Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Dehradun is one of the old cities of India. Also known as the "abode of Sage Drona", Dehradun has always been an important center of Garhwal rulers which was conquered by the British. The headquarters of many National Institutes like ONGC, Survey of India, and IIP etc are located in the city. Dehradun also has a string of premier educational institutes like the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), and the Indian Military Academy (IMA) besides a host of public schools. It is a favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts from all walks of life to its serene environs. Added to this is the abundance of special Basmati rice, tea and leechi garden which contribute in making the city into a paradise.

Tapkeshwar Temple
The Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun is an ancient place of worship. The Tapkeshwar Temple is about 5.5 kilometers from the city center. The Tapkeshwar Temple is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the Garhi Cantonment area, this temple is an important tourist destination of the hill city. The Tapkeshwar Temple of Dehradun is linked to the city with well maintained roads and witnesses thousands of tourists visiting the temple to pay their obeisance to the deity.
It is a significant temple of the capital city and set on the bank of a seasonal river in a damp cave. This river enters the cave temple where the water drips from the ceiling on a Shiv Linga. The Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun derives its name 'Tapkeswar' from the natural dripping of the water drops over the shrine from the rocks of the cave. Then the water vanishes underground only to reappear after a few yards in the form of stream. Cool sulphur springs around the temple make it an excellent bathing spot for pilgrims. Robber's Cave
An ideal place for picnic, Robber's Cave is 8 Km from the City Bus Stand in Garhi Cantt area. The last one kilometer is to be trekked to reach this beautiful cave formed by a natural cleft in a mountain. Through this flows a very cold stream of water. The darkness of the cave combined with the sound of the fast flowing stream gushing past the feet gives it an eerie touch. Tapovan
It is located near Raipur-Sahastradhara crossing. It is famous for its beautiful surroundings. The site reverberates with chanting of Vedic hymns sung by hermits that soothe the mind of the visitors. It is a common sight to find hermits even today doing all sorts of penance to appease the Gods in Tapovan. Its location is approx 5 Km from Dehradun. Kalanga Monument
Located east of the Dehradun-Sahastradhara route, the Kalanga monument recalls the 180 year old battle fought between the British and the Garhwalis. Perched on the hill top, 1000 ft over the bank of river Rispana, the monument represents the history of the rulers of Garhwal. Sahashradhara
Sahashradhara is a cold sulphur water spring and an ideal place for family Picnics. The Baldi River and the caves adjoining the site provide a breathtaking view. It is situated 14 Km from the city bus stand and is connected by a regular bus service and private taxis. Chandrabani
Situated seven kms from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Delhi route is the famous temple of Chandrabani (Gautam Kund). According to mythology, this spot was inhabited by Maharshi Gautam, his wife and daughter Anjani who is widely worshiped by the people. It is believed that the daughter of heaven, Ganga, had manifested herself on this spot which is now popularly known as the Gautam Kund. Every year devotees, in large numbers, take a dip in this holy kund. Located amidst the Shivalik hills, the place is a beautiful tourist spot. Sai Darbar
Situated 8 Kms from the Clock Tower on Rajpur road is the Sai Darbar Temple. This place holds a high cultural and spiritual value and is visited by tourists from all over the country and abroad. Tibetan Temple
Situated on Rajpur Road, adjacent to the Sai Darbar, is the Tibetan Temple, devoted to Lord Buddha marked by its Tibetan traditional ambience. Malsi Deer Park
Ten Kms from Dehradun, en route to Mussoorie this tourist spot is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik range. Malsi Deer Park is a mini-zoological park comprising a children's park enveloped by beautiful, natural surroundings. The attractive environs and the availability of refreshments make the place ideal for a picnic. Lachhiwala
Twenty two kms short of Dehradun while approaching from Hardwar-Rishikesh is Lachhiwala. An extension of the Rajaji National Park, it is a serene and blissful spot amidst Deodar trees with a running supply of water all year round. Forest Research Institute
Seven kms from Clock Tower and just short of IMA is the magnificent building of the Forest Research Institute. FRI was built by the British to impart forestry training in India. The main building houses some museums relating to different facets of forestry and its studies. Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy is co-located with the FRI. This premier institution is devoted to train IFS trainees of India. Wadia Institute
From an intersection along the Chakrata Road, five kms from Clock Tower on General Mahadeo Singh Marg is located the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. The institute houses a unique museum on the Uttaranchal Glaciers. Bhagirathi Resorts
An 18 Kms drive along Chakrata Road, Bhagirathi resorts is in Sela Qui village. It provides a clear view of the majestic Himalayan ranges. The resort lures tourists with its swimming pool, water slides, and fountains. Mussoorie
Thirty eight Kms from Dehradun is Mussoorie. With its green hills and varied flora and fauna, Mussoorie is a fascinating hill station. Also referred as the Queen of Hills, it offers wonderful views of the Himalayan snow ranges to the north east and the Doon valley, Roorkee, Saharanpur and Haridwar to the South. Mussoorie was discovered by Captain Young, an adventurous military officer in 1827. He was lured by the extraordinary beautiful ridge and laid the foundation of Mussoorie. Bhadraj temple, Mussoorie Lake, Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary, Camel's Back Road, Childer's Lodge, Nag Devta Temple, Kempty Fall, Yamuna Bridge, Surkhanda Devi, Dhanolti etc are the places to visit in and around Mussoorie.