Dehradun, the capital city, is an ideal destination for those who cannot stand the hustle and bustle of big cities. Compared to most major capital cities of the country, Dehradun is simple and serene. Popular holiday and pilgrimage destinations like Mussoorie and Rishikesh are only an hour away and most travellers skip this place uninterested. But Dehradun is worth a stay, for its vivid Paltan bazaar, the vibrant Tibetan communityand its energetic vibes. Places of interest Forest Research Institute Museum: Situated in a 500-hectare park, the Institute is largerthan the Buckingham Palace and is one of the Raj’s magnificent buildings. Located 7 km from the well known Clock Tower on the Dehradun-Chakrata road, the Institute has state-of-the-art infrastructure, well equipped laboratories, a library, a herbarium, arboreta and a press for carrying out research in forestry. The research facilities and other accessories are definitely on par with the best of its kind anywhere in the world. Tapkeshwar Temple: About 5 km from city centre, the Tapkeshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most important temple of Dehradun. Situated on the bank of a seasonal river, the temple looks like a picture postcard. This river enters the cave temple where the water drips from the ceiling on a Sivalinga. The Temple derives its name ‘Tapakeswar’ from the natural dripping of the water over the shrine from the rocks of the cave. Another interesting feature is the cool sulphur springs around the temple which provide a rejuvenating bath. Sahastradhara: The Hindi word ‘Sahastradhara’ literally means a thousand streams. It comprise sulphur springs and a 9 meter high waterfall and is located 14 km off Dehradun. A cave has formed at the base of the waterfall. Together all these make for a lovely picture and an excellent picnic spot. The water from the falls is believed to contain medicinal properties and is capable of curing even polio. The river Badli that flows near by is believed to have rejuvenating properties. Shakya Centre: This beautiful place, 12 km off Dehradun, has a popular Tibetan Gompa (temple). The Gompa decorated with aweinspiring frescoes remains a centre of attraction here. The place has a sizeable Tibetan population and the place offers you glimpses of the life in Tibet. There is another Gompa just 5 km from here. Malsi Deer Park: Lying in the foothills of the lesser Himalayas, this deer park can be reached after a 10-km drive from Dehradun. It houses some species of birds and animals, like the neelgai, ducks, deers etc. It is actually a stopover point for travelers on way to Mussoorrie. Nanda Devi National Park: This national park is situated around the Nanda Devi peak at an elevation of 7,817 meters. Established as a national park in 1982, covering an area of 630 sq. km., the Nanda Devi National Park and the nearby Valley of Flowers National Park is a designated World Heritage Site. Later it was awarded the special status of a Biosphere Resen/e. The wildlife here include the bharal, brown bear, common langur, goral, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan musk deer, leopard, serow and snow leopard. The avifauna found in this national park is the grosbeaks, rose finches, ruby throat and warblers.
