Famous Tourist Places in Dehradun
Most Famous Tourist Places in Dehradun
- Sahastradhara
- Robbers Cave
- Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Clock Tower Dehradun
- Daat Kali Temple
- Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib
- Malsi Deer Park
- Laxman Sidh Temple
- Sai Darbar Temple
1. Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara, a minor tourist attraction with caves and waterfalls around 18 kilometres from Dehradun, is a hub for travellers from all across India. Sahastradhara is a vast collection of water pools where water drips from limestone stalactites and turns into sulphur springs.
Bathing in Sahastradhara is regarded auspicious because the water contains therapeutic properties that can help people with problems such as muscle aches, poor blood circulation, acne, and even arthritis. A ropeway near Sahastradhara transports visitors to a high point from which they can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Joyland Water Park, which is close to Sahastradhara, is also a must-see.
2. Rober’s Cave
The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, one of Dehradun’s most prominent spiritual tourism spots, is packed with people paying their homage to Lord Shiva. Tapkeshwar Temple is noted for having one of the earliest Shivlings in the cave, which is located on the bank of the seasonal Asan River near Dehradun. The name of the temple comes from the water dripping from the cave’s roof. The cave gets its water from the river it sits next to, which finally flows down to the Shiv Ling. This water gradually sinks below, only to resurface as a stream a little distance from the temple. There is also a sacred bathing spring where worshippers can bathe.
The temple is mentioned in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharat, which was written in ancient India. According to legend, Guru Dronacharya, the Pandava and Kauravas’ teacher, lived in caves for a long period and meditated to gather knowledge and proficiency in military actions such as archery. Also in the Drona Cave, Guru Dronacharya and his wife, Kripi, we’re blessed with a baby boy, Ashwathama, and milk began to flow from the cave due to Lord Shiva’s abilities for Ashwathama, who required it. Drona Cave, named after Guru Dronacharya, is a cave among the temples. The Tapkeshwar Fair, which takes place during Shivratri, brings the temple to life. During this time, don’t forget to get bhog prasad, Bhaang Pakode, and Bhaang juice.
4. Mindrolling Monastery
Mindrolling Monastery, one of the Nyingma school’s six monasteries, was founded by Khochhen Rinpoche in 1965. Mindrolling Monastery, which is located 10 kilometres from Clement Town, offers a spectacular perspective over the nearby town. The monastery was established to revitalise India’s Mindrolling Monastery. Everything about the monastery is grand: the Great Stupa, which stands over 60 metres tall and houses a succession of shrine rooms with relics, frescoes, and Tibetan art, is considered one of the world’s highest stupas. The monastery is ruled over a 35-meter-high gold Sakyamuni Buddha Statue dedicated to the Dalai Lama. Mindrolling Monastery began to grow a few years after its founding, and it is now the largest Buddhist centre in the country.
Mindrolling Monastery is regarded by all Nyingma masters, teachers, and followers as an inspiring example of Vajrayana Buddhism’s profound Dharma practice. The Mindrolling monastery also houses Nagyur Nyingma College, one of the largest Buddhist institutes in the world. This cutting-edge institute educates monks in order to preserve the teachings’ unbroken legacy and pass them on to the next generation of practitioners. Over 300 monks are being educated by the Mindrolling organisation, which includes primary, secondary, and post-secondary education as well as research. The Mindrolling organisation has a well-stocked library and retreat centre, as well as a branch for nuns and western retreatants who are responsible for the Jetsunma line’s preservation.
The interiors and exteriors of the Mindrolling Monastery contain some of the most spectacular specimens of Buddhist art. A massive stupa is ringed by massive prayer wheels. There is also a Buddha Garden with a big standing Buddha keeping a careful eye, surrounded by a fence with dozens of large prayer wheels. A Tibetan Refuge Colony of Clement Town is located next to Mindrolling Monastery.
5. Clock Tower Dehradun
Bishop Daniel Wilson of Calcutta (now Kolkata) laid the foundation stone for this church in 1844, and it is named for him. Bishop Wilson, according to folklore, was forced to stay in an unfinished cottage at the edge of the surrounding forest during his visit owing to illness. As a result, the church was given the name St. John in the Wilderness Church since the bishop had to spend a long time in the wilderness of the forest. Jim Corbett, the famous hunter and naturalist, was a devout member of this chapel and frequented it for prayers.
The fundamental and primary hallmarks of St. John in the Wilderness Church, Nainital, are the exquisite Neo-Gothic building, tall deodar and pine trees, divine ambience, stained glass windows, and eerie yet positive air of the graveyard.
As one of the oldest structures, this church is frequently visited by architects interested in learning more about Neo-Gothic architecture. A graveyard on the backside of the chapel is dedicated to those who died in the catastrophic landslide of 1880. Within the church’s grounds, a brass memorial with their names has been built.
6. Daat Kali Temple
The Daat Kali Temple, which was founded on June 13, 1804, is a popular stop for visitors on a spiritual tour of Dehradun. According to locals, the shrine was built during the construction of the Dehradun-Saharanpur route. Maa Kali appeared in the dream of an engineer working on a national highway project, giving him an idol of Goddess Kali and instructing him to build a shrine here. Sacred to Goddess Kali, here you can light the flames that have been blazing constantly since 1921. The Daat Kali Temple performs a car puja, a Hindu ceremony, to bless the vehicle and protect it from negative influences. Villagers and visitors from the surrounding area visit on a daily basis.
7. Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib Dehradun
The Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara should be visited by tourists who are on a spiritual tour of Dehradun. Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara is Dehradun’s oldest Sikh pilgrimage place, having been built in the 17th century. Ram Rai, the eldest son of Sri Har Raj Ji, the seventh Guru of Sikhs, commissioned the Gurudwara’s construction. Ram Rai was expelled from his town because he was not ready to take over the position as a Sikh Guru, according to one of the myths related to the temple’s history.
Ram Rai then attempts to settle in Dehradun and builds this sacred Gurudwara. The Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara Darbar Sahib is currently the most well-known holy centre of the Sikh community’s Udaseen sect. The gurudwara’s structure, which includes domes, minarets, and murals, is the best example of Indo-Islamic architectural style. The Darbar Sahib is still visited by people of all classes, castes, and creeds. Both free and low-cost lodging are available at the Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara. Many notable educational institutions, including a Medical College, a hospital, and a charitable foundation, are run by the Gurudwara Association. Jhanda Fair, which is held every year on the fifth day of Holi in honour of Guru Ram Rai, includes a flag-hosting competition.
8. Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park is a small zoological park located 10 kilometres from Dehradun in the Shivalik range’s foothills. Species including deer, monkeys, peacocks, two-horned deer, and Neelgai live in rocky and forested habitats. Migratory birds from all over India flock to the park. A children’s park and a well-stocked canteen are located within the Malsi deer park. For bird watchers and nature lovers, Malsi Deer Park is a must-see.
9. Laxman Sidh Temple Dehradun
Saint Swami Laxman Siddh was cremated at Laxman Sidh Temple, a prominent tourist attraction near Dehradun. This was also the location where Laxman, Lord Ram’s brother, went to repent after killing the evil king Ravana. Thousands of disciples assemble every Sunday for a fair to pay their respects at the temple’s shrine. The fair on the last Sunday of April is considered lucky. The temple is 12 kilometres from Dehradun city and can be reached by state-owned buses and taxis. Tourists will have to walk a kilometre from the cab or bus stop to reach the main temple.
10. Sai Darbar Temple Dehradun
Sai Darbar Temple, Rajpur Road, is a spiritual haven for Sai Baba followers. It is the epitome of simplicity and peace. The Sai Darbar Temple is entirely made of marble and contains a lovely idol of Sai Baba in the centre of the vast hall. Every Thursday at Sai Baba Mandir, there is a prasad Bhandara devoted to Sai Baba. People from various walks of life come to present chadar, flowers, and sweets at the shrine. The main city is 8 kilometres away from Sai Darbar Temple. To get to the main shrine, tourists can take an auto or a bus from Dehradun.
Apart from its breathtaking beauty, Dehradun is a popular destination for religious and cultural sightseeing, as well as shopping, amusement parks, trekking, camping, and other activities. Here’s a quick rundown of 15 Dehradun attractions you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.
Travel Video: Sahastradhara Dehradun