Tourist Attractions in Dehradun City Forest Research Institute
The
Forest Research Institute is an institute of the Indian Council of
Forestry Research and Education and is a premier institution in the
field of forestry research in India. It is located at Dehradun in
Uttarakhand. It was established in 1906 and is one of the oldest
institutions of its kind. The Forest Research Institute is spread over
4.5 km, with the outer Himalayas nearby. The main building has
Greco-Roman and Colonial styles of architecture. It has laboratories, a
library, herbarium, arboreta, printing press and experimental field
areas for conducting forestry research. Its museums, in addition to
being a source of scientific information, are an attraction for the tourists. There
are six museums: Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture
Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, Entomology
Museum. Wadia Institute of Himalyan Geology
A
renowned institution of research in Himalayan Geology, the Wadia
Institute of Himalayan Geology at Dehradun has been acknowledged as a
National Laboratory of global status with outstanding facilities.
Functioning as an autonomous body, this celebrated institute is named
after its founding father, Sri D N Wadia, a well known figure in the
field of geological research. Besides aiding the research scholars, this
institute also controls some of the research stations in the isolated
Himalayan regions. The library of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan
Geology holds more than 20,000 books along with journals and monographs. One
of the significant characteristics of the institute is its museum,
to instruct the general public and students with the help of samples,
charts, maps and models and films on Himalayan and general geology. With
sophisticated equipments and scientific methods, the Wadia Institute of
Himalayan Geology adorns a prestigious position in the country for
excellent research in Himalayan geology. Clock Tower Amongst the most significant structures in the city, Clock Tower in
Dehradun is renowned for its aesthetic beauty. An exceptional formation,
this tower is one of its own kind in entire Asia itself. Constructed
before independence, this six-faced tower might have adorned a
prestigious position in the history of this hilly region. According to the locals the chime of the clock was perceptible from far-off
places of the hill region. Situated in the busiest Rajpur Road, this
tower is bounded by the commercial structures of the city. Now this
tower is a mere elegant monument of the bygone years rather
than a clock tower. Malsi Deer Park A
mini zoological park placed at the base of the majestic Shivalik Range,
Malsi Deer Park in Dehradun is one among the fast emerging tourist
attractions in the hill station. This well maintained park is a natural home for two
horned deer, Tiger, Neelgai and Peacock. A delight for the bird
watchers, this lovely park houses a variety of birds whose chirping and
singing is an added attraction to this Park. With a wholesome weather,
natural environs and the lush greenery makes the zoological park an
ideal spot for picnic and excursion. Chakrata Town
Chakrata
or Chakrauta is a cantonment town in Dehradun district. A cantonment of
British Indian Army, was established in 1866 by Colonel Hume of the
55th Regiment, British Indian Army. The area has an abundance of
conifers, rhododendrons and oaks. The red rhododendrons are the most
abundantly found in this region. This region also has several natural caves. A key attraction near Chakrata is the
waterfall named Tiger Fall. A leafy hamlet of Deoban offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas stretching from Kinnaur to
Garhwal and Kumaon. In chakrata there is a place named DEVBAN from which
you can see the great wall of China (partly) and the great majestic
himalayas. The
region also has a number of temples including the ones at Hanol, Mahasu
Devta Temple dedicated to Lord Mahasu,
Radina, Thaina, Indroli, Lakhwar.
45
kms from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a beautiful tourist spot in the western
Doon Valley, amidst the Shivalik range. Dakpathar has emerged a wonderful tourist spot
under the Yamuna Hydel Scheme. The place is connected by a regular bus
service from the Parade Ground and Highway Bus Stand near the Railway
Station, Dehradun. Accommodation is available in a Tourist Rest House
with swimming pool facilities. Jaspal Rana Shooting Ranges ![]()
One
among illustrious sports person of modern India, Jaspal Rana is a
familiar figure to all Indians. This institute is started in 2002 to
commemorate the victory of this one time world shooting champion. The
main objective of this institute is to provide all the modern facilities
to those students who are interested in the challenging game of
shooting. Apart
from imparting sophisticated techniques to students, this institute
also provides teacher's training by offering Bachelor's Degree in
Physical Education. With in a short span of 6 years, this institute has
gained much acclaim in the field of sports. Headed by the great
sportsman, Jaspal Rana, this institute tries to get the
best sports person of India, who can proudly present the Indian flag in
the prestigious realm of Olympic podium. Lachhiwala A
pictorial spot situated in the suburbs of the city, Lachhiwala is a
much-desired destination in Dehradun. Easy accessibility and moderate
accommodation facilities make this pictorial spot a favourite place
among the tourists. It is picturesque spot where one can enjoy a serene and
tranquil atmosphere. Lachhiwala is a location whose unexplored beauty would mesmerize any visitor. Apart
from its lush verdant greenery, Lachiwalla offers a salubrious climate
all around the year, which is an attraction for the tourist. With its virgin nature and the fresh aroma of fruit orchards,
Lacchiwalla provides the luxury of being in the
company of the unruffled nature. Lakha Mandal Temple, Chakrata Past
Kempty falls, 75 kms on the Mussoorie-Yamnotri road lies Lakhamandal,
having a historical as well as mythological significance. The ancient temple, Lakhamandal, situated on the banks of river Yamuna is dedicated to Lord Shiva and traces its existence to the legends of Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Kaurvas
made a shelter house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here.
Lakhmandal is situated on the banks of river Yamuna at a distance of 35 kms from Chakrata and 128 kms from Dehradun. Several antiquarian temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The five pandava brothers, Parasuram
and Kedar are present.
Lakshman
Jhula was built in 1939, a 450 ft long iron suspension bridge is situated in Rishikesh. It is made over
river Ganga to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh. It is
believed that Lakshman crossed Ganga using jute ropes and at its place this bridge has been built built. The view from this bridge is spectacular. Numerous
temples and ashrams are spread across the region. Close to the Lakshman Jhula is the Ram Jhula (also called as Shivanand Jhula), a swinging bridge made a few years back. Zonal Museum
There is a unique Museum dedicated to collect and study various subjects related to the origin, development and sustenance of the mankind on
earth. The Museum, which is renowned as the Zonal Museum, is situated on the Haridwar Road in Dehradun. It started functioning in the year 1971. The museum depicts and explains origin and customs of the people who lived in
the foothills of the mighty mountain ranges. Zonal Museum is a graceful
endeavor to give a clear account of the cultural and physical
anthropology of western and central Himalayas. Paltan Bazaar
A
shopper's delight, Dehradun displays it's celebrated past in its
artifacts. The glorious culture and tradition of this hilly terrain is
very well imprinted on its shopping articles. The rich fragrance of the
Doon Basmati rice and the gorgeousness of woolen garments present a
wonderful ambiance of shopping in the Paltan Bazaar. The
streets are perfumed with the aroma of good quality spices that are so
tempting that one would not miss the chance of buying something from
there. While shopping in this crowded bazaar, one would get the real
picture of the rustic life of this hill station since the woolen clothes
reveals the local tribes customary life style. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji
National Park is an Indian national park that encompasses the
Shivaliks, near the foothills of the Himalayas. It is spread over 820
km, and three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri
Garhwal. In 1983, three wildlife sanctuaries in the area namely, Chilla,
Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries were merged into one. Rajaji National
Park has been named after C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), a prominent
leader of the Freedom Struggle, the second and last Governor-General of
independent India and one of the first recipients of India's highest
civilian award Bharat Ratna (in 1954). Inhabiting
the dense green jungles that form the park, are an impressive array of
creatures - 23 species of mammals - including tigers, leopards,
elephants, deer, jungle cat, wild boar and sloth bear and 315 species
of birds. The most prominent avian species include
pea fowl, woodpeckers, pheasants, kingfishers and barbets, supplemented
by a number of migratory species that visit in the winters. Besides that,
the rivers which flow through the park harbour fish such as trout and
mahseer. Ram Rai Gurudwara
Ram
Rai, the 7th Sikh Guru, established the famous Ram Rai Gurudwara in the
early 17th century in Dehradun. Ram Rai Gurudwara is one of the oldest
Gurudwaras in the valley that has gained the accolades as a
popular pilgrimage centre. Built with the patronage of the then ruler of
Dehradun, Ram Rai Gurudwara boasts of a legend behind the construction
of it. It says that Guru Ram Rai was thrown away from his native place,
settled down at the valley and constructed this shrine. This
gurudwara houses all the features of a typical Sikh shrine. The most
holy book Adigrantha adorns the center of the shrine. Other important
places include places like the large dining room where meals are served
to all at free of cost and the free utility rooms. Like all other
Gurudwaras, here also all are welcomed to offer their prayers
irrespective of their caste and creed. The serene and tranquil ambiance
of this shrine would be clothed with a festive mood at the annual
festival of Jhanda mela or the celebration of flags, which is held after
holi. Rishikesh (Hrishikesh or Rushikesh or Hrushikesh)
Rishikesh,
also spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh, or Hrushikesh, is a city and a
municipal board in Dehradun.
It is located in the foothills of the Himalaya and
attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within
India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh is also known as
"Teerth Nagri" or "Yog Nagri", and also as "City of Temples, Yoga and
Meditation". It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is
located around 25 kilometres from another holy city, Haridwar. Rishikesh,
sometimes nicknamed "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga
centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in
Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in
the holy river that flows through it. Rishikesh is world famous for
Rafting and Adventure. Rafting season starts from the month of March and
ends in July. Rishikesh is also home to the 120-year old Kailas Ashram
Brahmavidyapeetham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote the
traditional Vedantic Studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami
Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Shivananda have studied at Kailas Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham. Robber's Cave
Robber's
Cave (also known as Guchhupani) is a river cave formation in
Dehradun City, about 8 km from City Centre. The cave is about 600 meters
long, divided into two main parts. The cave has a highest fall of about
10 meters. It is a natural cave formation where rivers flows inside the
cave. Beauty
in the midst of adventure is the prime specialty of this scenic place.
Bounded by majestic hills, these caves present an amazing scenario of
the mother nature. After a trek of one kilometer, one would
get the pleasant warmth of a refreshing stream. Tourists folk
together in large groups here, to witness this strange and splendorous
experience.
The literal meaning of Sahastradhara is 'Thousand fold spring'. It is a
lovely waterfall, with a depth of 9 meters. What makes the torrent so
popular is its therapeutic value since its water contains Sulphur.
Besides its medicinal merits, the stream presents a pictorial environment where one can spend hours enjoying the scenic beauty.The Baldi River
and the caves adds to the aesthetic beauty of the site. Since
this astonishing natural splendor is situated within the city limits,
the tourists can easily reach Sahastradhara. It poses a salubrious
climate and so can be visited at any time. But the gorgeousness of the
place could be best viewed in the rainy season when the stream proposes
the appearance of a gushing torrent. The mere sight of the gurgling
waters fills one's soul with a vitalizing energy. Sahasradhara's water
is filled with lime, and the residues left behind forms a projecting
ridge, in the shape of a cave. This enchanting scenery and the lush vegetation makes this
stunning spot a tourist's dream destination, where one avail a tranquil
holiday. Santala Devi Temple
This
temple is located at a distance of 15 kms from Dehradun. The temple stands as a
symbol of faith. It also has a great cultural and
religious significance. Legends say that Santla Devi, along with her
brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the Mughal
Army, abandoned their weapons and began to pray after which a light flickered and
within seconds they both were transformed into stones. Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar which is a holy abode of Lord Shiva is a cave temple in
Dehradun. Placed at the banks of a rivulet, this temple is one of the busiest pilgrim centers in the valley. The water droplets dribble from the rocks on
the Shiv Linga. The Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun gains its name 'Tapakeswar'
from this natural dribbling of river water over the deity from the
ceilings of the cavern. Cool sulphur springs around the temple with
therapeutic value make it a superb dipping spot for pilgrims. It is believed that Lord Shiva poured milk to Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya from this cave. the most appropriate time to visit this picturesque site is during the time of Shivaratri,
when the holy matrimony of
Shiva with Parvathi is performed. A
big Tapkeshwar fair takes place here on the day of Shivratri. Thousands of
devotees congregate at this place on the day to offer prayers. Trekking in Dehradun
Exploring
the mystifying nadirs of the Doon valley is a fascinating attraction
for the adventure lovers. Beauty in the midst of
wilderness is not only attractive but also tempting. The lustrous
valleys, lofty mountain ranges, and richness of fauna presents a wide range of possibilities in adventurous tourism. Dehradun
provides a great opportunity to discover the pristine beauty of the
Himalayas and get on a voyage of never ending amusement. Besides trekking, this lovely place also provides
other adventure sports like jeep safari, camping, skiing, which offer a
prospect to view the magnificence of the mighty Himalayas. |