The trees that still grow in Dehra

Dehra Dun, one of the most beautiful cities of India, is the capital city of Uttarakhand. Located in the Garhwal region, it is 236 km north of New Delhi and is one of the main attractions of the NCR. It is located in the Doon Valley on the foothills of the Himalayas between two of India’s mightiest rivers – the Ganges and the Yamuna.

There are many legends related to the history of Dehra. According to Ramayana, Rama and Lakshman is said to have visited this place after the epic battle with Ravana. Legend also has it that Dhronacharya (the teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas in Mahabharata) set up his ashram or ‘dera’ here. Eventually, this ashram came to be known as Dehradun.

While visiting Dehra, there are some awesome places that you absolutely HAVE to visit- from the water spring at Sahastradhara that is rumoured to cure all skin diseases, to Kalsi- a small village, a few miles off Dehra, famous for its Asoka Pillar rock edict, built in 450 BC.

For animal lovers- one muct visit the Malsi Deer Park and the Rajaji National Park which has over 23 species of mammals and a whooping 315 species of birds!

Temples such as Tapkeshwar temple and Lakhamandal, where Duryodhana conspired to burn the Pandavas alive- adds to the asthetic beauty as well as the history of Dehra. Another interesting tourist spot is the Central Braille Press, which is India’s first Braille Press.

Las but not the least, if you’re visiting Dehra Doon, you’re obligated to visit Mussoorie. Situated between the Garhwal Himalayan Ranges, the Queen of Hills is absolutely one of the most beautiful hill stations in India!

Wow, that sounds pretty enticing, huh?

So the next time you close yet another Ruskin Bond book, and feel the urge to experience the place he wrote so much about, don’t forget to explore these places in your travelogue!

Bon Voyage!