Established by the British the Institute is one of the finest of its kind in the world. All Forest Officers in India are trained here. This thickly forested sanctuary spreads all the way to Dehradun. Most of the forest officers are a product of this institute. The FRI with its majestic building also houses a Botanical Museum. It is one of the finest institutions in the world and stands in extensive grounds amongst fine plantations of many species of forest wealth. The Institute maintains six museums, covering various disciplines, which are open to public. Across the six galleries of the museum are laid out some of the best collections of specimens of flora and fauna.
This forest range is one of the finest ecological reserve in the valley of the Shivalik Mountain Ranges. It has quite a variety of flora and fauna. There is not only dense forest cover but also fine grass lands and this supports a large number of mammals of different species. The best season to go for a tour of the park is between November to the middle of June. A safari through the park is going to be an experience for you.
The Dehradun valley is famous for water sport and if you really want a taste of it, head straight for the Asan Barrage. Situated along the Chandigarh-Shimla highway, this popular water sport resort is only 43 km away from the city of Dehradun. There are a number of water sports like water skiing, kayaking, boating, canoeing, rowing, etc. that you can enjoy here. During winter it becomes a favorite destination for bird watchers as the reservoir in the vicinity attracts a lot of migratory birds.
Malsi Deer Park in Dehradun is one of the major tourist attractions of the Doon Valley. Malsi Deer Park is approximately 10 kilometers from Dehradun, the capital of Uttaranchal.
The park is a beautifully developed mini-zoological park that lies at the foothills of the Shivalik range. It also has a park for children and surrounded by beautiful landscape. Along with the attractive environs, the availability of refreshments make the place ideal for picnic. The park is a home to neelgai, two horned deer and a variety of birds which makes it an ideal excursion site and attract tourists of all age groups. The tourists en route to Mussoorie can take a break over here.
Popularly known as Guchhu Pani, it is situated 8 kms. from Dehradun and is an ideal picnic spot surrounded by hills. Water vanishes underground only to reappear after a few yards in the form of a stream.
The meaning of the name of this wonderful waterfall is "thousand fold stream". At a distance of only 11 km, from the city of Dehradun, this wonderful waterfall will surely tease you out of your thought. The Baldi river and the caves will give you a breathtaking view of the wonderful scenery of the place. Near this place of perpetual shower, there is a sulphur spring. The presence of chemicals in the water is said to be very useful in curing different types of skin diseases.
38 Kms from Dehradun is Mussoorie with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill station. It offers a wonderful view of the Himalayan snow ranges to the north-east and the Doon Valley., Roorkee, Saharanpur and Haridwar to the South, creating an almost serene atmosphere for the tourists. Mussoorie is also a Gateway to the “Gangotri” and the “Yamunotri” shrines.
Mussoorie, the queen of hill stations, is famous for its scenic beauty, gay social life and entertainment. The excellent climate makes it an attractive holiday resort. Thronged by holidayers, it vibrates with gaiety and merry making during the summer season. There are no steep inclines and the more adventurous can undertake enjoyable excursions to various beauty spots in the vicinity. The Badrinath, Kedarnath, Bandar-poonch, Sri Kantha and Nanda Devi peaks can be seen from here. Camel's back hill can be reached by electric trolly. The top commands a very beautiful view both of the hills as well as the valley. On clear days, one can see even the Ganga and the Yamuna from here. Mussoorie is well connected by roads with Dehra Dun, Delhi, Roorkee and Saharanpur.
It is associated with Ram. According to legend, hare he came on the advice of sage Vasishtha to do penance for killing Ravana. the king of Lanka. There are scores of ancient temples and ashrams affording spiritual solace to pilgrims, the important among them being temple of Bharata Pushkar temple, Shatrughan temple, Lahkhsmana temple, Geeta Bhawan and the Punjab Kshetra. Rishikesh, also known as the “place of sagas” is a spiritual town situated 24 kms upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of “Hrishikesh” had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name. It is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage and an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in medtation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventure seekers, Rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. Also, International Yoga week which attracts participation from across the world, is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the Ganga.
Approximately 5 kms from Dakpathar, is an Ashoka Pillar Rock Edict, built in 450 B.C., which represents the post-warfare era when king Ashoka converted himself to the Buddhist faith. The edicts ever aimed at the moral elevation of his people. One such edict at Kalsi is made of quartz which is 10ft long and 8ft broad. ‘Gajottam’ meaning ‘the most excellent elephant’ is inscribed on the right side of the rock and is engraved in Brahmi script in the eatern dialect of Magadhi, the then official language. The National Archaeological Department has taken the responsibility of preserving the edict having a high historical significance. The scenic beauty around Kalsi is picturesque. From the Yamuna upto Kalsi the land on the western bank of the river is formed in tow successive ledges, each about 30 metres high. Near the foot of the upper ledge is the Kalso stone containing one of Ashoka's Edicts.
Chakrata known for its serene environs and pollution-free atmosphere, is situated at a distance of 98 kms from Dehradun at an elevation of about 7000 ft(2118 mts). It is having a cantonement township and the northern part of Chakrata sub-division provides a fascinating landscape for trekkers and nature lovers. Virgin forests of conifers, rhododendrons and oaks are best suited for long walks. A vast dense forest, dotted with attractive villages of the Jaunsari tribe, the area has the 10,000 ft(3084 mts) high peak of Kharamba. On its northern slopes is situated Mundali 9000 ft(2776 mts) where in the months of November to April skiers can enjoy skiing.
About 5.5 km from the city bus stand you will find one of the most ancient places of worship in in Dehradun. This temple is situated on the bank of a small stream. The name of the temple is given because of droplets of water that fall on the rock. On the occasion of Shivratri, thousands assemble to pray to the God. This beautiful temple is a must see tourist place in Dehradun.
Ascenic place on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Tapovan holds a significant impact in the religious spectrum of Dehradun. The popular belief is that this is the place, where Dronachrya had undergone his penance. Now, this place is full of Sadhus and sages who believes that atonements and penance are the only way to appease the almighty.
Bounded by the lush foliage and the sweet sound of the majestic river, the ambiance in and around this holy place is so divine that it sooths all the sorrows. Chanting of rituals and Vedas adds the holiness of the serene spot. Placed adjacent to the city, this place is frequented by tourists who throng here to witness to the rituals and other religious ceremonies.
Ram Rai, the 7th Sikh Guru, established the famous Ram Rai Gurudwara in the early 17th century in Dehradun. Ram Rai Gurudwara is one of the oldest Gurudwaras in this hill station that has gained the accolades as a popular pilgrimage centre. Built with the patronage of the then ruler of Dehradun, Ram Rai Gurudwara boasts of a legend behind the construction of it. It says that Guru Ram Rai was thrown away from his native place, settled down at the valley and constructed this shrine
This gurudwara houses all the features of a typical Sikh shrine. The most holy book Adigrantha adorns the center of the shrine. Other important places include places like the large dining room where meals are served to all at free of cost and the free utility rooms. Like all other Gurudwaras, here also all are welcomed to offer their prayers irrespective of their caste and creed. The serene and tranquil ambiance of this shrine would be clothed with a festive mood at the annual festival of Jhanda mela or the celebration of flags, which is held after holi.
The Sakya Centre situated in Rajpur, Dehradun is the personal monastery of His Holiness Sakya Trizin. It is the main Centre for Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and was established by His Holiness in 1964. The Centre is a registered non-profit society catering to the needs of society without any bias. The Centre is now a thriving community of more than 200 monks ranging in age from five to eighty. Most of the monks come from Tibet while some come from India, Nepal, Bhutan and other neighboring regions. Most of the students are orphans or from very poor families.
Mindrolling, which means "Place of Perfect Emancipation" in Tibetan language, is a renowned monastery of the Nyingma sect. Rigzin Tendak Lingpa established it in 1676. This monastery witnessed numerous attacks and natural calamities and its present structure is the contribution of Khochhen Rinpoche. Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist Viharas in India, which exhibits architectural marvel. A center of excellence, this monastery is dedicated to learn the Buddhist scriptures and other fields of academic interest such as Tibetan lunar calendar, astronomy, Traditional Tibetan medicine and calligraphy. Mindrolling monastery also holds Ngagyur Nyingma College, one of the biggest Buddhist institutions in India. It is astonishing to grasp that this Monastery is imparting training to the upcoming monks and yogis for more than 300 years. The head of this Monastery is accorded a great reverence from the people all over the world who believe in the preaching of Buddha.
