Dehradun District is visited by a large number of tourists every year. Tourism in Dehradun District comprises several sightseeing options. On one hand, there are beautiful hill resorts, there are places like Sahasra Dhara, famous for its sulphur springs, religious and on the other hand there are ancient places like Rishikesh and Lakhamandal. The climate of the city is temperate and that along with the scenic beauty enhances the charm of travelling for the visitors. Even during summer, it is not so warm at Dehradun. There are several religious places in Dehradun District. The Gurudwara built by Guru Ram Raj during the reign of Aurangzeb is a religious place of eminence. The other places of importance are the Robber`s cave, situated at a distance of about 8 kms from Dehradun. The cave is a natural picnic spot surrounded by hills.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Dehradun District
Tapkeshawar Temple: Tapkeshwar Temple is an ancient place of worship and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a legend associated with the origin of its name. It is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets, originating from a rock, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized here on the occasion of Shivaratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.
Laxman Siddh: 12 kms away from Dehradun it is a famous temple known as Laxman Siddh. Legend has it that a sage underwent penance over here. Due to easy accessibility the temple is visited by a large number of people from all parts of the country.
Sai Darbar: Situated 8 kms along, is the Sai Darbar Temple. This place holds a high cultural and spiritual value and is visited by tourists from across the country and foreigners as well.
Tibetan Temple: Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar Temple, it is a huge and colourful temple dedicated to Lord Buddha.
Santala Devi Temple: This temple is located at around 15 kms from Dehradun. The temple stands as a symbol of faith people have in the temple and has a great cultural and religious significance. Legends says that Santla Devi, along with her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the Mughal Army, abandoned their weapons and began to pray. A light flickered and within moments they both were transformed into stone images. It is within the fort that the shrine was built.
Tapovan: Approximately, 5 kms from the City Bus Stand on the Dehradun-Rajpur road, this place is situated amidst beautiful surroundings. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharya had done penance in this area.
Nature Tourism in Dehradun District
Mussoorie: 38 kms from Dehradun is Mussoorie with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill station. It offers a wonderful view of the snow clad Himalaya Mountains. The mesmerizing view creates a serene atmosphere for the tourists. Mussoorie, the queen of hill stations, is famous for its scenic beauty, vibrant social life and entertainment. The excellent climate makes it an attractive holiday resort. Badrinath Peak, Kedarnath, Sri Kantha and Nanda Devi peaks can be seen from here.
Sahasra Dhara: Sahasra Dhara, literally meaning, `thousand fold spring` is situated at a distance of around 11 kms from Dehradun. The place makes an ideal picnic spot and is of immense attraction to the visitors. There is also a sulphur spring in which visitors often take bath. Its water is said to cure skin infections and possess other medicinal properties.
Malsi Deer Park: 10 kms from Dehradun, Malsi Deer Park is situated at the foot hills of the Shivalik hills. Malsi Deer Park is a mini-zoological park comprising of a children`s park enveloped by beautiful, natural surroundings. Along with the attractive environs the availability of refreshments makes the place an ideal sight-seeing cum picnic spot.
Chandrabani: It is a popular tourist spot of Dehradun. Situated 7 kms from Dehradun there is the famous temple of Chandrabani (Gautam Kund). According to the mythological beliefs, this spot was inhabited by Maharishi Gautama. Every year devotees, in large numbers, take a dip in this holy kund. 2 kms away from the main road, located in the midst of Shivalik hills, the place is a beautiful tourist spot.
Robber`s Cave: Robber`s Cave is a beautiful and easily accessible picnic spot.
Lachhiwala: 3 kms from Doiwala and 22 kms from Dehradun, on the Hardwar- Rishikesh road is Lachhiwala. The serene and blissful is an ideal picnic spot.
Bhagirathi Resort: Bhagirathi Resort at Selaqui, Dehradun lends a breath-taking spectacle of the Himalayan ranges. The resort lures the tourists with its tranquil swimming pool, water slides and fountains. Against the backdrop of the mountain ranges, the resort is an ideal tourist spot.
Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort: A water sports resort has been developed at the Asan Barrage by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in the year 1994. Asan Barrage was created in the year 1967 and it is popularly known as Dhalipur Lake. Situated 43 kms from Dehradun on Chandigarh-Shimla highway, the resort offers facilities like water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, etc. Wildlife lovers have an added bonus during the winter season as migratory birds can be seen in the vicinity.
Dakpathar: 45 kms from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a beautiful tourist spot in the western Doon Valley, amidst the Shivalik range. Dakpathar has emerged as a wonderful tourist spot.
Dehradun is well linked by railways and roadways with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Varanasi.