The name ‘Dehradun’ has been derived from two distinct words- ‘Dehra’(from ‘dera’) meaning home and ‘Doon’ meaning a valley between Himalayas and Shivaliks (Dehradun lies in the Doon valley). When Guru Ram Rai visited this place with his followers, he set up a camp here. Around this time, the modern city of Dehradun began developing. Many historians have opined that ‘Dehra’ can be used to refer to camping, thus the name ‘Dehradun’. Several parts of the Garhwal and Kumaon region, including Dehradun, were a part of the United Provinces- later named as the state of Uttar Pradesh. In the year 2000 under Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the state of Uttarakhand (formerly known as Uttaranchal) was carved out of the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun was made the interim capital.
Nestled amidst the Doon Valley in the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a very popular hill station that beckons solo travellers, families and couples alike. Proudly boasting of a scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas, Dehradun is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year round. Regardless of whether you want to explore family-friendly tourist spots, try thrilling adventure activities with your friends, or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your partner amidst the mountains, Dehradun is the answer.
As you would expect from a city located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun abounds in caves, waterfalls and natural springs. One such extremely popular spot is Robber's Cave, which is a natural cave surrounded by hills. Dip your feet in the ice-cold water or walk through it - travellers are free to take their pick, making Robber's Cave one of the most popular picnic and excursion spots in the city. Another popular spot for nature lovers is Lacchiwala, where you can sit and enjoy a relaxing sunset around the man-made lake and the lush greenery around it. Lacchiwala also has arrangements for trekking and birdwatching, if you're up for it.
Things to do
Yoga
Yoga Retreat In Rishikesh India picked up ubiquity everywhere throughout the world with yoga practices driving one's body to its fullest potential. Yoga derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yog’ which, means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’, Yoga is practiced to attain a perfect harmony of mind, body, and soul. It is believed that Yoga is a union with God to live a contended, peaceful and balanced life. Passed down several generations by yogis, rishis, and seers, it acts as a way to offer liberation and expansion of human consciousness. Yoga is an ancient practice to attain physical, mental and spiritual discipline to attain a state of holistic wellbeing.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is a most revered sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh and is situated on the banks of Ganges River. It is of belief that those who take a dip in water at Triveni Ghat washes away all the sins and purifies the soul and will have salvation, a relief from all sins carried out; the water at Triveni Ghat has the power to purify them. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath at Triveni Ghat and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.According to Hindu Mythology and is also mentioned in the epics Ramayan and Mahabharat. The Triveni Ghat is also where the chattri of Lord Krishna was constructed. In fact, the ghat is considered to be the cremation ground for the great Lord Krishna.
Rafting
The thrilling adventure of river-rafting on the rapids of the Ganges can be enjoyed in Rishikesh during any season except monsoon. River-rafting in Rishikesh remains closed from 1st July to 15th September. Though the peak season for rafting is March, it can be best enjoyed from mid-September when the river is opened for rafting to the beginning of December when the water starts to turn too cold.
How To Reach
BY FLIGHT
Nearest airport is Dehra Dun Airport.
Rishikesh
15 km away
Dehra Dun Airport (DED), Dehradun, Uttarakhand
BY TRAIN
Haridwar to Rishikesh on regular basis.
Haridwar
27 km away
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
BY BUS
There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Kedarnath.
Rishikesh
42 km away
Via Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh
230 km away
Via Delhi