Tag: Dehra Dun

Perhaps best known for the institutions the British left behind – the huge Forest Research Institute Museum, the Indian Military Academy, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the Survey of India. In this article, I have highlighted some destinations and places that one should visit.   A Places to visit in Dehradun: Ram Rai Darbar  his unique mausoleum is made of white marble, and the four smaller tombs in the garden courtyard are those of Ram Rai’s four wives. Ram Rai, the errant son of the seventh Sikh guru, Har Rai, was excommunicated by his father. He formed his own Udasi sect, which still runs schools and hospitals. When Ram Rai died in 1687, Mughal emperor Aurang- Zeb ordered the building of the mausoleum. A free communal lunch of dhal, rice, and chapatis is offered to anyone who wants it, although a donation is appreciated.   Tapkeshwar Temple In a scenic setting on the banks of the Tons Nadi River, you’ll find an unusual and popular Shiva shrine inside a small, dripping cave, which is the site of the annual Shivaratri festival. Turn left at the bottom of the steps for the main shrine. Cross the bridge over the river to visit another one, where you have to squeeze through a narrow cave to see an image of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is about 5km north of the center. Take a rickshaw for ₹300 roundtrips.   Mussoorie Perched on a ridge 2km high, the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ vies with Nainital as Uttarakhand's favorite holiday destination. When the mist clears, views of the green Doon Valley and the distant white-capped Himalayan peaks are superb, and in the hot months, the cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air make a welcome break from the plains below. Although Mussoorie’s main bazaars can