penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king. During the 17th and 18th centuries Dehradun changed hands several times: Guru Ram Rai retreated here from the Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-Ud-Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before in 1815. From Dehradun places of religious importance in the Garhwal Hills can be accessed -Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund sahib etc.
DEHRADUN
Some facts about Dehradun Area: 300 Square Kms. Altitude: 640mts. (2100 ft.) Season: Ideal round the year Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India.Also known as the 'Abode of Drona', Dehradun has always been an important center of the Garhwal rulers, which was captured by the British. The headquarters of many National Institutes like ONGC, Survey of India, I.I.P. etc. are located in the city. Dehradun has a string of premier educational institutes like the Forest Research Institute, Rashtriya India Military College and the Indian Military Academy. It is a favored tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts from various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens, which contribute in turning the city in to a paradise.Accessibility
Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 24kms. From Dehradun. Rail: Dehradun is a terminus of the Northern Railway. Road: Dehradun is well connected to all parts of the country.PLACES OF TOURIST INTREST
Tapkeshwar Temple
The temple is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area.5.5 kms from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. It is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets, originating from a rock,fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.Malsi Deer Park
10kms away from Dehradun, enrooted Mussoorie is situated a beautifully developed tourist spot lying at the foothills of the Shivalik range. Malsi Deer Park is a mini zoological park comprising of a children's park enveloped by beautiful, natural surroundings. Along with the attractive environs the availability of refreshments makes the place an ideal sightseeing cum picnic spot.Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara is a cold sulphur water spring, with high medicinal value. The Baldi River the caves provide a breathtaking view. Situated 14kms. From the city bus stand, and connected by a regular bus service and private taxies, this is an ideal place for family picnics.Kalanga Monument
Located on the right side of the Dehradun - Sahastradhara route, the Kalanga monument recalls the story of the bravery of a 180 years old battle between the British and the Gorkhas. Perched on a hill, 1000 feet over the banks of river Rispana, the monument represents the history of the rulers of the beutiful Garhwal.Laxman Siddh
12kms. away from Dehradun, towards Rishikesh is a famous temple known as the Laxman Siddh. Legend has it that a sage underwent penance over here. Due to easy accessibility the temple is visited by a large number of people especially on Sundays.Chandrabani
Situated 7kms. from Dehradun -Delhi road is the famous temple of Chandrabani (Gautam Kund). According to the mythological beliefs, this spot was inhabited by Maharishi Gautam, his wife and daughter Anjani who are widely worshipped by the people. It is believed that the dauther of heaven -Ganga had manifested herself on this spot which is now popularl known as the Gautam Kund. Every year devotees, in large numbers, take a dip in the holy Kund. 2kms. away from the main road, located in the midst of Shivalik hills, the place is a beautiful tourist spot.Sai Darbar
Situated 8kms.along the Clock Town on Rajpur Road, is the Sai Darbar temple. This place holds a high cultural and spiritual value and is visited by tourists from across the country and foreigners as well.Tibetan Temple
Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar is a huge and colourful temple of Lord Buddha.Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
Anideal place for picnic, Robber's Cave, is just 8kms. away from the City Bus Stand. Local bus services are available upto Anarwala Village, from where it is just a kilometer's trek to the spot.Lachhiwala
3kms. from Doiwala and 22kms. from Dehradun, on the Haridwar- rishikesh road, is Lachhiwala. The serene and blissful spot is famous for its picnic spots. The place also provides accomodation to the tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled in the greenery.Forest Research Institute(F.R.I.)
7kms. from Clock Tower, the Forest Research Institute on the Dehradun-Chakrata motorable road is the biggest forest based training institute in India. Most of the forest officers are a product of this institute. The F.R.I. with its majesttic building also houses a Botanical Museum.Indian Military Academy
Situated 8kms. on Dehradun- chakrata road and 3kms. beyond F.R.I.(Dehradun) is a premier training institute for Army Officers. -The academy has the following places of tourist interest. 1. Museum 2. Library 3. War Memorial 4. Arms and ammunition 5. Shooting demonstrating room 6. FRIMA Golf Course (18 holes)Tapovan
Approximately, 5kms. from Dehradun to reach the famous temple of Santaula Devi, one can utilize the bus facility till Jaitanwala, then it is 2kms. drive to punjabiwala by a jeep or any light vehicle and further it is 2kms. terk from Punjabiwala to the temple. The temple stands as a symbol of the faith people have in the temple and has a great culture and religious significance.BHAGIRATHI Resort
An 18kms. drive along the Chakrata road, Bhagirathi Resort at Selaqui, Dehradun lends a breath- taking spectacle of the Himalayan ranges. The resort lures the tourists with its tranquil swimming pool, water slides and fountains. Against the backdrop of the mountain ranges, the resort is an ideal tourist spot.Wadia Institute
5kms. uphill from the Clock Tower, on General Mahadev Singh Road is situated the Wadia Institute which houses a unique museum of the Uttarakhand Glaciers.please SEND SUGGETIONS