. You can also book a cab to get around the city.
Weather in Dehradun
The weather remains pleasant during the summer season with the maximum temperature hovering around 35 degree Celsius. The end of July marks the onset of monsoon, which lasts through September. Winters (November to February) are usually cold with the temperature dropping below 5 degree Celsius.
Airport in Dehradun
The official name of Dehradun Airport is Jolly Grant Airport (IATA: DED), which rests at a distance of 28.6 km from the city centre. IndiGo operates daily flights to several cities from the airport. For more information on the flight schedule, visit IndiGo’s official website.