Places to visit in Dehradun, UK

Dehradun is one the oldest Indian cities. It lies between the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range to the north and the Shivalik mountains to the south. This city is perched at an altitude of 435 meters above sea level and it doubles down as the capital of the state of Uttarakhand.

Dehradun is located in the Doon valley nestled between the river Ganges on the east and the river Yamuna on the west. The city is famous for its picturesque landscape and slightly milder climate and provides a gateway to the surrounding region. It is well connected and in proximity to Himalayan tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, and Auli and the Hindu holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh along with the Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of Chota Char Dham.

1) Tapkeshwar Temple (Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM)

For people visiting Dehradun, a visit to Tapkeshwar temple is must. The temple is named so because inside it is a cave and water trickles on top of the idol of the deity from the ceiling. The cave that houses Tapkeshwar temple is called the Drona cave as it is believed that Dronacharya, the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas used to reside in this cave.

The ancient temple sits on the banks of Asan River and inside the Drona Cave. One of the main attractions of the place is its Shivalinga, which is continuously bathed by the trickling waters coming from the cave’s ceiling. The cave, within which Tapkeshwar Temple is situated, sits amidst beautiful hills making it a nature lover’s ideal destination. Shivaratri is celebrated with much pomp and show at this temple.

2) Robber’s Cave (Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM)

Robber's Cave, locally known as Gucchu Pani, is a river cave formed in the Himalayas, about 8 kilometers from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This river cave is believed to be an abode of Lord Shiva and is very close to Sahasradhara or 'The Thousandfold Springs' in Uttarakhand. Its specialty is that river water flows out from the middle of the cave. The cave is about 600 meters long and divided into two main parts. The cave has the highest fall of about 10 meters. During the British rule, these caves were the secret hideouts for robbers, and thus the place got its name.

The cave is a narrow gorge formed between a conglomerate limestone formation. It creates a feeling similar to being in a scene from a mystery movie - surrounded by dark limestone as streams gush in, echoing inside the cave. If not this, it definitely promises a sense of belongingness as Mother Nature slows you down, making you resonate with its mesmerizing beauty. With extraordinary cold water underground springs, the cave cools down during the scorching-hot summer-afternoon. It is a perfect picnic spot amidst the natural beauty of Uttarakhand and must be visited at least once.

3) Dehradoon Zoo (Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM)

Located at the base of the Shivalik range, Dehradun Zoo, formerly known as Malsi Deer Park, is a zoological garden. Heaven for nature lovers, the beauty of the place is highlighted by the rich flora and fauna. The park is a great point to unwind and break away from the busy life of the city. It is a small zoological park with a picturesque location and vibrant wildlife, making it an amazing place for photographers. The park is blessed with natural and serene surroundings, perfect for sightseeing or a picnic.

Though the park is mainly famous for deer, the tourists there can also spot peacock, nilgais, rabbits, and tigers to name a few. Apart from nilgais, the park is home to Himalayan antelopes which draw children and animal lovers from all over the world to the place. The park is a part of the Malsi Forest Reserve and is the second-best wildlife attraction in Dehradun following Rajaji National Park.

Dehradun along with its charm is a paradise for all the tourists, and Malsi Deer Park is a wild pasture in this paradise. If you are planning on going out with your family and friends to a relaxing place full of natural beauty, this is the place to go.

4) Sahastradhara (Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM)

Sahastradhara translates to ‘the thousands of water sources that the water divides into’. This mesmerizing natural location is a top spot visited by tourists from all over the country for its mind-blowing serenity and stupendous ambience. It is located at a distance of about 15 kilometers away from Dehradun.

The area has got an amazing spread of waterfalls and caves which are a treat to the eye. The water which drips off the stalactites has got a good amount of Sulphur in it due to its limestone content. This Sulphur is what is believed to make the water medicinal with a lot of people visiting the spot for its healing properties. With an amusement park and also a ropeway for visitors to spend their time in, Sahastradhara is the perfect tourist destination for friends and family alike.

5) Mindrolling Monastery (Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM)

If you are looking for a place to escape the noise and pollution of life in the 21st century, taking a trip to the Mindrolling Monastery is probably the best idea. The Mindrolling Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Dehradun and for good reason. The Buddhist community in Dehradun has evolved around this monastery since its construction. The major attractions of this place include the art, the statue of Lord Buddha, the relics, paintings and also the stupa.

The monastery is open on all days of the week from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. There is a gap of one hour during the afternoon time when it is closed. It is usually at around 1.30-2.30. The timings may slightly vary depending on the season. No entry fee is charged to tourists visiting this place.

6) Tapovan Temple (Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM)

At a distance of 7 km from Dehradun Railway Station, Tapovan is a sacred place located near Raipur on the banks of River Ganges in Dehradun. This is famous for its beautiful surroundings and serene location. The name of temple comes from two Sanskrit words - Tapas (meaning penance) and Vana (meaning forest).

Tapovan holds a significant religious importance. Chanting of rituals and Vedas add the holiness of the serene location. This temple is visited by large number of devotees who throng here to witness to the rituals and other religious ceremonies. The popular belief is that this is the place where Dronacharya had undergone his penance. In the epic Mahabharata, Dronacharya was the Guru of Kauravas and Pandavas.

Tapovan is a well-known site for meditation and other spiritual activities. The ashram also holds periodic yoga courses. The greenery of the surroundings and sound from the river makes the ambiance very soothing. Situated above the Gangotri Glacier, the place also attracts trekking enthusiasts.

7) Paltan Bazaar (Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM)

Shopping is always one of the important things that we take time out and do. Especially when we are visiting serene place like Dehradun. If you are confused about where to shop in Dehradun, here is your ultimate guide to shopping in Paltan Bazaar, Dehradun.

Dehradun, the staggeringly stunning beauty of Uttarakhand is a tourist destination that can be visited round the year. When you visit a place like Dehradun, shopping in Paltan Bazaar is one of the mandatory things that need to be added in the list. The main local market - Paltan bazaar is also one of the busiest and the most crowded of all the shopping markets in Dehradun and visiting this market is one of the best things to do in Dehradun. Come, take a stroll with us into this market!

That’s all in this blog and brief about Dehradun can be pointed as:

• One of the most popular holiday destinations of India

• Capital of Uttarakhand; gateway to several popular hill-stations

• Fascinating history from the times of King Ashoka (2,200 years back)

• Breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset

• Home to world-renowned institutions such as Indian Military Academy, Wildlife Institute of India, Survey of India, and more.