Nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, Dehradun stands as one of the oldest cities and the capital of Uttarakhand. Blessed with many natural landscapes, the popular hill station is renowned for its unparalleled scenic beauty and fascinating history dating back to the Puranas. It is believed to be the home of Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
Things to do in Dehradun
Dehradun has something or the other in store for everyone. Gear up for an adventurous trek to Nag Tibba, Har ki Dun or Kempty Falls. Take a dip in Sahastradhara or the ‘Thousand-fold Spring’. The water here is believed to have healing properties that can cure skin ailments. Go on a safari and explore the rich flora and fauna at Rajaji National Park. Apart from this, shopping and gorging on local dishes are among the top things to do in Dehradun.
Tourist attractions in Dehradun
Lacchiwala is an ideal spot for family picnics and viewing the sunset. Malsi Deer Park is the place to go if you want to spot deer and some rare bird species. Kalinga War Memorial, located 5.5 km from the city, is a major landmark reflecting the brave history of the Gorkhas. Other prominent tourist attractions here include Tapkeshwar Temple, Mindrolling Monastery, Robber’s Cave, Tiger Falls, Shikhar Falls, Guchhupani, and Tiger View Jungle Camp.
Places to shop in Dehradun
From traditional jewellery and bags to embroidered stoles and woollen garments, the shops at Paltan Bazaar and Indira Market stock just about everything you might be searching for. If you want to buy fine handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs, head to Tibetan Market. Drop by at the local markets to pick some good quality Basmati rice, dry fruits, and spices. For a more contemporary shopping experience, hit the city malls, the most popular ones being Pacific Mall and Cross Road Mall on Rajpur Road. They house a huge collection of fashionable clothing and footwear from high-street brands.
Best time to visit
Summer months (March to June) form the best time to visit Dehradun.
Modes of transport
The most convenient and economical way to get around the city is auto-rickshaws. Dehradun also has a good network of buses for travel within and outside the city. Taxis and rented cars are also available for sightseeing activities.
Weather in Dehradun
The average summer temperature varies between 23 degree Celsius and 35 degree Celsius, keeping you warm and cosy. Monsoon strikes in July and lasts until September, during which the city receives moderate to heavy rainfall. Winters tend to get very cold, as the minimum temperature gets as low as 5 degree Celsius.
Airport in Dehradun
Jolly Grant Airport (IATA: DED) located less than an hour’s drive from Dehradun is a single terminal airport serving domestic flights to and from the city. To know about all flights operated by IndiGo from this airport, visit the ‘flight schedule’ page on the IndiGo website.