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About Dehradun City
The unhurried lifestyle and moderate climate of Dehradun make it the ideal retirement
town it is. Some parts of the town still retain a distinctive British character,
while a lot of it has outgrown its colonial origins. The town is also a centre for
renowned public schools and educational institutions.
In recent times, widespread environmental degradation due to limestone quarrying
around the town has caused concern amongst local inhabitants and conservationist.
After a lengthy process of protests and litigation, the Supreme Court imposed a
ban on limestone quarrying, and efforts at re-forestation of the denuded hill slopes
around Dehradun have begun.
Today, Dehradun is the administrative centre of the hill region of Uttarakhand and
the capital of the new hill state that has been carved out of Uttar Pradesh. Dehradun
sees a lot of local tourists escaping the hot and dusty plains to its temperate
climes.
History
The area around Dehradun has references in several ancient Hindu texts. It is known
as the land of Shiva, the region where the Hindu mythological heroes Rama and Lakshmana
performed penance, and the Pandavas of Mahabharata rested on their way up to the
mountains. Apart from mythological associations, Dehradun was once ruled by the
great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (1st century BC), whose rock edict was found near Kalsi,
just off the town. Over the centuries, this area passed from one ruler to the next,
including the Sikhs, Mughals and Gurkhas. Finally, the British established it as
an army base and educational centre in 1815. In the post-independence era, Dehradun
has witnessed dramatic transformations, from a quiet sub-Himalayan town to a bustling
commercial centre. The spiralling local movement for a separate hill state was spearheaded
from this town, which is now all set to become the new capital of Uttarakhand
Places to See Near Dehradun
 The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is famous
for its scenic grandeur and beautiful surroundings. Dehradun and its surrounding
places are adorned with the beauty of the Himalayas. There are several historical
places, temples, natural springs, parks, picnic spots in the city's vicinity,
which are surely worth a visit. In fact, a trip to Dehradun can't be successful
without visiting the excursions around it. Apart from the natural beauty, there
are several artificially built amusement parks around Dehradun that make an excursion
trip interesting. Dehradun is also very close to famous hill stations like Mussoorie.
Tourist Places to See Near Dehradun
Mussoorie
Located only 35 km from Dehradun, Mussoorie is one of the most visited hill stations
in the country. It is stunningly beautiful place, with extremely pleasing weather
and exotic locales. A trip to Dehradun, without visiting Mussoorie, is as good as
waste.
Sahastradhara
The name 'Sahastradhara' means the site of 'thousand springs'. Situated
near Rajpur Village, approximately 16 km from the major township of Dehradun, it
is a very popular picnic spot. The place becomes more attractive during rainy season,
when there is abundance of water in the springs. The water of sulphur spring is
assumed to have some medicinal properties that can help cure skin ailments.
Santaura Devi Temple
The temple of Santaura Devi is located approximately 16 km away from Dehradun, in
Santur Garh. It is most crowded on Saturdays, as it is regarded to be the day of
Goddess Santaura Devi and Her brother.
Guchhupani
Also known as Robbers' Cave, Guchhupani is the perfect picnic spot in Anarwala,
situated approximately 8 km away from Dehradun. This serene and peaceful cave is
surrounded by picturesque surroundings of hills and springs, making it definitely
worth a dekko.
Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park is a recently developed picnic spot cum mini zoological park on
Mussoorie Road, situated approximately 9 km from Dehradun. This is a perfect place
for refreshment as well as for having a great time with your family.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar temple is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva, situated approximately 8 km
from Dehradun, on the banks of a stream, in Garhi Cant. This place holds a lot of
reverence amongst the devotees of Lord Shiva.
Rajaji National Park
Named after Shri C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor General of India, Rajaji
National Park is a place worth visiting, especially for all the nature lovers. The
park is spread in over an area of 820.42 sq km and boasts of having more than 23
species of animals. There are century-old rest houses within the park, providing
accommodation facilities to tourists.
Fun 'N' Food Kingdom
One of the most famous amusement parks near Dehradun, Fun 'N' Food Kingdom
is the perfect destination for a family outing. Approximately 11 km from the major
township of Dehradun, it is meant for people of every age group.
Kalsi
Kalsi is a place approximately 57 km from Dehradun. It is situated at the confluence
of Yamuna and its tributary Tons. Apart from it scenic grandeur and natural serenity,
this place is also famous for being the location of the Rock Edict of Asoka.
Asan Barrage
Asan barrage is situated at the confluence of two rivers - Yamuna and Asan, approximately
50 km from Dehradun. This is an idyllic place for bird lovers as well as water-sport
enthusiasts. Near the Asan Barrage stands a Conservation Reserve, created to protect
the endangered bird species.
Lachhiwala
Lachhiwala is a popular picnic-garden spot, situated on the banks of river Song.
This place offers economical boating opportunities. It is approximately 22 km from
Dehradun.
Chakrata
Chakrata is situated approximately 98 km from Dehradun. It is the perfect destination
for trekkers and nature lovers.
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