Dehradun

Dehradun has been one of the most fascinating hill-stations tucked away in the State of Uttarakhand. It has been a favorite among tourists who love the idea of spending some quality time away from the chaos of the cities. With the Himalayan ranges close by, the scenic beauty of Dehradun is unparalleled and makes you fall in love with the place at first sight. There is also something for the adventure lovers who love to go camping and trekking as there are plenty of sites for the same all around.

Historical Background:

Dehradun was once a part of the Garhwal Kingdom and then it changed hands from Rajputs to Gujjars to the Sikhs and then the Gurkhas. Eventually, it became a part of British India and is currently a part of the State of Uttarakhand in independent India. During British rule, the place was called Dera Dun.

Things to do and Major attractions:

Dehradun is all about some of the most beautiful sights that you will ever see, and the place is overwhelmed with some iconic tourist attractions. Among these various exciting places to visit in Dehradun, Robber’s Cave is one of the major attractions. It is a gorge located between limestone formations. As for other scenic sites, there is Lacchiwalla that is popular among the picnickers, Har Ki Dun that is a fascinating valley offering great views all around. Fun Valley is another location near Dehradun that impresses with the brilliant view of the surroundings.

You can go for a jungle safari at the Tiger View Jungle Camp and the Malsi Deer Park. There are some beautiful temples as well and you should pay a visit to the likes of Tapkeshwar Temple, Bhadraj Temple, etc. Dehradun has always ranked among the favorites for trekking lovers and there are numerous places to trek such as Shivalik ranges, Bali Pass, Dakpather, Doon Valley, etc. Trekkers also explore Rupin Pass Trek and the Kedarkantha Trek and while both are treacherous journeys, the views around make it worth the effort.

People and Culture:

The people maintain their tradition and from their attires to languages, they have preserved their authenticity. They speak Garwali and Kumaoni and throughout the region, they understand Hindi. The majorities are followers of the Hindu religion and are traditional by nature. Some of the popular festivals are Jhanda Fair, Bissu Fair, and Tapkeshwar air.

Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:

Dehradun tourism is incomplete without the local food such as Kandalee ka saag, Bal mithai, gulgula, kaafli, and singodi are worth trying out if you are up for exploring the cuisine here.

Those with a knack for shopping must head to the Paltan Bazaar, the primary shopping destination in Dehradun. This place is famous for everything from apparel to local artifacts, and confectionary items. You can also buy some local spices from this market.

Best Time to Visit:

Since the beautiful town of Dehradun lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, the winters are bitterly cold and we strongly advise you to visit during the summers, i.e from March to June. This is also the ideal time to explore the place and enjoy adventure activities.

Availability of Accommodation Type:

Accommodations in Dehradun range from convenient and economical homestays to luxury hotels. According to the favorites among the tourists, Lakshhmi Guest House, Duggal Homestay, Old British House, and Colonel’s Quarters are the ones you can try out.