Places To Visit
The Doon Valley is both a traveler's and tourist's delight. One can find solace in the majestic valley of Dehradun and also certain spots that are always on a tourist's travel list.
Mussoorie
From the moment you step inside this resort, you will revel in its splendid luxury & comfort. The elegant wooden interiors and the high-rise ceilings with large windows bring colonial essence to the ambiance. The serenity of cozy rooms & suites is designed to make your stay comfortable & memorable.
Dhanaulti
The tinsel town of Dhanaulti is emerging as a popular winter destination because of its tranquil vistas and its proximity to Delhi and various other cities of Uttarakhand. This magical hill station offers panoramic views of the lofty Himalayas. This hilly town is enveloped by velvety rhododendrons, deodar, and tall oak forests. Since the hill station has heavy snowfall during winters, many tourists flock here in huge numbers. Dhanaulti is emerging as a popular weekend getaway. Unlike its famous cousin, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is still untouched by the maddening rush of the hill stations and maintains a quiet charm all around it. Dhanaulti is a place for those who are seeking a holiday of privacy in the hills away from the hustle- bustle of city life. Dhanaulti is a paradise for tourists and its pristine beauty will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Rishikesh
Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas and with the pristine Ganga flowing through it, the ancient town of Rishikesh is one of the major tourist and pilgrimage hubs in northern India, where people from across the world arrive in search of peace. Rishikesh is commonly referred to as the ‘yoga capital of the world' and rightly so. The destination is abuzz with visitors, who come here to learn yoga and meditation. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centers of philosophical studies, yoga, and other ancient Indian traditions of wellness. Rishikesh is also a town of quaint cafes, which offer local and international cuisines and are mostly packed with tourists. Interestingly, in the last couple of years, Rishikesh has become very popular for its vibrant Holi celebrations, mostly organized by private hotels and resorts.
Haridwar
One of the holiest pilgrimages in India, Haridwar is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a city of temples and ashrams and its pious ambiance envelops everyone. Haridwar is one of the four holy Indian cities that host the Kumbh Mela, a pious gathering of millions of Hindu devotees every 12 years. Haridwar serves as the gateway to the Char Dham of Uttarakhand as well. Every morning and evening, the ghats of River Ganga witness the blissful Ganga Aarti, which attracts devotees and tourists. The evening ritual being more popular, it makes for a mesmeric sight to see the river being venerated with loud and rhythmic chants and tall lamps, their lights lightening up the darkening waters. It is a spectacular sight as thousands of small diyas (earthen lamps) are set afloat on the river. While you are in Haridwar, do visit one of the newly renovated ghats, Chandighat.
Robber's Cave
Guchhupani or Robbers Cave is known for unusual cold springs which go underground at some of the places inside the caves. Robbers Cave is a favorite picnic spot for young couples and fun-loving enthusiasts. It is located near Anarwala village at 8 km from Dehradun city center. Experiencing beautiful natural rifts or caves with legs in freezing water is a thrilling experience. Youngsters and tourists rush to Robbers Cave mostly in summer to get relief from the scorching sun.
Forest Research Institute (FRI)
The Forest Research Institute of India, popular as FRI Dehradun is an architectural marvel. With the vast collection of forestry-related items in its six museums, FRI is a must-visit place in Dehradun. The main attraction is its main building which is a National Heritage. Forest Research Institute (FRI) is spread over 2000 acres of extraordinary scenic and calm green fields with trees on both sides of the road. Visitors often like to take long walks in the serene and peaceful environment of FRI. One can witness wide varieties of plants and trees from across the world in the fields of FRI. Photographers also like the landscapes of FRI.
Buddha Temple
Famous for its extravagant Buddhist structures and holy schools of Tibetan religion, Buddha Temple is located at Clement Town, Dehradun. Believed to be the largest Buddhist reliquary in Asia, the Buddha temple is visited by hundreds of tourists and international Buddhism lovers. This marvelous Buddhism holy place is about 220 feet in height and has five floors that enshrine the statues of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava along with mesmerizing eye-catching ornate wall paintings. Another major attraction of the Buddha temple lies on its fourth floor. Reach out through a steep wooden ladder, an open circled viewing platform provides an amazing 360-degree view of Doon valley. The 103 feet statue of Lord Buddha is another main attraction in the temple complex. It is dedicated to the spiritual guru of Tibetan people, Dalai Lama. Visitors also like the tranquil atmosphere of the well-maintained beautiful gardens and grass fields surrounding the temple.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara, which literally means 'Thousand fold spring' is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. Tourists visit Sahastradhara in large numbers to watch the beauty of waterfalls and caves. Known for its medicinal merits and therapeutic value, Sahastradhara has a collection of water pools where water drips from limestone stalactites, turning them into sulfur springs. Apart from medicinal springs, Sahastradhara has a tranquil environment with rich Himalayan vegetation. It also has a ropeway providing an airy ride to the mountaintop. From the top one can enjoy the panoramic view of Sahastradhara. A waterpark named 'Joyland Water Park' is a manmade water amusement park that also attracts visitors. Tourists can enjoy Sahastradhara all round year.
Long Drives Across Maldevta, Thano Road, and Rajpur Road
If you're a person who loves long drives with verdant green views of the hills or lush green trees and forests, then Dehradun will never disappoint you. Be it a long drive from the airport to the main city of Doon via Thano Road or a drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie; the roads, the weather and the music will take all your weariness of the long journey away and revive you with breathtaking views of the city.
