Dehradun is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is bordered by the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers of India.
The city is known for its pleasant climate and provides a gateway to the popular hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie etc. and pilgrim sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The city receives high amounts of rain during the monsoon season and get really cold during the winters. Being a part of the Princely Garhwal State the local customs of the Garhwali people have influenced the culture in the city.

The places to visit in Dehradun reflect the enigmatic character of this small time lost city and here we present some all time popular Dehradun tourist places :

Sahastradhara

The name Sahastradhara literally means ‘The Thousand Fold Spring’ is a popular tourist destination in Dehradun. It comprised of waterfalls, caves and steppe farming lands and provides a totally marvelous and rejuvenating experience to its visitors. The name is due to the water that drips from the limestone stalactites in the caves and its waterfalls.

Tiger Falls

Located at a height of 1400 meters above sea level, the Tiger Falls are 50 meters high waterfalls. The waterfalls are situated amidst a picturesque setting of dense forests at the foothills of the Himalayas. The water converges into a small pond which provides a perfect setting for an outing with friends and family.

Robber’s Cave

The 600 meters long river cave (Robber’s Cave) is known by the locals as Gucchupani. The cave is divided into two main parts with its highest fall being 10 meters long. The place is known for its unique natural phenomenon known as the disappearing stream. The place was believed to be used by the robbers to hide during the British Raj hence owing to its name.

Tapovan

Tapovan is known to be the place the Guru Dronacharya performed his penance according to the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. The place is located on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered to be a major pilgrim spot. Tapovan is also known for its amazing meadows known as Nandavan which are trekked by various pilgrims and trekkers.

Mindrolling Monastery

Founded in 1965, The Mindrolling Monastery houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India. The monastery is a re-established facility of the original Mindrolling Monastery and was established by Khochhen Rinpoche. The well maintained gardens and a 60 meters high stupa and contains various rooms which are decorated with murals and house various relics and a 35 meters high statue of Lord Buddha in Gold.

Tapkeshawar Temple

Tapkeshawar Temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand and is located at the banks of the Nandi River. The Temple is located within a cave which is characterized by naturally dripping water over the Shiva lingam placed here. The cave is also the site to the shivratri festival that happens every year.

Rajaji National Park

Spread over a massive 820 sq kilometers of land, the Rajaji National Park falls in a region shared by 3 districts, Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal in the state of Uttarakhand. The reserve consists of subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests that house a plethora of wildlife, birds and fish species. It is also a major habitat of the Asian elephant and the Bengal Tiger in India.

Jharia Pani Falls

Jharia Pani Falls is a gushing natural waterfall ideal for a family outing. The lush greenery and the excellent landscape would rejoice your mind and body.  It is an excellent place to click some pictures and merriment.

Jharipani Falls is located in the Jharipani village at a distance of eight km from Mussoorie. Some of the finest schools of Mussoorie are located in the nearby vicinity. This is an ideal place for fun lovers, nature enthusiasts and trekker. One can witness an excellent view of the Shivalik range from Jharipani village. The surroundings of the water falls have thick growth of creepers, shrubs and wild flowers which gives a mesmerizing look to the place.  The nearby agricultural fields provide a picturesque location and complete relaxation for the people in holiday mood.

The Kalinga War Memorial

A testament to the might of the brave Gurkha warriors, the Kalinga war memorial was established by the British. The Anglo-Gurkha war took place between the Gurkha soldiers and the British Army in the year 1814. A one of its kind war memorial across the globe, there’s little wonder in the fact that it sees flocks of tourists all across the year. It’s a one of its kind memorial for being the only one that’s built by an army to honour its opponent army. Legends have it that the Gorkhas defended the fort from the British Army for six weeks without any food or water. Impressed by their bravery, the British troops built a memorial to honor them.

Sai Darbar Temple

Sai Darbar Temple is a famous pilgrim site and a number of devotees flock to this temple to pay their respects. Set in a tranquil surroundings far away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Uttarakhand, this temple has the perfect ambiance that helps to connect with the divine. Made almost entirely out of marble, this temple is open to people from all cast and creed. Walk in here for some moments of divinity, and you might turn lucky if its prayer time. The evening prayers at the temple are something to watch out for, with a swarm of devotees singing hymns in God’s praise.

Malsi Deer Park

Malsi Deer Park in Dehradun is a haven for nature lovers, for here’s wilderness unravelled like never before. It’s home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is quite a solace from the din of the city life. It’s home to two horned deers and neelgai, a lesser known species found only in the wildest of all regions. The park is a good place to have some refreshments and take a break if you get hunger pangs while strolling around the city.

Santala Devi Temple

Located Just 15 Kms Away From Dehradun, Santaula Devi Temple Is The One Among-st Famous Temples Of Uttarakhand / Dehradun. Santala Devi Temple Is Also Recognized As The Santaula Devi Temple And Santaura Devi Temple. The Temple Is Dedicated To Santala Devi Along With Her Brother. As Per The Mythology, When Santala Devi And Her Brother Realized They Are Unable To Fight With Mughal Army, They Have Decided To Abandoned Their Weapons And Will Start Praying To The God. During Their Pray, A Sudden Light Flickered And Turned Into Stones Idols. After This Incident, A Shrine Was Designed At This Fort Which Is Still Worshiped By Majority Of Devotees. Majority Of People Come To This Place In Order To Take Blessing From Santala Devi And Her Brother. Especially, On The Day Of Saturday You Can Experience Massive Crowd At This Spot.