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DEHRADUN |
Love
of Delhites for a long time due to it's close proximity and salubrious climate.
The newly acquired status of the state capital of Uttaranchal is making Dehradun
lose it's charm due to all the political pressures and increasing concrete in
the name of development, but still Dehra, named after Mahabharat's
legendry Guru Dronacharya retains much of it's old world charisma to
attract many of them.
The doon valley is situated between river Ganga on one side and Yamuna on the
other, making it a fertile land and green as well.
General Info
Altitude
: 700m Climate : Cool in
winters and hot in summers, Max temp 37 deg C When
to go : Any time of the year except summers-May and June. How to reach Distance
: 250km Road : Route
1 This route is more common and maybe the only one known to many Delhites.
The highway to hit is No. 58 from Ghaziabad and follow the GT road to Hindon
river bridge,Modinagar and Merrut bypass. Follow on to Khatauli in the sugarcane
belt and Muzaffarnagar(bypass), Purkazi Manglaur and Roorkee. From Roorkee left
turn takes you to Haridwar and turn right for Doon. Follow NH 72A to Chhutmalpur
and Mohand to reach Dehradoon. Driving time about 5-6 hrs. The road is a single
carriageway all the way and traffic jams occur more often than rarely at
Modinagar,Khatauli and Muzzafarnagar railway
crossing. TIP
Route2 We suggest an
alternate route which is longer by about 40 km but is much better for driving
and you spend less time driving. Take NH 1 till Kurukshetra and turn
right at Pipli to reach Paonta Sahib (Click HERE
for details). From Paonta follow the Yamuna canal to Herbertpur (After crossing
the bridge on Yamuna turn left, the only turn and turn right again after a km
before Asan barrage, or you can go via Asan though the road for about 2-3km is
in shambles. Herbertpur is about 30 km from Doon and road is good but quiet
lonely, so avoid driving at night. Dehradoon is flanked by fruit orchards so
look out for fresh fruit vendors by the road side or better still fresh
fruit juice sellers to enjoy their taste. Train
: Dehradun
is a railhead and many trains including Shatabadi are available from Delhi. Air
: Nearest airport is
Jolly Grant with daily flight available for Delhi. What
to see Sahastradhara
15 km from the city, known for it's sulphur springs near the Baldi river.
Dripping caves and many small springs providing for a good dip along with
a healing touch. There is also a Shiva temple nearby. Robber's
Cave Popularly known as
Gucchu Pani it is just 8 km from the city and is a popular picnic spot. A small
waterfall and a stream of water ideal for wading thru and having a bath at a
natural cave makes the place an ideal one for fun seekers. Malsi
Deer Park Situated on
the way to Mussorie 10 km from the city, it is home for different kinds of deer
in a natural surrounding. It also has a mini zoo and swings for children all
strung together to make it a perfect weekend spot for the family. Tapkeshwar
temple A legendry temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in a cave at the bank of river Tons. 5 km
from the city the temple has a stalagmite worshipped as a Shivlingam with water
continuosly falling on it from the roof of the cave. The cave is also known as
the Drona cave as legend has it that Guru Drona lived here with his family and
his son Ashwathama was born here. A fair is held here at Shivratri. Dakpathar
45 km. A newly developed
recreation centre develped by GMVN is situated at the banks of river Yamuna and
has spacious lawns, good weather through the year, a standard size swimming pool
and accomodation facilities for overnite stay. Kalsi an Ashoka Pillar Rock Edict
built in 450 B.C and made of quartz is 10 feet high and situated 6 km from here.
Asan barrage near by has water recreation
activities. Paonta Sahib is just 14 km. What
to buy The city is famous for
Basmati rice which is locally grown. Fresh fruits grown in orchard around the
city are also a good buy. Where to stay
(To be added soon)
UTTARANCHAL
BINSAR
BHIMTAL
CORBETT
DEHRADUN
MUSSOORIE
NAINITAL
NAUKUCHIA
RANIKHET