Trip To Dehradun, Uttarakhand

At Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun

I believe that you take a vacation only when you are bored with the continuous, monotonous work which you have been doing for a long time. This situation is not frequent with me, but it is definitely periodic. 

The Trip to Dehradun and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India on 23rd November'13 and 24th November 2013 was definitely on the calender with regular, humdrum work. I forayed into booking train tickets for an outing to dehradun, a popular tourist destination in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

I booked the travel tickets (for departure as well as return) from IRCTC - Online Passenger Reservation System, 10 days prior to the trip to Dehradun. With everything planned, I boarded the train DDN Janshatabdi 12055 (Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Express) at 15:20 on 22nd November 2013 with my colleague Krishnendu Chatterjee, from New Delhi Railway Station. As per the tradition of Indian Railways, the train was 50 minute late in reaching the destination – Dehradun. We reached DDN station at around 2200 Hrs, from where we took an auto for INR80 to Laxmi Guest House – our accommodation for two nights. We had a late night dinner and booked a cab for the next day for Dehradun sightseeing.

Recommendation on Laxmi Guest House 

(http://www.lakshmiguesthouse.com/), Dehradun: The guest house is well build and provides good accommodation. The price for each room (during Nov'13) is also reasonable, INR 600/= per day.

The official first day of trip to dehradun, which included sightseeing at FRI and pilgrimage at Tapkeshwar Temple and Excursion to Robbers Cave/Guchhupani, Dehradun

After having good breakfast we started our intraday cab-trip at around 0900 Hrs. We saw the building of The Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (IMA) from outside, and cruised towards Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. The ambiance of FRI was very peaceful, blissful and enjoyable. After clicking few images and visiting the in-built museums, we continued our journey to the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun. After taking the blessings of the holy shivling, I got the feeling that my purpose of taking the break was successful. I also visited Vaisho Devi Gufa located at 2 minutes walking distance from Tapkeshwar Mahadaev Temple, Dehradun.

Waiting for Maggi at Robbers Cave/Guchhupani, Dehradun

Then, our next stops were Robbers Cave/Guchhupani and Sahastradhara. I enjoyed Guchhu Pani / Robber's Cave more than Sahastradhara. For me, the Robber's Cave was the second best tourist attraction in Dehradun, following the religious Tapkeshwar Temple. Thereon, we proceeded to Sahastradhara, where we simply roam around. 

Thereafter, the Clock Tower Market in Dehradun was on our list. Here, we had no choice but to walk through the market, purchase books and reach our temporary residence in Dehradun – Laxmi Guest House. At about 1800 Hrs, we had tea and butter-bread to make up for the dinner. Soon I took a nap and realized that the curtains have been pulled shut on our Trip to Dehradun, Uttrakhand. 

After the trip to Dehradun, we went to Haridwar for the Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat

We reached Dehradun ISBT at 1010 Hrs and boarded the Uttarakhand Government Transport to Haridwar. With some heavy traffic, we reached one of the 7 holiest Hindu places. First, we checked into our hotel and then visited the holy ghat. After taking a bath in the holy Ganges, I along with Krishnendu had some nice Cholle Bhature and Gulab Jamun, before going back to ghats for relaxation. From 1600 Hrs, we waited for the holy Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat. We witnessed it at 1730 Hrs, after which we relaxed at our hotel.

Finally, our return to New Delhi after the trip to dehradun, and haridwar

Next morning, we checked out at 0515 Hrs and reached Haridwar Railway Station at 0530 Hrs to board the train back to New Delhi - NDLS Jan Shatabdi 12056. The train arrived on time at 0620 Hrs and we boarded it for our journey back to the traditional, and monotonous office work.

Precis: Overall my trip to Dehradun, Uttrakhand was an expedition which not only provided me a much needed break, but also rejuvenated my soul by worshiping Lord Shiva at the tapkeshwar temple.

Quick Facts of Dehradun

• State: Uttarakhand
• Coordinates: 30.318°N 78.029°
• Languages: Hindi, English, and Sanskrit
• Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30)
• PIN code: 248001
• Telephone code: 91-135

Also read more about Robbers Cave - one of the must have stop on your itinerary of Trip to Dehradun by Clicking Here.