March 2014, a visit to Dehradun/Mussoorie
The year March 2014. It was in the month of March that we two families decided to go on a weekend trip to Dehradun and Mussooire. What an awesome experience driving in our own cars from Delhi to Dehradun and Mussoorie and comng back halting, wherever we wanted. on the way. We started from Delhi, passing through Meerut, Roorke and finally reaching Dehradun, covering a total distance of approx 250 kms.
Why Dehradun is Famous
Dehradun is the capital city of the state of Uttarakhand and the city is situated in a wide valley, thus the monicker Doon Valley. The name Dehradun is a collection of two words dera meaning camp and dun meaning valley. It is a popular tourist destination and place to spend your retirement days as well.
School Capital of India
Dehradun is also the gateway to the beautiful hill station of Mussoorie. The entire Doon valley consisting of Dehradun and Mussoorie is famous for its educational facilities and infrastructure. In fact it is also known as the School Capital of India. Some of India’s finest schools like Doon School, Welham School for girls and boys, Oak Grove, Jesus and Mary, Wood Stock, St Josephs Academy, St Thomas, Scholars Home and many many more which are located here.
Management and Engineering Colleges in Dehradun
Not only school education but, it has good colleges and a number of management and engineering colleges according to a recent survey by the Higher Education Department of Uttarakhand Government. The elite Indian Military Academy (IMA) for training of Army Cadet Officers is also located here. Candidates join IMA after qualifying the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examinations and after rigorous training join as officers in the Indian Army. A number of cadets from foreign countries also undergo the training.
Best Time to Visit Dehradun
Dehradun is one place which can be visited any time of the year. Summer months are from May to Sep with maximum temperatures sometimes touching 40C. But once you go to Mussoorie it is absolutely fantastic. During winters especially Oct to Mar, one can come here to enjoy the natural beauty of the Doon Valley.
Best Tourist Places To Visit In Dehradun
There are so many magnificent attractions in Dehradun. However, few of the popular places are listed here. Due to paucity of time we could only visit FRI, Sahastradhara, Rajpur and Mussoorie.
Sahastradhara. A Mesmerizing Natural Attraction
Forest Research Institute. Botanical Gardens And More
Tapkeshwar Temple. Spirituality Amidst Wondrous Views
Malsi Deer Park. Best Of Flora And Fauna
Robbers Cave. A Unique Experience
Lachhiwala. For Adventurers And Nature Lovers
Paltan Bazaar. Shop All You Want
Maldevta. An Ideal Picnic Spot
Shikhar Fall Natures True Blessing
Mussoorie Queen of Hills
Mussoorie which is known as Queen of the Hills is located just 30 kms from Dehradun. It is amongst the the most popular hill stations in India. of the country. It is a paradise for tourists and especially honeymooners. It is both a holiday destination as well as a major educational hub as there are a number of good educational institutions.
Mussoorie, located at a height of 2005 m is spread over a 15 km long horseshoe ridge with the grand Himalayas as a backdrop. From this height is offers superb scenic view of the peaks of the Himalayas on one side and the Doon valley on the other side. Mussoorie is also the starting point or the base camp for trekking expeditions in the Garhwal Himalayas.