DEHRADUN, the capital city of the state of UTTARAKHAND lies in the Doon valley at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is well-connected by both train and road from Delhi and other places in north India. Dehradun is a small city that can be covered within 2/ 3 days especially if you have your own transport.
Previous blog post- Haridwar Rishikesh: 2 days tour
Here are 6 TOP Things to do over just 2 days in DEHRADUN.
Adventure escapades in DEHRADUN 🏞️
1️⃣ Robbers cave
Locally called Guchhu Pani, Robber's cave is indeed true to its name. It's a river-formation cavern with a narrow cleft between steep rocky walls through which flows an underground stream.
Dehradun was captured by the British in 1816.
It is said that during the British era in late 1800's, these labyrinth caves are where robbers stored their loot and also served the purpose of as an excellent hideout. There is a long pathway to reach the caves entrance, and thereafter an exciting trail of about 2 kms till you reach the 1st waterfall. The delightful trail is through knee-high waters.
Getting here~ Located 8km from the main city centre (Clock tower), Robber's cave is easily accessible and hence massively popular with visitors. So if you prefer quiet instead, avoid Sat & Sun. Buses leave from nearby Clock tower (kindly check with locals before boarding).
2️⃣ SAHASTRADHARA
Dehradun is also known as the 'abode of sage Dronacharya'. Drona was guru to the Pandava and Kaurava princes in the Hindu epic Mahabharata and was majorly responsible for shaping their skills and character. He also played an important role in the Battle of Kurukshetra.
Sahastradhara (literal meaning thousand fold stream) is a place famous for its innumerable springs filled with medicinal properties that pass through limestone stalactites. Kids especially can be seen frolicking in the hot springs nearby.
Below: Natural springs out of the rocks at Sahastradhara with the statue of sage Dronacharya below.
There is also a ropeway here that takes visitors to the mountain top ₹200 return trip, from where one can get a panoramic view of the place below.
Getting here~ Sahastradhara is located approx 13 kms from the main city centre. Buses are available from parade ground ₹30 one way.
💡On your return from Sahastradhara, drop by the Tibetan market opp parade ground bus stand.
Seeking Spirituality 🍁
3️⃣ Tapkeshwar Mahadev
The shrine of Tapkeshwar is present inside a cave. The natural setting and topography of the temple is quite similar to the previous two places; rocks oozing out springs of pure water. It is stated that sage Dronacharya resided at this place, and where he prayed to Shiva. The temple is especially crowded during Shivratri.
Getting here~ shared vehicles till GARHI Cantt & then walk 1km to the temple.
Devotees performing rituals at Tapkeshwar temple, Dehradun
The Thirst for knowledge 🏫
There are many reputable institutes in DEHRADUN earning it the epithet 'School capital of India'. Prominent among these are~ Indian Military Academy (IMA) established in 1932 ie. since the British Raj. Visiting IMA is by admission only. Then there's Doon school for boys (also established in 1935), Welham school for girls and Uttarakhand Ayurveda University.
4️⃣ Forest research institute museum
FRI is another prestigious institute that
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| This building in a mix of Greco-Roman and colonial style of architecture was designed by British architect C.G.Blomfield and completed in 1929 |
The vast FRI campus is spread over 450 hectares of pristine surroundings. It houses various departments of Forestry within its premises, the most fascinating one being the museum that contains a wealth of information and specimens on forestry.
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| left pic- The pristine surroundings of FRI, Dehradun. right pic- the building is built in complete red brick |
Getting here~ From Clock tower (Ghanta ghar); you should find Vikrams (basically blue shared vehicle) ₹15/ pax till FRI gate, & then walk for about 1 km. The museum has 5 different sections so allow atleast 3 hours. There is also a canteen. The museum is closed during lunch hours 12.30 to 1.30 pm.
A Shopping spree 🛒
5️⃣ PALTAN BAZAR
Opp. the Dehradun clock tower is PALTAN BAZAR, a long stretch of shops and street vendors. Even Ruskin Bond's favourite character Rusty (in the Room on the Roof) agrees saying "On the other side of the clock tower lay the bazar, and in the bazar lay India." clusters of local shops and vendors selling anything you could possibly want.
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| A array of shops selling a vast variety of stuff at Paltan bazar, Dehradun |
Just to put on record, my favorite shopping experiences in India so far are:
🛍️ Delhi's Chandni chowk for ethnic garments, fabrics, bangles, accessories etc. and Sarojini nagar market for a mix of everything.
🛍️ Surat, Gujarat for factory bulk textiles such as; sarees, dress set (salwar kameez), lehengas etc. And hold your heart diamonds 💎.
🛍️ Nirona, Kutch for lacquer on wood dirt cheap rolling pins, ladles etc.
.... & Now PALTAN BAZAR, Dehradun
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Paltan bazar is extremely crowded during weekends
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If you prefer brands then head to Rajpur road which is a short distance from the Clock tower.
A Foodie's delight 🥐
6️⃣ RAJPUR ROAD
Head to Rajpur road to satiate your hunger as well as your cravings. I had the time to stop by Khalang which is a Tibetan/ Chinese/ Burmese restaurant.
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| A bowl of Thukpa with mixed meat, vegetables and fried egg ₹275/ at Khalang |
Dehradun's bakeries are also quite popular, especially their milk rusk and caramel jaw stick. But my favorite haunt is Ellora Melting moments; they have a wide variety of confectionery delights and snacks to choose from. If you are on a budget there are multiple street food options plus fruits and especially strawberries ₹40 ¼ kg.
Weather- DEHRADUN is quite hot during the summer months of April -May. The best time is during Feb-March.
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you enjoyed the read. Please 🙏 do comment and share with others. Bye for now!
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