A historic city located in the lap of the Himalayas, Dehradun is the capital of the northern state of Uttarakhand. The city has been mentioned in the Skanda Puranas as part of Kedarkhand, the abode of Lord Shiva. Besides, Dehradun boasts of several legends, most of which are related to the great Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The hill town is also known for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and the numerous tourist attractions that magnify its beauty.
Things to do in Dehradun
A trip in the Doon Valley opens up many opportunities for you to indulge in. The natural landscape of Dehradun, the hills and mountains, rivers and caves make it an ideal spot to go camping, trekking, or paragliding. Take a dip in the hot spring at Sahastradhara. The water there is believed to have healing properties, which can cure skin ailments. You can also find peace of mind at the numerous temples and monasteries that adorn the city.
Tourist attractions in Dehradun
Lachhiwala is a popular picnic spot, famous for bird watching. The Tapkeshwar Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other major tourist attractions here include the Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park, Robber’s Cave, and Har ki Dun. The city is also the gateway to Mussoorie and Rishikesh, located nearby. Travellers can also plan a visit to these places from Dehradun.
Places to shop in Dehradun
The streets of Dehradun are dotted with numerous markets and shops selling a variety of goods at extremely reasonable prices. The best shopping destinations are the Tibetan Market, Paltan Bazaar, Astley Hall, and Indira Market. One can find a huge collection of clothes, woollen garments, shawls and stoles, traditional and silver jewellery, footwear, and accessories. You must shop for Basmati rice, dry fruits, and spices from the local markets, as they are the speciality of Dehradun. You can also shop for handicrafts, antiques and souvenirs from the trade fairs that are held occasionally. If you are looking for branded goods, head straight to the city malls on Rajpur Road. The most famous ones are Pacific Mall, Cross Road Mall, and Parsavnath Mall.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Dehradun is during the summer months, between March and June.
Modes of transport
The cheapest and most convenient way to get around the city is by auto-rickshaws. Dehradun also boasts of a good network of buses for the daily commute. Besides, local taxis and private cars are available for travelling a short distance.
Weather in Dehradun
Being located in the Himalayan foothills, Dehradun enjoys pleasant weather all around the year. Summers are warm and snug with a maximum temperature of 35-degree Celsius while winters are cold and foggy with a minimum temperature of 6-degree Celsius. The months between July and September bring moderate to heavy rainfall.
Airport in Dehradun
The main airport serving Dehradun is the Jolly Grant Airport (IATA: DED). IndiGo operates multiple flights between Dehradun and other key locations within the country from this airport. For more information, visit the ‘flight schedule’ page on the official website.