Dehradun
Dehradun is a hectic city that contrasts wonderfully with its scenic surroundings. Uttarakhand’s capital city sits amid the Doon Valley, a sprawling region bounded by the Himalayan foothills and the Shivalik Hills. Experience the spiritual energy of colorful temples, shop at bustling bazaars and hike to waterfalls. Visit institutes left over from British colonial years. Enjoy daytrips from Dehradun to hill stations and pilgrimage centers.
In the city center is the Ghanta Ghar, an imposing redbrick 6-faced clock tower. From here streets lead in all directions into the city’s business and commercial districts. Walk south to the shopping zone of Paltan Bazaar. Find shops selling anything from clothing to electronic goods, religious curios and textiles.
Scattered around the city’s outskirts are interesting temples and shrines of various faiths. Among these are Laxman Siddh Temple, the cavernous Sai Darbar Temple and colorful Tapkeshwar Temple. Ram Rai Gurudwara is a Sikh temple notable for its gleaming gold dome. Visit the Mindrolling Monastery, located in the Tibetan Buddhist district of Clement Town. Quaint Tibetan cafés and trinket stores line the monastery’s surrounding streets.
Walk in the footsteps of British colonists at the Forest Research Institute Museum. This magnificent Greco-Roman building features exhibits dedicated to plants, forestry and other subjects. Wander around the tree-shaded lawns and spot myriad plant species in the botanical garden. Browse displays of military artifacts at the Indian Military Academy and learn about native wildlife at the Wildlife Institute of India.
Just a 1-hour drive north is Mussoorie, a town known as India’s Queen of Hills. Admire views of Himalayan peaks from Gun Hill and hike to waterfalls such as Kempty Fallsand Bhatta Falls. Explore the ashrams of Rishikesh, made famous by the Beatles in the 1960s. Mingle with pilgrims at bathing ghats in Haridwar.
Reach Dehradun by flying to Jolly Grant Airport, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of the city center. Alternatively, travel via long-distance train from major cities, including Agra, Delhi and Lucknow.