Shivam Singh A2325312014

My Vacations

The summer holidays are the days of recreation and rest since these days come after hard work. These days come after the completion of the exams. As the holidays began, I was enthused to plan for the period.

I was only thinking how to spend the vacation pleasantly, in visiting places. I sought permission from my parents to pay a visit to Dehradun, a place that has fame all over the country. I had a desire to visit an ancient temple. I had heard of the attractive features of Dehradun with all its pictures que beauty from one of my friends. Its climatic condition on account of its location close to the glacier further attracted my mind to pay a visit in summer.

Dehradun is the capital of Uttrakhand. It is located at 230 kms from Delhi. Dehradun is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north, Shivalik Hills in the south, the river Ganga in East & river Yamuna in the west.

How Dehradun name originated

“Dera” means “Camp” & “doon” means “valley”. According to the legend Guru Ramrai, the seventh Guru of Sikh set up a dera (Camp) here, the place is very close to Dehradun Railway station. Some people relate it with Guru Dhronacharaya also.

Places that I visited

Lacchi wala :– It is about 22 kms from Dehradun on Haridwar/Rishikesh road. It comes under the forest reserve area. Forest rest house is also available for the tourists. It is an ideal place for picnic, especially in summers as one can enjoy the surroundings near the water body as well as have a splash in pool or river.

Lakshman Siddh :- It is situated 12 kms away from Dehradun City on Haridwar / Rishikesh Road. It is believed that Lakshman had penance (Tapasiya) for killing the Ravana, hence this place is known as Lakshman Siddh.

One can spend hours in the calmness of silence. The temple is surrounded by forest.

There is Akhand Dhuni where ever day Hawan is performed. Two Rudraksh trees are also there.

The main Prasad of the temple is Jaggery . In every last Sunday of April the temple committee conducts a huge Bhandara.

Sahastradhara :- It means “thousand fold springs” an ideal place for picnic. There are three caves known as Shiva Cave, Parvati Cave & Inderesh Cave opposite to Baldi river. The way to Shiva’s cave is very slippery.

It is also famous for Cold sulphure springs where visitor take bath which helps in curing the skin infection. It contains Medicated / Therapeutic properties.

It can be visited at any time but the best time to visit is during rainy season when the streams appear of a gushing torrent.

Tapovan :- There is a Dronacharya Ashram. According to legend Dronacharya had done penance here. The ambience in and around this holy place is so divine that it sooths all the sorrow.

Kalinga war Memorial :- It is the only martyr memorial of its kind in history where victorious army built the memorial on the bank of river Rispana in memory of General GILASPY with other army men as well as Gorkha General BALBHADRA THAPA their adversary to pay tribute to their courage jointly.

Kalinga Fort :- Kalinga fort was known as Nalapani fort also. In 1814 the battle of Nalapani which took place between Gorkha Army & British Army. In this battle women & childen joined hand in fighting along with the Ghorkha Army against British Army. The British general GILASPY lost his life on 31st oct. 1814 with fellow military men. The most of the fort part was damaged during the war, gradually it was damaged. The only left over thing is a broken Trishul. Now a new monument has been built by authorities.

Shiva temple :- which is located about 20 km away from Dehradun on the Mussoorie Road. It is a private temple where you can not offer any donations. Initially, the temple was made for the personal use, but later it was opened for public. In Prasad they offer Rajma- Rice, Kadhi -Rice, Fried Rice. Tea is also served as Prasad.

The main source of earning of temple is variety of precious Gemstones, Pearls, Rudraksh etc sold in the temple premises.

Malsi Deer park :- Deer park is situated 10 km away from Dehradun city on Mussoorie road. It is placed at the base of Shivalik range. The park also houses a children park. The well maintained park is natural home to two horned deer, tiger, Nelgai & peacock. Unfortunately we could not visit Deer Park for the last so many years.

MDDA Park :- It is situated on Rajpur Road. It is designed in the trend of Step Farming. The view from the park is mesmerizing. It is advised to park the vehicle before you take the turn towards the park as there is a narrow road on the way to park(Gali).

Sai Temple :- The Sai temple is situated on Rajpur road gives the secular feeling in its zenith.

Built with glittering marble stone, this marvelous shrine present an eye spectacle to the visitors.

Tibetan Temple :- Adjacent to the Sai Temple , there is a Tibetan temple which is huge & colourful temple of Lord Buddha.

Robbers cave :- It is one of my favorite places in Dehradun. A magnificent spot that lies at the suburban area of Dehradun.

Dak Pathar :- It has emerged a wonderful tourist spot under Yamuna Hydel Scheme. It is situated at 45 kms from Dehradun City. Dak Pathar is a beautiful picnic spot for the localities. Apart from Dam there is a well maintained park to hangout.

Tapkeshwar Temple :-It is holy abode of Lord Shiva situated in the bank of rivulet. The temple comes under the Garhi cantt which is about 5-6 kms from Dehradun city. The name is self explanatory that water droplets originated from rock & fall on the shivling inside the cave.

FRI Museum :- It was established in 1906 , the FRI Dehradun is an international renowned Institute for conducting research & education in the field of forestry & Environment Sciences.

Mindrolling Monastery :- Mindrolling means “ place of perfect emancipation” in Tibetan language. It is situated in clement town in Dehra Dun which is a must watching place. The monastery was establised in 1965 by his eminence Khochhen Rinpoche.

As the college was to be opened on 8^th July, I had to put an end to my pleasure trip there. I had no much money make further journey. I had got the pleasure of sightseeing. Since I spent the vacation in moving new places I am ready for new semester subjects with a refreshed mind and a cheerful heart. I felt as if my journey to those Places increased my capacity for work.