Dehradun

Situated in the Doon Valley, in the Himalayan foothills, Dehradun is the capital of the state Uttarakhand and one of the oldest cities of India.

During the 16th and 17th century, the region had been under the reign of Guru Ram Rai, the Mughals and the Garwhal rulers until the British took over in 1815. Dehradun became an elite town under the British rule and home to many colleges, universities, hospitals and institutions such a The Forest Research Institute, Doon & Welham Schools, Indian Military Academy and The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.

Mussoorie and Rishikesh are each an hour’s drive away.

Uttaranchal has a tradition of handicrafts. Dehradun being the capital of the state has good market places. So you can easily find the specialties of Uttaranchal in the markets of Dehradun. Like all the Himalayan regions, Uttaranchal is also rich in forests. Abundance of wood has been the reason of exquisite woodcrafts prepared by the local artisans. Check out artifacts and utilities fashioned out of wood, bamboo and cane while shopping in Dehradun. Woolen garments mostly made by the Tibetan women are also popular items for shopping in Dehradun. Warm and beautiful sweaters, cardigans, shawls at dirt-cheap prices are available at the markets round the year. There are many places for shopping in Dehradun. Paltan Bazaar area, lined with various shops is very popular, and you may also check Rajpur Road and Ashley Hall areas.

TAPKESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE

Situated 6 km from the main city in the Garhi Cantonment area this cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside the cave water drips from the ceiling onto the shivling, which is why the temple got its name – literally meaning “dripping Shiva”.

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated on the bank of a river that adds to the beauty of the holy place. Legend goes that this small cave with its splendid scenery was once resided by Dronacharya – the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas in Hindu holy epic Mahabharata written by Ved Vyas. The cave is named Drona Cave after his name.

WORLD PEACE STUPA, DEHRADUN

In 1965, Khochhen Rinpoche and small group of monks began the process of re-establishing Mindrolling monastery in Dehradun, a 1 hours drive from Rishikesh. It now contains Ngagyur Nyingma College, one of the largest Buddhist institutes in India. Constructed to benefit all beings and dedicated to world peace, the World Peace Stupa was inaugurated on 28th of October, 2002.

The great stupa is 185 feet tall and 100 square feet in width. It is the world’s largest stupa and is a magnificent example of buddhist art and architecture. It is surrounded by a 2-acre landscaped garden

On the several floors inside the stupa are shrine rooms with elaborate murals excuted in the finest tradition of Tibetan Buddhist art. The interior walls are covered in hand-drawn images from the Buddha’s life. (You’re not permitted to take photographs inside the stupa.)

Duration of this trip: half a day (starting/returning to/from Rishikesh)