Many travelers visit Dehradun, the gateway to Uttarakhand and quickly move on to other places. Be the queen of hills Mussoorie or the religious destinations like Haridwar, Rishikesh and locations up the hills from there like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath. But Dehradun offers more than being just a stop over. And two nights here is the ideal way to experience the city. Like we did this time putting up in Shray N Monika’s homestay and exploring the old Dehradun neighborhood on our first evening. The second morning after a great breakfast we set out for the 8 top landmarks of Dehradun in a day.
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8 top landmarks of Dehradun
1. Sahastradhara Falls
Sahastradhara Falls meaning hundreds of streams was at one time one of the topmost attractions of Dehradun. It still is frequented and a nice place if you wish to have a refreshing bath under the streams. There is also a cable car to go up for the views.
Since we reached early there were very few people. The approach to the falls has shops on both sides which we found a bit of a spoiler. And better maintenance of the surroundings would probably bring back its glory of earlier days. Come let’s walk.
Nav Chandi Ashram
Hanuman Mandir & Shiva Mandir
2. Robber’s Cave
Robber’s Cave or Guchhu Pani is a natural cave formation with the river stream flowing through it and is certainly the topmost attraction of Dehradun. Located around 8 kms away from the center of town, the cave is about 600 m long and the walk through it is just amazing. The name comes from the belief that the place was used by robbers to hide from the British in the late 1800s.
The entry fee is Rs 35.00 per person and the attraction is open everyday. There is ample parking available at a cost and eateries as well. You can hire rubber slippers at Rs 10.00 if you wish to use them while venturing into the stream. Try and visit before 10 AM to avoid the rush.
The walk to the cave
The journey into the cave
And now ‘Feel the Reel’
3. Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Forest Research Institute is a forestry research & natural resource training institute. And the campus also hosts the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and trains officers selected for Indian Forest Service. Founded in 1878 as ‘Forest School of Dehradun’ the name changed to ‘Imperial Forest School’ in 1884. In 1906 it was reestablished under the British rule and named as the ‘Imperial Forest Research Institute’.
The beautiful estate
The beautiful estate, the institute, the gardens and the six museums are a visitor’s delight if you are a nature lover and wish to learn a bit as well. We managed to visit one of the museums. The new buildings in the 450 hectares campus have been designed in Greco-Roman style by architect C. G. Blomfield, one of the last generation of British architects before our independence.
If you are traveling in your car or a taxi there is parking available inside. The entry ticket per person is Rs 20.00 and Rs 30.00 for the vehicle. Tickets for the museum are separately priced and can be obtained from the main office near the parking area.
Grand British Architecture
Silviculture Museum
And the refreshing gardens
4. Tapakeswar Mahadev Mandir
On the bank of Ton River lies the Tapakeswar Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is built on top of a natural cave and holds the Shivlinga. The temple complex has other temples and deities as well.
5. Indian Military Academy
Established in 1932 the Indian Military Academy is one of the oldest military academies in India. It trains officers for the Indian Army. This landmark can only be viewed from outside as entry is prohibited.
6. Mindrolling Monastery
The welcome is from the heart as you walk inside the the Mindrolling Monastery. Though it may be on the screen here the feel is real having grown up in the land of Buddha, Bodh Gaya and seen it all since childhood. If you are searching for peace this is a great place to unwind for a few hours if not more, also known as the Buddha Temple Complex. We were there for an hour soaking in all that this lovely destination had to offer.
The Temples of Peace
And refreshing green
The Towering Buddhas
The Stupas & Prayer Wheels
And the freshness of flowers
Some shopping
Some snacks & drinks
7. Ghantaghar & Paltan Bazar
Starting from Ghantaghar which itself is a landmark of Dehradun, Paltan Bazar is the largest local market and the busiest since 1935. You can shop for clothing, woolens, jackets, handicrafts, gift items, famous Doon Basmati rice and almost anything and everything including fast food options and restaurants. But do not forget to visit at least one of the many bakeries you will find here and carry back the famous rusk biscuits and other bakery items. We dropped in at Doon Bakers and picked up some rusks to take back. Sunrise Bakers is another famous outlet.
8. Elloras Melting Moments Bakery
Elloras located on 29, Rajpur Road was founded by an ex-army man in 1953. Since then it has carved a niche for itself in the bakery industry of Dehradun. For all those who have grown up in the city, it is not only a bakery but an emotion. And for visitors like us, we can only carry back a bit of their creations.
If you loved traveling to the top Dehradun landmarks, PIN it for planning & forward to friends!
