Dehradun, Be a part of the ancient Indian mythos amid pristine Himalayan kingdom

Dehradun is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the largest city in Uttarakhand. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, this pristine and ancient city has been an integral part of Indian mythology. The beauty of Dehradun is well known, for the magnificence of its lush greenery and serene ambiance of the city are unparalleled. It acts as a gateway to significant hill stations like Rishikesh and Haridwar. Cradled in the Doon valley, this magnificent city is a place for comfort and tranquility. Located only 240km from the country’s capital, Delhi, this city stands tall at 640m above sea level.

Explore adventures from Dehradun

The pleasant climate is another major factor behind the popularity of Dehradun. The summer season is quite enjoyable, with temperatures ranging from 16 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius. Winters are relatively cold, with minimum temperatures reaching 5 degrees Celsius. It is home to several breathtaking attractions and hosts travelers bound for several Himalayan treks, like the stunning Valley of Flowers Trek, Brahmatal Trek, Nag Tibba Trek, Auden's Col Trek, Bali Pass Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, Har ki Doon Trek, Kedartal Trek, Rupin Pass Trek and others.

Where to stay?

Dehradun is the closest hub for several adventure activities across Uttarakhand and North India. Hence reaching Dehradun should be the foremost requirement before you begin any adventure. The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to the hub, enjoying regular flights from Delhi NCR as well as Mumbai. Air India, Spicejet, Jet Airways, and other eminent aviation companies have regular flights reaching the Jolly Grant, which is just 20 kilometers from the hub. You can hire a taxi or take public transport to reach the hub within 40 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Dehradun enjoys excellent railroad connectivity to metros and other major Indian cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ujjain, Allahabad, etc. There are regular train services to the Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) with the Jan Shatabdi Express, the Shatabdi Express, the Doon Express, the Dehradun AC Express, and the Amritsar Dehradun Express making their way to the station every week. If you are still unsure, you can take a train from anywhere in India to reach Delhi NCR and then board another train to reach the Dehradun Railway Station. The station is located just 1 to 2 kilometers away from the city center.

The Dehradun Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT), situated near Clement Town, enjoys frequent bus service from every significant North-Indian city like New Delhi, Agra, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, etc. You can either avail of the Uttarakhand State Transport buses that are relatively cheap or go with the pricey option of the private bus service and avail Volvos and other deluxe and semi-deluxe buses. The Dehradun ISBT has buses leaving every 15 minutes, and hence it is an excellent bet to travel via road to reach this adventure hub. Furthermore, the Dehradun area has a couple of other crucial interstate bus terminals, like the Mussoorie bus station near the DDN Railway Station and the Delhi Bus Stand near Gandhi Road.

Where to stay? 

Since Dehradun is a central hub and the starting point of several adventure activities in Uttarakhand and North India, the place has multiple accommodation options. Starting from budget hotels, homestays, and backpackers’ hostels, the place features guest houses and exquisite luxury and boutique hotels. Though nearly every accommodation in this tourist-friendly hub offers captivating views of the hills, the amenities depend on your accommodation prices. Starting from as low as USD 7 (INR 500) per night, the prices might go up to USD 135 (INR 10,000) and more depending on the range of amenities and add-ons you choose. However, pre-booking via notable websites and booking apps will help you cut down on accommodation costs since it is quite natural for accommodation prices to soar during the peak tourist seasons.

Shopping

For travelers visiting Dehradun, there are some fantastic spots to do some shopping and fill your hearts along with your bags. Dehradun is famous for its Basmati rice, which is widely available in the Paltan Bazaar. Here you can find unforeseen antiques, arts, and handicrafts along with the affordable Basmati rice. But if you are in the mood for beautiful handicrafts, then the Tibetan market is another place to venture. It is known for its tribal jewelry, woolens, and some scrumptious, authentic Tibetan delicacies.

Yet if you are on a shopping spree, then you cannot leave Dehradun without checking out Rajpur Road. Located in the heart of the city, it is the place for modern showrooms and fancy restaurants, perfect for an evening date. You can also check out Astley Hall, famous for its Woolen garments, Wooden, and Bamboo items, just beside Rajpur Road. All of these shopping locations offer the authentic taste and culture of the varied and vibrant city of Dehradun.

Attractions

Dehradun is a hub of many tourist attractions known for its scenic beauty. Sahastradhara is one of the most popular locations here. This beautiful spring is famous for its medicinal qualities. The Tiger Falls, nestled in the forest of Chakrata, is another popular attraction here, known for its stunning view. You can also pursue trekking and rafting here and also venture out to more extensive treks like Rupin Pass Trek, Har ki Doon Trek or the Bali Pass Trek from here.

If you are looking for a religious attraction in Dehradun, then the Tapkeshwar Temple might be the answer to your search. This primordial Shiva Temple has a solid mythological identity, and it’s known for its holy ambiance. You can also go to Tapovan to get a blend of beauty and spirituality or the Mindrolling Monastery to taste the Tibetan culture here.