Located in the Himalayan foothills and fed by the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, Dehradun is a picturesque hill station in the state of Uttarakhand. The place is named after the beautiful Doon Valley, where Guru Ram Rai, the eldest son of the seventh Sikh guru Har Rai, once settled his camp for a brief period. It is one of the oldest cities in India to have been mentioned in the ancient Skanda Purana.
Things to do in Dehradun
Owing to its beautiful location and natural landscapes, Dehradun makes for a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. One can go camping in the lush valleys or paraglide across the meadows, trek to some of the best locations like Nah Tibba and Har ki Dun or enjoy a relaxing, fun day at Lacchiwala.
Tourist attractions in Dehradun
Dehradun has plenty of places to go sightseeing. Tapovan and Tapkeshwar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, are two prominent attractions in the city. Other major attractions here include Robber’s Cave, Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park, and Lakshman Siddh.
Places to shop in Dehradun
The quaint hill station is a shopper’s paradise. Thanks to its local markets and shops! Tibetan Market, Paltan Bazaar, and Indira Market are the best places to go if you are looking to buy some local handicrafts, antiques, woollen clothes, fashionable footwear or traditional jewellery. You can also pick Basmati rice from local markets. Don’t forget to hit shopping malls, such as Pacific Mall and Cross Road Mall, on Rajpur Road.
Best time to visit
If you are planning a trip to Dehradun, you should ideally do so between March and June, i.e. during summers, because the weather remains perfectly suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities around this time of the year.
Modes of transport
The commonest and cheapest mode of transportation in Dehradun is auto-rickshaws. Buses also ply short distances but are usually crowded. One can also hire local taxis and private cars to get around the city at a low cost.
Weather in Dehradun
Being located in the Himalayan region, Dehradun typically enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Summers are warm and comfortable, and the maximum temperature does not go beyond 35 degree Celsius. Winters are cold and foggy, especially at night with the minimum temperature dropping to 9 degree Celsius. Monsoon, lasting from July through September, brings moderate to heavy rainfall.
Airport in Dehradun
Dehradun Airport or Jolly Grant Airport (IATA: DED) is located 30 km from the main city. To find out how many IndiGo flights operate from this airport, visit the ‘flight schedule’ page on IndiGo’s website.
