bigtravelbuzzDehradun is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of the country. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its scenic beauty and mild climate. Dehradun is a popular tourist destination and is also home to several educational institutions, including the prestigious Indian Military Academy.
Places to visit in Dehradun
There are several places to visit in Dehradun. Some of the popular ones are:
- Robber’s Cave: a natural cave formed in a river, also known as Guchhupani.
- Sahastradhara: a famous waterfall and hot spring.
- Mindrolling Monastery: a famous Buddhist monastery with beautiful architecture.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Forest Research Institute: a premier institute of forestry research and education.
- Malsi Deer Park: a park and mini zoo with various species of deer.
- Rajaji National Park: a wildlife reserve with elephants, tigers, leopards, and various other animals.
- Buddha Temple: a beautiful Buddhist temple with stunning architecture.
- Clock Tower: a popular landmark and market area in the heart of the city.
- Mussoorie: a popular hill station near Dehradun, known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions.
Best Time To visit Dehradun
The best time to visit Dehradun is during the months of March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature during these months ranges from 20°C to 35°C, making it a perfect time to explore the city and nearby attractions. However, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season, which lasts from July to August, as heavy rainfall may cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. The winter season, which lasts from December to February, can also be chilly with temperatures dropping to around 5°C, but it can still be a good time to visit if you enjoy cold weather and want to experience snowfall in nearby hill stations.
Things to Do in Dehradun
There are plenty of things to do in Dehradun. Some of the popular ones are:
- Trekking: Dehradun is a great place for trekking and offers several trails that are suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
- Sightseeing: Dehradun has several tourist attractions such as Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, and Tapkeshwar Temple, which are worth visiting.
- Visit Museums: Dehradun has several museums, including the Forest Research Institute Museum and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, which offer insights into the natural history and culture of the region.
- Adventure Sports: Dehradun offers several adventure sports activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, and rappelling.
- Yoga and Meditation: Dehradun is a great place to practice yoga and meditation. There are several yoga centers and ashrams in and around the city, which offer courses and workshops.
- Shopping: Dehradun has several local markets and shopping centers, where you can buy handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Food: Dehradun is known for its local cuisine, including Garhwali and Kumaoni dishes. You can explore the local food scene and try out the local delicacies.
- Wildlife Safari: You can take a wildlife safari at the Rajaji National Park, which is home to several species of animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
How to Get Around in Dehradun
There are several ways to get around in Dehradun:
- Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available in Dehradun and can be hired for short trips or for the entire day.
- Buses: Dehradun has a well-connected bus network, with both public and private buses operating on various routes.
- Cycle Rickshaws: Cycle rickshaws are a popular and eco-friendly mode of transport in Dehradun, especially for short distances.
- Self-Drive: You can also rent a car or a two-wheeler and drive around on your own. However, it is advisable to be familiar with the local traffic rules and conditions before doing so.
- Walking: Dehradun is a relatively small city and many of the tourist attractions are located close to each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
- E-rickshaws: E-rickshaws are also becoming popular in Dehradun, especially for short trips within the city.
It is advisable to negotiate the fares in advance for taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws.
Where to eat in Dehradun
Dehradun has a vibrant food scene, with several restaurants and food joints offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Some of the popular places to eat in Dehradun are:
- Kalsang AMA Café: a Tibetan restaurant with a cozy ambiance and delicious momos.
- Black Pepper: a multi-cuisine restaurant with a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes.
- Ellora Bakery: a popular bakery with a range of baked goods and snacks.
- The Great Indian Pub: a trendy bar and restaurant with a variety of cocktails and finger food.
- Doon Darbar: a vegetarian restaurant with a range of North Indian and South Indian dishes.
- The Terrace: a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view of the city and a range of international dishes.
- Kumar Sweets: a famous sweet shop with a range of traditional Indian sweets and snacks.
- Orchard: a fine-dining restaurant with a range of international cuisines and a beautiful ambiance.
- Cafe Marigold: a cozy cafe with a range of continental and Indian dishes.
- Bikanervala: a popular fast food chain with a range of Indian and international snacks and sweets.
Famous street stalls in Dehradun
Dehradun has a vibrant street food scene, with several popular street stalls offering a variety of local and regional dishes. Some of the famous street stalls in Dehradun are:
- Chhole Bhature at Chhote Lal: This is a popular street stall in the Paltan Bazaar area of Dehradun, known for its spicy and delicious chhole bhature.
- Momos at Kalsang Friends Corner: This is a popular street stall in the Rajpur Road area of Dehradun, known for its mouth-watering momos.
- Chaat at Natraj Chaat Bhandar: This is a popular street stall in the Rajpur Road area of Dehradun, known for its delicious chaat, especially the Aloo Tikki Chaat.
- Lassi at Kumar Lassi Corner: This is a popular street stall in the Paltan Bazaar area of Dehradun, known for its refreshing and creamy lassi.
- Kachori and Aloo Poori at Omi’s Cafe: This is a popular street stall in the Astley Hall area of Dehradun, known for its delicious kachori and aloo poori.
- Kulfi at Kumar Kulfi Wala: This is a popular street stall in the Paltan Bazaar area of Dehradun, known for its creamy and delicious kulfis.
- Rajma Chawal at Khushi Vaishno Bhojnalya: This is a popular street stall in the Chakrata Road area of Dehradun, known for its delicious and authentic Rajma Chawal.
- Samosas at Purohitji ke Samose: This is a popular street stall in the Paltan Bazaar area of Dehradun, known for its crispy and spicy samosas.
Note: As with any street food, it is important to be cautious about hygiene and quality when choosing where to eat. It is advisable to go to popular and trusted street stalls and vendors.
Where to stay in Dehradun
Luxury accommodation
Dehradun offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular luxury accommodation options in Dehradun are:
- The Taj Gateway Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, this 5-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities, multiple dining options, a spa, and a fitness center.
- Seyfert Sarovar Portico: This is a 4-star hotel located near the Rajpur Road area, offering spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a pool.
- Lemon Tree Hotel: This is a 4-star hotel located in the Pacific Mall area, offering modern and comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a pool.
- Four Points by Sheraton: This is a 4-star hotel located in the Kedarpur area, offering spacious and modern rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a pool.
- Ramada Dehradun: This is a 4-star hotel located near the Rajpur Road area, offering well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a pool.
- Vishranti Resort & Spa: This is a luxury resort located in the outskirts of Dehradun, offering spacious and luxurious cottages and villas, a restaurant, a spa, and a pool.
- ITC Rajputana, A Luxury Collection Hotel: This is a luxury hotel located in the Selaqui area of Dehradun, offering well-appointed rooms and suites, multiple dining options, a spa, and a fitness center.
It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (March to June and September to November).
Budget accommodation
Dehradun offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular budget accommodation options in Dehradun are:
- Hotel Kamla Palace: This is a budget hotel located near the railway station, offering clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel LP Residency: This is a budget hotel located near the Rajpur Road area, offering simple and well-maintained rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Shiva Residency: This is a budget hotel located near the Clock Tower area, offering clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Siddharth Residency: This is a budget hotel located near the Paltan Bazaar area, offering simple and well-maintained rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Daichi: This is a budget hotel located near the Rajpur Road area, offering basic and clean rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Padmini Palace: This is a budget hotel located near the Paltan Bazaar area, offering clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Softel Plaza: This is a budget hotel located near the Haridwar Bypass Road area, offering simple and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (March to June and September to November).
Travel Tips Dehradun
Here are some travel tips for visiting Dehradun:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June and from September to November. The weather is pleasant during these months, and you can enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Getting around: The best way to get around Dehradun is by auto-rickshaws, local buses, or taxis. You can also rent a car or a bike if you have a valid driving license.
- Clothing: As the weather in Dehradun can be unpredictable, it is advisable to carry clothes that are suitable for both warm and cold weather. Additionally, if you plan to go on a trek or hike, make sure you carry comfortable and sturdy shoes.
- Food: Dehradun is famous for its street food, so do try out some of the local delicacies like chaat, momos, and lassi. It is also advisable to carry a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Sightseeing: Dehradun offers a variety of sightseeing options, so plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time. Some of the popular attractions include Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, and Tapkeshwar Temple.
- Safety: Dehradun is generally a safe city, but it is advisable to take basic precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night, keeping your valuables safe, and being aware of your surroundings.
- Respect local culture: Dehradun is a multicultural city, and it is important to respect the local culture and customs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and seek permission before taking photographs.
Overall, Dehradun is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so plan your trip well and have a great time!