For an enriching experience, start with the capital
Its serene environs, mild climate and proximity to Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar make Dehradun a favored destination for tourists, pilgrims as well as adventure enthusiasts. Dehradun once popularly referred to as a ‘retirement city’, today is a thriving business and educational center. The capital city of Uttarakhand is not only the seat of administration, but is the headquarters of many national institutes and organizations and also one of the most important academic and research center today. Dehradun,s best known landmark is the Clock Tower, a bustling major business center, around which several of the city’s important schools institutions and shopping complexes are located.
During Shivratri, pilgrims flock in thousands to the nearby Tapkeshwar Temple. It is a fascinating sight to watch water droplets originating from a rock drip onto the Shivling inside the shrine.
No visit to Dehradun is complete without the 14 km drive to Sahastradhara, ‘The Thousand Fold Spring’. The water of this beautiful sulphur spring has medicinal benefits, believed to cure various kinds of skin of and stomach ailments.
Whether it is gourmet fare or hearty Indian food, the eclectic mix of students, officials and academicians, have a lot to choose from in Dehradun. Its traditional bakeries are thriving. Hip food joints and interesting cafes cater to a populace eager to experiment with the new, and savour the old. Do not forget to buy the famous long-grain basmati rice. En route to or from your excursions, stop at the fruit stalls laden with luscious litchis and dussehri mangoes, among the many delights of Dehradun.
GOOD TO KNOW : The city has an airport and a railway station the t is well connected to many major cities.
