Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Dehradun - The Gateway to the Himalayas!

Dehradun is a picturesque city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the capital of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and historical significance. Dehradun is located at an elevation of 1400 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the Ganges River on one side and the Yamuna River on the other.

Geography and Climate:

Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 435 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. The city is divided into two parts by the Ganga River, with the eastern part being known as Rishikesh and the western part as Dehradun. The climate of Dehradun is subtropical, with hot summers and cool winters. The monsoon season lasts from July to September and brings heavy rainfall to the city.

History:

Dehradun has a rich history dating back to the Mahabharata era. The city was ruled by different kingdoms including the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Mughals, and the British. During the British Raj, Dehradun served as a military cantonment and was also a popular summer retreat for British officers. The city played an important role in India's struggle for independence, and many freedom fighters such as Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi visited the city during the freedom movement.

Education:

Dehradun is known for its excellent educational institutions, including schools and colleges. The city has a large number of boarding schools that are renowned for their academic excellence and sports facilities. Some of the popular schools in Dehradun include The Doon School, Welham Girls' School, and St. Joseph's Academy. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies and the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing.

Food:

Dehradun is also known for its delicious food. The city has many street food stalls that offer a variety of local delicacies, including aloo puri, kachori, and chole bhature. The city is also known for its sweet shops that offer mouth-watering desserts like jalebi, ras malai, and gulab jamun.

Culture :

Dehradun has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art, music, and festivals. The city is known for its folk music and dance, including the Garhwali and Kumaoni dances. Some of the popular festivals celebrated in Dehradun include Basant Panchami, Holi, and Diwali. The city also has a vibrant literary scene, with several renowned authors and poets hailing from Dehradun.

Tourism:

Dehradun is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and historical significance. The city has many attractions including the Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Mindrolling Monastery. The Robber's Cave, also known as Gucchu Pani, is a natural cave formation that is surrounded by hills and is a popular spot for picnics and adventure activities like trekking and rappelling. Sahastradhara is a waterfall that is known for its medicinal properties and is a popular destination for those seeking a rejuvenating experience. The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The Mindrolling Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.

Most Attraction of Dehradun :

Certainly! Here are some popular tourist places to visit in Dehradun:
Robber's Cave (Gucchupani) | Mindrolling Monastery | Sahastradhara Water Park | Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple | Forest Research Institute (FRI) | Clock Tower | Malsi Deer Park | Rajaji National Park | Buddha Temple | Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology | Lachhi Wala Water Park | Fun Valley Water Park | Indian Militry Academy (IMA).

Tourist Places Near Dehradun

Dehradun, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India, is surrounded by scenic landscapes, hill stations, and pilgrimage sites. Here is a list of some popular tourist places near Dehradun:
1. Mussoorie - 35 km from Dehradun
2. Rishikesh - 45 km from Dehradun
3. Haridwar - 53 km from Dehradun
4. Chakrata - 92 km from Dehradun
5. Kanatal - 78 km from Dehradun
6. Dhanaulti - 60 km from Dehradun
7. Tehri Dam - 87 km from Dehradun
8. Kalsi - 45 km from Dehradun
9. Dakpathar - 45 km from Dehradun
10. Rajaji National Park - 21 km from Dehradun.

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Travel and Transport in Dehradun:

There are many transport systems here to reach Dehradun city. Some Main are :

1. Jolly Grand Airport :

Jolly Grant Airport is a domestic airport located in the city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It is approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city center and is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. The airport is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose nickname was "Jolly Grant".
The airport has a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. It is equipped with modern facilities, such as baggage handling systems, security checks, and lounges for passengers. The terminal can accommodate up to 150 passengers at a time. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, through regular flights by major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara. The airport also serves as the gateway to some of the popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, and Nainital.
Jolly Grant Airport is situated at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest airports in India. The airport has a single runway that is 2,140 meters long and 45 meters wide. It can handle aircraft like Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and smaller aircraft like ATR. In recent years, the airport has undergone significant expansion and modernization, with the addition of a new terminal building, parking facilities, and improved runway infrastructure. The airport also has plans for further expansion, including the construction of a second runway and a new international terminal.

2. Dehradun Railway Station:

Dehradun Railway Station is a major railway station located in the city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. The station serves as a crucial gateway to the city and is well-connected to various parts of the country. The station is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by all modes of transportation. It is situated on the Northern Railway line and is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. The station is also connected to nearby cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Mussoorie, making it a popular tourist destination.
The railway station has all the modern amenities and facilities that are required by travelers. It has a number of waiting rooms, a tourist information center, and a food court. The station also has a ticket reservation counter, an ATM, and a medical center for emergency situations. The station has a total of six platforms, with platform number 1 being the main platform. The station is also equipped with escalators and lifts, making it easy for passengers with heavy luggage or physical disabilities to navigate through the station.
The Dehradun Railway Station has a rich history and was opened in 1899. Over the years, it has undergone various renovations and upgrades to keep up with the changing times. The station building is a beautiful blend of British colonial and Indian architectural styles, which adds to its charm.

3. ISBT Dehradun

ISBT Dehradun, also known as the Inter State Bus Terminal Dehradun, is a major transportation hub located in the city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It serves as a crucial point of entry and exit for visitors traveling to and from the city and the surrounding areas.
ISBT Dehradun is a modern bus station that is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for passengers. The station is designed to accommodate a large number of passengers and buses, with separate terminals for local and long-distance buses. The local terminal operates buses for nearby towns and cities, while the long-distance terminal serves buses traveling to other states in India. The ISBT Dehradun has a well-organized layout, making it easy for passengers to navigate and locate their buses. The station also has several amenities, including a waiting area with seating, food stalls, clean restrooms, luggage storage facilities, and a medical center.
The bus services operating from ISBT Dehradun are provided by both state-run and private bus operators. The state-run buses are operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and run to various destinations in Uttarakhand and neighboring states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Private bus operators offer services to more remote locations and destinations in other states of India. ISBT Dehradun is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The station is well-connected to major road networks and is located close to the Dehradun Railway Station and the Jolly Grant Airport.