Things to do in Dehra Dun
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China King & Ginger ‘N’ Garlic
Two restaurants in one, this bright, spotless fast-food place specialises in all things Chinese, from dim sum and chicken wings to chow mein. Upstairs, Ginger ’n’ Garlic has a more Indian flavour with North Indian veg and nonveg standards. Down below is a branch of New Zealand Natural Ice-cream.
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Forest Research Institute Museum
The prime attraction of this museum is the building itself. Set in a 500-hectare park, the institute – where most of India’s forest officers are trained – is larger than Buckingham Palace and is one of the Raj’s grandest buildings. Built between 1924 and 1929, designed by CG Blomfield, this red-brick colossus has Mughal towers, perfectly formed arches and Roman columns in a series of quadrangles edged by elegant cloisters. Six huge halls have rather old-fashioned and dry displays on every aspect of forestry in India. Highlights include beautiful animal, bird and plant paintings by Afshan Zaidi, exhibits on the medicinal uses of trees, and a cross- section of a 700-year-ol…
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Ram Rai Darbar
This unique mausoleum is made of white marble, and the four smaller tombs in the garden courtyard are those of Ram Rai’s four wives. The entrance gate is adorned with colourful murals. 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, one of his supporters, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, ordered the building of the mausoleum. As in other gurdwaras (Sikh temples), a free communal lunch of dhal, rice and chapatis is offered to anyone who wants it, although a donation is appreciated.
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Mindrolling Monastery
The region around Dehra Dun is home to a thriving Tibetan Buddhist community, mainly focused on the Mindrolling Monastery, about 10km south of the centre in Clement Town. Everything about the monastery is on a grand scale: it boasts a large college, manicured gardens and the five-storey Great Stupa. At over 60m tall, it’s believed to be the world’s tallest stupa and contains a series of shrine rooms displaying relics, murals and Tibetan art. Presiding over the monastery is the impressive 35m-high gold Buddha Statue, dedicated to the Dalai Lama.
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Tapkeshwar Temple
In a scenic setting on the banks of the Tons Nadi River, is an unusual and popular Shiva shrine inside a small, dripping cave. The shrine is the site of the popular annual Shivaratri festival. Turn left at the bottom of the steps for the main shrine, and cross the bridge over the river to visit another cave shrine. Squeeze through a narrow cave to see an image of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is about 5km north of the centre.
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Maa Cozy Coffee Lounge
Dehra Dun’s coolest hang-out, Maa Cozy is an Arabian-style lounge where you can smoke a fruit sheesha (water pipe; Rs150 to Rs185) while reclining on Middle Eastern cushions and rugs. Has a big range of tea, coffee and cold drinks, and the sheesha flavours range from cola to jasmine.
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Motimahal
Locals consistently rate Motimahal as one of the best midrange diners along Rajpur Rd. An interesting range of veg and nonveg includes Goan fish curry and Afghani murg (chicken), along with traditional South Indian fare and Chinese food.
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Sarv Handicraft Emporium
This small store has a great range of crafts and clothes with striking designs at reasonable prices. Money raised here benefits women working in Himalayan villages who have few employment opportunities.
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Yeti Restaurant
This intimate little restaurant specialises in spicy Thai and Chinese cuisine with tasty tom yum, green curry and stir-fried prawns. There’s a nice little courtyard terrace at the front.
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Geology Museum
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has a small museum that covers local rocks, glaciers and earthquakes. Fossils include a dinosaur egg and stacks of teeth.
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Ellora’s Melting Moments
Often packed with local families, Ellora’s is a fast-food institution serving up pizza, sandwiches, burgers, sweets and lassis (yoghurt-and-iced-water beverages).
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Kumar Vegetarian & South Indian Restaurant
Super South Indian dosas (lentil-flour pancakes) and thalis (‘all-you-can-eat’ meals) are served in this clean, busy restaurant.
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Barista
Barista is a popular modern café with board games and an excellent bookshop.
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Cafe Coffee Day
Cafe Coffee Day is a chain place that does great coffee, shakes and snacks.
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Polo Bar
One of the more salubrious of Dehra Dun’s many hotel bars, this one is at Hotel President.
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English Book Depot
CDs, trekking books and maps are available, and there is a Barista cafe attached.
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Natraj Booksellers
Specialises in ecology, spirituality, local books and local author Ruskin Bond.
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