Dehradun

From Wikitravel Dehradun [1] is the provisional capital of Uttarakhand state. It is nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Shivaliks to the South. The town offers breathtaking scenery.

Understand
Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2,200 ft in the Doon Valley between two of the most important rivers in India, the Ganga and Yamuna. It offers beautiful scenery and a moderate climate in summer, and so is an ideal place to relax and escape the heat of the plains below. The town also serves as a convenient base for visiting the area's many tourist sites. Dehradun has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and currently has a population of around 550,000. It is also famous for the Doon School, which is often referred to as the Eton of India.

Get in
By plane

Jolly Grant Airport (IATA: DED) (ICAO: VIDN) - light aircraft only - currently only Air Deccan [2] flies to Dehradun, and there are two daily flights from Delhi, departing at 10:55AM and 1:40PM. The flights take around 1 hour.

Kingfisher Red [3]has 2 daily flight between Dehradun to Delhi & further provides connecting flights to other major destinations of India. However this airport is very inconvenient as it is over 20 km from the town and not much public transport. Actually the faster trains such as the Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi take a similar time as the flights if you consider the time between the city centres of Delhi and Dehradun By train Dehradun (IR station code : DDN) is a major station and a terminus in Uttarakhand. It is connected by rail to Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi,

Allahabad, Kolkata, Gorakhpur, Amritsar, Indore, Ujjain and Chennai. Here are some useful trains to reach Dehradun: Train You may Numbe Train Name board at r 2017 Shatabdi New Delhi [4] Express 2055 Jan Shatabdi New Delhi [5] Express 4041 Mussoorie New Delhi [6] Express Howrah 2327 Upasana (Kolkata), [7] Express Lucknow Howrah 3009 Doon (Kolkata), [8] Express Varanasi, Lucknow ChennaiChennai, 2687 Dehradun Nizamuddin [9] Express (Delhi) 2205 Nizamuddin Nizamuddin [10] Dehradun AC (Delhi) You may alight at Dehradun Dehradun Dehradun Dehradun

Dehradun

Dehradun Dehradun

4632 [11] 4163 [12] 9019 [13]

Express AmritsarDehradun Express Sangam Express BandraDehradun Express

Amritsar Allahabad Bandra Terminus (Mumbai), Nizamuddin (Delhi)

Dehradun Dehradun

Dehradun

Also see Rail travel in India By bus Delux, Volvo, Semi-deluxe and ordinary Uttarakhand State buses depart every hour from ISBT, Kashmere Gate in New Delhi. There is also an overnight deluxe A/C service run by Uttarakhand Tourism. It is a six to seven hour journey from Delhi. However, the bus station is located about 5-6 km from the centre of the town. If you are coming from Delhi side the trains will generally be more convenient. By car

Dehradun is in principle a 5 hour drive from Delhi, but unless you leave Delhi very early in the morning, you will encounter traffic that makes the trip significantly longer. The town is on NH 72A (Chhutmalpur to Dehradun). The road is two-laned, but not very wide. There may be many slow-moving vehicles at harvest times, and pilgrims walking on the road in late July and early August.

Get around
By bus Dehradun has a city bus service run by private owners under STA. The destinations are written in Hindi above the windshield. Generally, however, the buses are crowded, so it is better to use other means of transport. By auto rickshaw Auto rickshaws are plentiful in the downtown area. They are not metered, but instead use a fixed rate system. However, as the rate is often not prominently displayed, it is advisable to have some idea of the cost to your destination before taking an auto

rickshaw. Otherwise, you are very likely to be charged well over the odds. By Shared (Fixed-Route) Autorickshaws The cheapest way to get around town is via the ubiquitous blue three wheelers called Vikrams. These vehicles are often crammed, with capacity for 8 cramped passengers in the back. The Vikrams are numbered according to their routes through the city. Fare is 3-5 rupees.

1 - Rajpur Road: begins at Astley Road and travels North to the Rajpur-Mussoorie Road Fork. 2 - Sahastradhara/Raipur: begins at Survey Chowk, procedes eastward to Sahastradhara Crossing, before splitting towards the North (Sahastradhara Road) or East (Raipur Road) depending on the Autorickshaw. 3 - Dharampur, Rispana Bridge: begins at Survey Chowk, procedes to Haridwar Road and Dharampur, before proceding through the Nehru Colony to Rispana Bridge. 4 - Doiwala: begins at Rispana Bridge and procedes to Doiwala.

5 - Majra/ISBT: begins at Astley Hall, procedes South to Majra and the Interstate Bus Terminus. 6 - Kaulagarh Road: begins at Connaught Place, goes Northwest up Kaulagarh Road. 7 - Chakrata Road: begins at Connaught Place, goes West on Chakrata Road. 8 - Kanwali/Kaonli Road: begins at Astley Hall, procedes South to Saharanpur Chowk, before going West on Kanwali/Kaonli Road towards Balliwala. The last stop on this route varies between Seemadwar/Indranagar, Anurag Nursery or Vasant Vihar Chowk. 10 - Premnagar: very infrequent, goes West to Premnagar via Kaonli Road.

On foot The best way to explore the town is on foot, since it is surprisingly compact. Finding your way around is not that difficult as it may seem at first glance. Rajpur Road is the main avenue and Chakrata Road is also quite an important street. They both intersect at the Clock Tower Roundabout. Walking across town can take up to 30 minutes. By car

You can easily visit Dehradun through Car. There are many car rental companies.

See

The Kalinga War Memorial, Sahastradhara Road. The only war memorial of its kind in the world which was erected by the British to honour their foe, the Gurkhas (or the Gorkhas). The Gurkha Fort, Tapovan Forest Area. The Museum, Forest Research Institute. Lavish environs and one of the largest institutes of its kind. Guided tours available. Open:9AM-1PM and 2:30PM5:30PM. Admission free. Photographs are allowed, but no flash indoors. Mindrolling Monastery [14], Clement Town. Tel:+91 135 264-0556, 264-0968. A large Buddhist monastery in the Tibetan Nyingma tradition. Chetwoode Hall, The Indian Military Academy. A charming little museum housing collections of 20th century military artifacts. Clock Tower, Rajpur Road. Built by the British, this remains the icon of the downtown area.

Ram Rai Darbar, Jhanda Mohalla. Built by Guru Har Rai's son, it attracts many Sikh pilgrims from the nearby state of Punjab. Admission is free and non-Sikhs are welcome. Tapkeshwar Temple, Garhi Cantt. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tapkeshwar is situated on the banks of a rivulet. Sai Darbar Temple, Rajpur Road. This place of worship holds a high spiritual value, and is thus visited by tourists across the country. The Char Siddhs, comprising a group of four temples around Dehradun : Lakshman Siddh (along the DehradunRishikesh road 12 km from Dehradun), Kalu Siddh (near Baniyawala), Manak Siddh (near Shimla Bypass Road) and Madu Siddh (near Premnagar). Small temples in scenic and as yet unspoilt locales. It is commonly believed that visitng all four Siddhs in a single day will fulfill a devotee's wishes. Tapovan, Rajpur Road. According to legend, Guru Dronacharya had done penance here.

Jaspal Rana Shooting Ranges, MajhonPaunda, Via Nanda Ki Chowki, Premnagar, Dehradun Tiger View Jungle Camp, Village Goolar Khalla, Post Saura, Via Raipur, Dehradun [15] RIMC, Rashtriya Indian Military College one of the finest school in India for making the kids to gentleman cadets

Gate at RIMC

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Another place worth a visit is the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. It is the best center on Himalayan geology in the country and has done some pioneering work in the field. A museum displaying the geological diversity of the sub-continent is the center of attraction here and a must see for all those visiting the institute. Robber's Cave Also known as Guchchu Pani,situated at a distance of eight km from the city center.Robber's cave is a

beautiful picnic spot. On display here is one of nature's strange phenomena; a stream of water goes underground here and reappears a few metres away. The cave is surrounded by hills and is a beautiful getaway for those looking for peace and quiet of the hills. SahastradharaAround 14 km from Dehradun is the cold Sulphur water spring called Sahastradhara. The spring is believed to have exceptional medicinal value and the dripping caves and a bath in the Baldi River near the spring are said to rejuvenate the body and soul.

Do

Dehradun is a base for trekking and adventure tourism, and many people just stay overnight in the city before heading into the Garhwal Hills.

Swasteek [16] - The Himalayan Resort, Swasteek Camp, Vill. Thamana, PauriDevprayag Road, Pauri Garhwal Uttarakhand 246001, Contact Numbers - +91-999 7211 085,+91-999 7870 653.

Picnic - Pack a hamper of food and drinks and picnic at Sahastradhara, on the banks of the Baldi River. The mineral waters here are pure and clean. It is a 30 minute drive from the city of Dehradun. You can also rent a cycle from Hotel Madhuban. It takes a little over an hour to bike down. After a hard day's sightseeing, drive down to the village of Dakpathar 45 km away. The sparkling waters of the Yamuna makes this the perfect spot to relax. The neat little GMVN Tourist Complex is located inside the village. It has a good restaurant and a small swimming pool.

Buy

Basmati rice - the Dehradun area is famous all over India & the world for its fragrant Basmati rice, but you can probably buy bags of it at your local Indian store so don't bother buying any here. Khukris - the traditonal knives that Dehradun is famous for. In fact the sword used in the film "Gladiator" was designed and made in Dehradun. Small shops in Dehradun stock them.

Brightly coloured, hand made woollen items made by tribal communities in the nearby Garhwal Hills. Himalayan Weavers use natural dyes to produce hand-woven shawls, stoles, scarves and throws of wool, eri silk and pashmina. Their aim is popularize the use of environmentally friendly natural dyes and provide a market for craft products made in the Himalayan region. They have a showroom in Chowk Bazaar (Rajpur). They also have a showroom 8 km from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Dhanaulti Road. Rajpur: 01352733113, Mussoorie: 0135-2115282 and 9759009830. [17] Paltan Bazaar - a good place to pick up the local variety of Basmati Rice, and hand made woollen garments made by local tribal communities. The English book Depot, [18] 15, Rajpur Road - the best bookshop for miles, with an excellent stock of fiction, travel literature, magazines and newspapers.

Book World, (at Astley Hall). Another great bookshop where you can get practically any book you want. edit Astley Hall, Rajpur Road - a complex full of interesting, and good value shops and restaurants. Rajpur Road - the most popular shopping area.

Eat

Rajpur Road has an abundance of eateries from McDonalds to Nirula's to roadside buffets... the food is great. Try Tibetan dishes available opposite the Parade Ground, or get some cheap but delicious vegetarian thalies near the station. Kumar's, Rajpur Road. This well-known multicuisine restaurant serves Chinese, Indian and Continental food. Udipi, Lytton Road. Famous for South Indian food. Start off with piping hot idlis, and move on to crispy dosas. Round off the meal in style with strong filter coffee.

Moti Mahal, City Bus Stand, Rajpur Road. Famous for North Indian fast food. Try the samosa or bread pakora. McDonalds, (2653086) Astley Hall, Rajpur Road. Serves the usual fast food, burgers, wraps etc. No McDelivery or McShakes available. Try the Shahi Paneer Pan, the latest innovation of McDonalds India. Nirula's, [19] Astley Hall, Rajpur Road. This is one of the smaller branches of an all-India chain of fast food outlets. The menu is extensive, and includes pizzas, burgers, platters and rotis. For home delivery, call 2651202 or 2651203. Vatika, [20] 97, Rajpur Road. A good multi-cuisine restaurant serving tasty and wholesome food. (A restaurant of Hotel Madhuban) Ellora, Ellora's amazing cookies and plum cake Pizza Hut, In Rajpur Road you can find one Pizza Hut and a good place to eat out Yo! China (now renamed as China King) is without doubt the best Chinese

restaurant in town offering a wide range of dimsums and budget priced combo meals and a must visit is Ginger 'n' Garlic situated over China King offering 35 different types of paranthas is a must stop for Punjabi food lovers.Their g'n'g special (chicken) dish is something to die for. For free home deliveries all over Dehradun you can call them at 2655773,2655774.

Lhasa, One of the best restaurants for authentic Tibetan fare located on Rajpur Road close to the Old Mussoorie Road diversion. This is several km out of town. Call them at 2733274 for bookings or to order a pick-up meal. No home deliveries. The Orchid, restaurant close to the MDDA Rajpur Park near Jakhan. Scenic views nestled on the side of the mountain overlooking verdant valleys. Decent food. Tibetan market. Great momos (steamed buns, filled with meat). Swasteek-The Himalayan Resort. Great Food,Tours,Adventure [21].

Flavors, Saharanpur Road, 2626166,2726166, [22]. 11AM- -11PM. Delicious food and amazing ambiance with live ghazals edit Punjab Restaurant, 1- Patel Market , Rajpur Road, Dehradun (Near Clock Tower , Opposite Windlass Shopping Complex), 0135 2652697,0135 2650303. One of the best restaurants in town which provides Indian (like home cooked food)& Chinese food at very competative prices. edit Maggie Point. a series of small restaurants situated in between Dehradun and Mussoorie famous for their Maggie. One can also have the beautiful view of Dehradun city from up there. edit Cindrella Art Gallery (Chakrata Road), Connaught Place (opp Natraj Cinema Hall). This is one gallery for the collection of exclusive and beautiful Gift itms. edit

Drink

Rajpur Road has many bars. Try a strong Tibetan drink called chang available in Rajpur (7 km away from clock tower).

Cafe Coffee Day, Rajpur Road, [23]. Excellent coffee and pastries. Barista, The English Book Depot, 15 Rajpur Road, [24]. Excellent coffee, iced tea and pastries. Head Over Hells Bar, 97 Rajpur Road, [25]. A good range of drinks and snacks. President Hotel and Bar The finest bar in the downtown. However some retired Army officers and serving officers like to Jam out in DSOI, (To try this out either you have to be an Army officer or his guest. :) ) Shipra Bar. This bar is the part of the Great Value hotel and is reasonably OK. My Wife's Place. In Rajpur Road you can find this and well known for it's north indian food, especially a varaity of kebabs and mughlai dishes edit

Sleep

There are quite a few hotels in Dehradun, with the best options being located on Rajpur Road. The city does not have a five-star hotel yet. However, Mussoorie (34 km uphill) has quite a few top-end options.

Shaheen Bagh Boutique Resort, 18 , Bigha , Village Jamniwala, On shighally School Road , Near Tones River (This Boutique Resort is 20 minutes from Dehradun town, located on a hilly ridge on the town's outskirts. The hill station of Mussoorie is 45 minutes away. Nestled in the Doon Valley on the banks of the Tons River is Shaheen Bagh.), +919258774889 / +919927420034. checkin: 12 Noon; checkout: 12 Noon. About Us Situated just below the British hill station of Mussoorie, the elegant house, with an adjoining cottage, is located on a 7-acre estate verdant with fruit orchards, many species of exotic and rare plants and trees. The landscaped gardens, spread across five levels, are a visual delight with their watercourses, lily pools and picturesque pathways. The Resort , with an adjoining cottage, is located on a 7-acre estate verdant with fruit orchards, many species of exotic and rare plants and trees. The landscaped gardens, spread across five levels, are a visual delight with their watercourses, lily pools and picturesque pathways. Indoor games: camerboard,

chess, loto, jhinga, pictionary etc. Sketching & Painting. Wi-Fi Internet Connection Yoga & Acupressure By Dr. Meena Semwal. Massage. HDMI Connection available for your play station. Day trip to Dehradun/Mussorie & near by can be organised. Doctor on Call. Bonfire & Bar-B-Q. Shaheenbagh@live.com 5000. edit Budget

Hotel Doon Castle, Patel nagar, niranjanpur, opp.telephone exchange, saharanpur road. Tel:+91 135 2626166, 2726166 www.hoteldooncastle.com. Motel Kwality, 19, Rajpur Road. Tel:+91 135 657-001 - clean, but with basic facilities. Hotel Ambassador, Windlass Shopping Centre, Rajpur Road. Tel: +91 135 655831, 655-832 - very good location, welldesigned rooms.

Mid range

Best Western Madhuban, 97, Rajpur Road. [26] Tel:+91 135 749-990, 749-995 - Note that the web page for the Best

Western international chain does not list this hotel, so its claim to be a Best Western hotel is unverified. The LP guide has dropped this hotel from its listings. 'Great Value Hotel', 74C, Rajpur Road. [27] Tel:+91 135 2744-762 - located near the Best Western Madhuban, this well-run establishment is good value for money.It offers a choice of well appointed rooms,Food & Beverage facilites.Call 09358106043,09358106046,0935810604 7 for reservations and expect a quick reply.

Contact
There are many internet cafes scattered throughout the town. All the hotels listed above have internet access. There are many iways in the city.

Computer Base, Windlass Shopping Centre, Rajpur Road. Reliance World, 56, Rajpur Road. Tel: +91 135 309-4844 Sify iway, 20, Raj Plaza, Rajpur Road (Tel: +91 135 309-8880); Anekant Place; Arhat Bazaar; Balliwala Chowk; Capri Mkt;

Chakrata Road; Dav College Road; Deeplok Colony; Gandhi Road; Jakhan; Prem Nagar; Race Course; Swaraj Shopping Complex; 18 A, EC Road; St. 12, Arshiwad Enclave; 8, New Road; Ballupur Road; 42 Indira Nagar; Clement Town; 155, Saharanpur Road.

Get out

There are innumerable tourist towns that are well connected to Dehradun. The Himalayan foothills Nagtibba (ten thousand ft) - tribal communities. Jaunpur - stunning villages in this area. Chakrata - unspoilt views (restricted area for foreign nationals). Harkidun - great trekking destination with picture postcard views. all round. Haridwar - a sacred site on the Ganges - a little over one hour by train or road. Rishikesh - a sacred site. Mussoorie Sahastradhara - a hot spring resort. The Rajaji National Park