Tourist places in and around Dehradun
Forests
Dehra Dun is distinguished from most other districts in the state by the existence of very large forests chiefly stocked with sal. Forest products play an important role in the economy of the district. Besides, supplying fuel, fodder, bamboos and medicinal herbs, they also yield a variety of products like honey, lac, gum, resin, catechu, wax, horns and hides. The forests account for 1477 Sq.km of area, giving a percentage of 43.70 of the total area of the district. Owing to the variation in altitudes and other aspects, the flora of the district vary from tropical to alpine species. Different types of forests and varying species of shrubs, climbing plants and grasses, depending upon the aspect, altitude and soil condition are found in the district. Sal forest and coniferous forests are predominant in the western part of tehsil Dehra Dun. Chir is the only coniferous species in the old reserved forests of Dehra Dun. Besides other associates of chir, a few deodar trees are also seen in the district. Wide ranges of sal forest occur in this part of the tehsil. Sal is the main timber species and is generally pure towards the Siwalik ridges. A mixture of miscellaneous species are found in the lower parts.In the eastern part of tehsil Dehra Dun, the flora may be divided into a number of Botanical divisions mentioned below :
Moist Siwalik Sal Forests
These forests are found in the Motichur and Thano forest ranges. Low quality of sal is found in these forests. The main associates of sal are bakli and sain.Moist Bhabar Doon Sal Forests
These forests are found in a large areas in Thano and Barkot forest ranges. Sal is pure in the overwood and its typical associates are sain and dhauri. the underwood growth includes karaunda and chameli.West gangetic Moist Deciduous Forests
These are found in the Kansro, Barkot, Motichur and Thano forest ranges. These are closed forests from medium to good height. The main associates of sal are safed siris, jhingan, bohera and dhauri.Dry Siwalik Sal Forests
These forests are found on the higher slopes of Siwaliks. In Chakrata tehsil they occur near the junction of the Tons and the Yamuna rivers in the neighborhood of Kalsi. Sal is the predominant species mixed with other associates viz. bakli, sain, haldu, jhingan etc.Besides the above many other types of forests occur in small belts in the plain of the district.
Rivers, Canals And Waterways
The Siwalik (outer and lower ranges of Himalayas) lies at its feet, the outer- scrap of the Himalayas bound it on the north and the scared Ganga and the Yamuna skirt in on the east and the west respectively. The Ganga enters the district in the eastern Dun at Tapoban and meandering south-west goes to Hardwar via Raiwala near Rishikesh. The Yamuna enters the district in Jaunsar and flows southwards for about 32 kms on the south-east border of the district. Besides Ganga and yamuna, the other rivers that flow in the district are Asan, Suswa, Tons, Rispana, Bindal and Amalava.Malsi Deer Park
8 km from the city, Malsi Deer Park is on the road to Mussoorie. A good picnic spot, the park is as the name suggests home to the gentle and shy deers who can be seen nibbling at the grass from a distance but any effort to go near them alerts them instantly and they run off and disappear in the thick bushes of the park. Cool breeze and giggles and chuckles of the young children who are thrilled to see this big-eyed creature is enough to fill anybody with new enthusiasm and zest for life.Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple is an ancient place of worship and is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantonment Area, 5.5 km from the city bus stand. The temple is well connected by road. It is named as ‘Tapkeshwar' as water droplets, originating from a rock, fall on the shivling placed in the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.
Robber's Cave
8 km from Dehra Dun, just beyond the Anarwala village, the famous Robber's Cave is a fabulous picnic spot, which is sure to delight the visitors. The best way to reach the place is to take a bus to the village and then stroll to the pace at a leisurely pace giving yourself time to take in the picturesque surroundings. It is known for a strange phenomenon as a stream of water suddenly disappears from sight at a point and then reappears again a few metres ahead as a squally stream.Tapkeshwar Temple
This is one of the oldest temples in Dehradun, located on the banks of a seasonal river within a cave. It derives its name from the phenomenon of the river entering the cave, seeping through the ceiling and falling in droplets on the shivling housed within. The water is said to disappear underground, only to reappear as a stream. Sulphur springs also surround the temple. This temple is especially active during the Shivratri festival celebrations.The temple of Lord Shiva as the God of strict rituals of 'tap', it stands majestically on the outskirts of the city with a long flight of stairs to ascend. A picture-perfect beauty, There is a gushing river flowing by its sides that complement the main temple and other shrines studding the area with its pleasant cool waters. The best time to visit the place is in March, when a big fair is held here on Shivaratri.
Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple is an ancient place of worship and is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area, 5.5 Kms from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. It is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets, originating from a rock, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhaa, literally meaning, the ‘thousand fold spring' is situated at a distance of 11 km from Dehradum. The place makes an ideal picnic spot and is of immense attraction to visitors. The water here has a fall of about 9 metres and leaves an incustation of lime of all its touches. Particles thus accumulating over the centuries have formed a projecting ledge, and a sort of cave, from the roof of which falls a perpetual shower. There is also a sulphur spring in which visitors often take bath. Its water is said to cure skin infections and possess other medicinal properties.Sulphur springs have long been credited with unique healing powers for certain diseases both in the early eastern and the western medical sciences. 14 km from the centre of the city, Sahastradhara is such a place where one can see people coming from far off with their ailing loved ones in search of a natural cure. It also makes an excellent picnic spot with its lush green surroundings and foaming waterfall.
Lakshman Siddh Temple
Located almost 12 km from the city, this temple is believed to be situated where Lakshmana underwent penance for killing the demon king Ravana. This temple is accessible only on foot and is visited by a large number of devotees, especially during the annual Lakshman Siddha Fair.12 km. Away from Dehradun towards Hardwar/Rishikesh is a famous temple known s the Laxman Siddh. Legend has it that a sage underwent penance ove here.
Malsi Deer Park
This is home to, quite obviously, deers. Located 10 kms from Dehradun, this park is a favourite with children. It also has a play area with options for refreshments.10 km. From Dehradun, enroute Mussoorie is situated a beautifully developed tourist spot lying at the foothills of the Shivalik range. MAlsi Deer Park is a mini-zoological park comprising of a children's pak enveloped by beautiful, natural suroundings. Alongwith the attractive environs the availability of refreshments makes the place an ideal sightseeing cum picnic spot.
Chandrabani Temple
Situated 7 km from Dhradun on the Dehradun-Delhi oad is the famous temple of Chandrabani (Gautam Kund).where thousands of devotees take a dip. According to the mythological beliefs, this spot was inhabited by Maharishi Gautam, his wife and daughter Anjani who are widely worshipped by the people. IT is believed that the daughter of heaven, Ganga had manifested herself on this spot which is now popularly known as the Gautam Kund. Every year devotees, in large numbers, take a dip in the holy Kund. 2 km away from the main road, location in the midst of the Shivalik Hills, the place is a beautiful toruist spot.Tibetan Temple
Located on Rajpur Road, this temple houses a huge and colourful idol of Lord Buddha.Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar, is a huge and colourful temple of Lord Buddha, popularly called the Tibetan Temple.
Sai Darbar
Situated 8 km along the Clock Tower on Road, is the Sai Darbar Temple. This place holds a high cultural and spiritual value, and is visited by tourists from across the globe.Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
An ideal place for a picnic, Robber's Cave is just 8 km away from the City Bus Stand.Robber's Cave, also known as Guchu Pani, this is a highly visited picnic spot. Set amidst green hills, it has a stream flowing past, which seems to appear and disappear at regular intervals. Lachhiwala is another serene picnic spot, which also has accommodation options closeby. Located 45 kms from the city, Dakpathar is a popular picnic spot located in the Shivalik range.
Santala Devi Temple
This temple is the site of great faith and religion. It is here that Santala Devi and her brother, unable to face the Mughal Army, prayed and were transformed to stone.About 15 km Dehradun to reach the famous temple of Santala Devi, one can utilise the bus facilities till Jaitunwala. Then it is a 2 km dive to Punjabiwala by a jeep or any light vehicle and further it is a 2 km trek to the temple. The temple stands as a symbol of faith people have in the temple and has a great cultural and religious significance. Santla Devi, along with her brother, onrealising that they would not be able to face the Mughal Army, abandoned their weapons and began to pray. A light flickered and within moments they both were transformed into stone images. It is within the fort that the shrine was built and Saturdays maks the transformation of the Goddess into stone.
Lachhiwala
About 22 km from Dehradun, on the Hardwar/Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. The serence and blissfu; spot is famous for its picnic spots. The place also provides accommodation to tourists in the Forest Rest House nestled in the greenery.Bhagirathi Resort
An 18 km drive along the Chakrata road, Bhagirathi Resort at Selaqui, Dehradun lends a breathtaking spectacle of the Himalayan ranges. The resort lures the tourists with its tranquil swimming pool, water slides and fountanis. Against the backdrop of the mountain ranges, the resort is an ideal tourist spot.Tapovan
Located 5 km from the bus stand, this beautiful spot derives significance from the belief that famous Guru Dronacharya had undergone penance here.Approximately, 5 km from the City Bus Stand on the Dehradun-Rajpur road, this place is situated in beautiful surroundings. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharya had done penance in this area.
Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort (40 km)
Located about 43 km from Dehradun, this complex is a favourite with adventure sport lovers. Enjoy activities like water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking and canoeing. During winter, the reservoir here is also the site for a large number of migratory birds.BA water sports resort has been developed at the Asan Barrage by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in the year 1994. Asan Barrage was created in 1967 and it is popularly known as Dhalipur Lake. Situated 43 km from Dehradun on Chandigarh-Shimla highway, the resort offers facilities like water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking, annoeing etc. Wildlife lovers have an added bonus during the winter season as migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity
The wetland near the confluence of riers Assan and Yamuna attracts a large number of migratory birds and is an ‘ornithologist's paradise'.
Rajaji National Park
This is definitely one of the finest reserves in the Doon Valley. Spread over 3 sanctuaries Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla, elephants are the most common sightings here. Other varieties include barking deer, leopards, sambar and a range of exotic birds.Note Take a jeep safari to enjoy the park and visit it between November and mid June
Rajaji National Park was found in 1966 and spreads over an area of 820 sq.km. The park with its magnificent ecosystem is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges. It represents the flora of several zones of the forest, reverine, and broad leaf mixed forest, chirpine forest, scrub land and grassy pasture lands. There are about 23 species of mammals here. The Rajaji National Park is named after Late Shri C. Rajgoplalachari, popularly known as Rajaji. Best Tourist season is between November to mid June.