The Indian state of Uttarakhand’s capital, Dehradun, is situated close to the foothills of the Himalayas. The words “dera,” which means “home,” and “doon,” which refers to the valley between the Shivaliks and the Himalayas, are the origin of the name Dehradun. But should you visit Dehradun in Winter? The Doon Valley is another name for the city. One legend holds that Shri Ram Rai, the oldest child of the seventh Sikh guru Har Rai Ji, was responsible for the city’s moniker.
He is thought to have established a camp, or “dera,” in the Doon Valley with his followers. Dehradun is the name given to it as a result. The Dehradun district has a temperate climate, although depending on where you live, it can get rather cold. Dehradun’s temperature does not go below zero even if the hills surrounding the district receive a lot of snow throughout the winter.
Summer temperatures typically range from 27 to 40 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures range from 2 to 24 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, there is a lot of rain. On the slopes, winter is moderate; however, the Doon Valley is heated. Agriculture is thriving in this area thanks to the water and excellent land that are readily available.
While en route to Mussoorie and other adjacent hill towns, many people pass up the chance to see Dehradun’s numerous undiscovered gems. Dehradun offers a variety of activities, such as visiting caves and monasteries, marketplaces, temples, shrines, temples, market areas, waterfalls, and healing springs.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT DEHRADUN IN WINTER?
Dehradun is a beautiful location that is accessible all year round. Every season brings a different appeal to this lovely city. When visiting over different seasons, travelers should see Dehradun as a unique location. But since the city is completely shrouded in mist throughout the winter, it is said that this is the finest time to visit Dehradun.
Everyone enjoys snowfall, and people take quick journeys during this time. While you can enjoy the snow, make sure to bring warm, thick wool clothing because the temperature may drop significantly at night. Winter is the perfect time to visit many tourist destinations and overlooks while enjoying the lovely winter sun.
In Dehradun, the winter season lasts from October to February. The weather begins to cool off a little at the end of October. Dehradun’s winter season begins in December, and lows of 3 degrees Celsius are not uncommon. Winters are ideal for wildlife viewing in Jim Corbett National Park and rafting in Rishikesh.
Monsoon season is the prettiest time to visit the Valley of Flowers. The January Magh Mela is a well-known occasion that you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Dehradun during the winter. There is also the Jhanda Mela, which the Sikh community observes in March. In the winter, hotels are often frequently expensive, therefore reservations are required in advance.
The Uttarayani Fair takes place at this time in Bageshwar, Ranibagh, and Hanseswari, among other places in the Kumaon region. The festival’s celebrations, large crowds of worshippers, and swimming in the River Saruya are its highlights.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS IN DEHRADUN
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Mussoorie:
One of the most well-known hill resorts in the nation is Mussoorie, sometimes referred to as Queen of the Hills. One of the best hill places for viewing new snow is Mussoorie. You will have a fantastic time if you come here in the winter, between December and February. This is the best time to visit Mussoorie in winter.
Mussoorie’s harsh climate may be felt throughout the entire city if you go there in December. Therefore, dress appropriately because the temperature during the month might range from 0°C to 12°C. You should pack warm clothing because the days and nights are both cool.
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Auli:
Auli is a well-known hill town and a well-liked winter getaway in India. Known for its snowy slopes, Auli features everything a perfect vacation destination would have, including Himalayan Views, Meadows, adventurous activities, romantic vistas, cable cars, and much more.
Auli is a well-known hill resort in the Himalayan range founded in the eighth century. Auli is abundant in natural beauty, with apple orchards, ancient oaks, and pine trees. Around Auli, there are numerous religious sites. A ski resort and a shop for renting skis are operated by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVL).
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Chopta:
Chopta has some delightful wintertime delights in store for you. Chopta has the magic if you wish to see Uttarakhand’s best snowfall. This time of year, there are unusual plants and animals, enticing mountains covered in snow, and greens that have turned white. These resorts are incredibly opulent and provide a wonderful experience for you. But while you’re here, don’t forget to stop by the Deoria Tal, Koteshwar Temple, Chandrashila Trek, and Kartik Swami Temple.
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Chakrata:
Winters in Chakrata are snowy, so clothing made of strong wool is necessary. The winter months of Chakrata are the most tranquil and isolated. Wintertime is when Chakrata offers the greatest views of the snow-capped Himalayas. During the winter, Chakrata offers BBQs and bonfires. Camping, hiking, and bird viewing are among the exciting things that may be enjoyed this season.
HOW TO REACH DEHRADUN?
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is easily reachable from most areas of the nation thanks to its excellent transportation infrastructure, including highways, trains, and air. It is conveniently accessible from several locations in India and is 235 kilometers from Delhi. Dehradun and Chandigarh are only separated by 183 kilometers, and many people travel there by car.
You can even employ buses from Agra, Kullu, Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh, among other locations, both public and private. If you prefer to travel the train, there are numerous departures from places such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, etc. at the Dehradun Railway Station. The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is located outside the city.
