[vigsom]

Introduction

This is a showcase of some experiences on a trip I undertook to Dehradun, with a couple of attractions thrown in. With the limited areas that I'd visited, I'm just sharing with you all on what to expect and what not to in Dehradun and surroundings.

Summary

1. Jolly Grant Airport is jolly good barring a few opportunities for improvement
2. Rishikesh offers a fantastic view of Ganga, but has its own associated irritants in the form of pestering by guides and God-men
3. Mussoorie offers awesome views,but the biggest sore point is irresponsible drivers, especially from outside, who don't follow hill driving protocols
4. Weather was disappointing at all places - Rishikesh and Dehradun were sultry, while Mussoorie wasn't as cool as one would assume

[vigsom]

Dehradun - Jolly Grant Airport

The new Terminal building at the Jolly Grant Airport is quite nice. As soon as once exits the aircraft, one gets a class feel while moving into the terminal, but the moment one looks for signage to the washroom, the first impression gets kind of lost.

1. The washroom signage is on a plastic banner. The washroom, however, didn't disappoint.
2. As one moves to the baggage reclaim area, one will notice a ramp for luggage to come in and get delivered at the belt. Maybe this problem is only with belt no.4. Result - baggage getting delivered gets stuck at the right angle bend, resulting in the belt stopping.
3. Once just out of the terminal, the impressive view is marred by the taxi mafia at work. The two popular taxi aggregators pick up passengers, only to be stopped by the mafia, immediately after the parking pay point. I didn't suffer, though, as I was picked up by a don himself.
4. Once out of the airport area, one would hit a T junction - left to Rishikesh and right would lead to Doiwala and the Haridwar - Delhi highway. Turn right onto the highway, and one would be welcomed by fantastic greenery, only to also be welcomed by an INR105 toll at Lachhiwala.

The almost brand new terminal


Welcome to Uttarakhand




View of the aircraft from the terminal


Walk to the Arrivals area




Weird baggage belt


Outside the Terminal




All green - Haridwar to Dehradun highway

[vigsom]

Dehradun

A typical crowded capital with chaotic traffic and hot and humid weather. People, were overall nice. I sampled an apple, a plum and a pear and found all three to be the best I've had in life so far. Am not sure, but I'm told there is this place called Harsil near Gangotri famous for its apples.

Rishikesh

On the second day, post lunch, we made a quick trip to Rishikesh, just to experience the Ganga. Barring the humid weather, the experience was pure bliss - as showcased below

Arriving close to the Ram Jhula parking


View of one ghat with the Ram Jhula in the background


View of the river upstream from the Ram Jhula


View of the river and backdrop from the Ram Jhula end to the Janki Jhula end

https://youtu.be/Bc3ZBpE8nY8?si=ujri9jzHMo8Qu4Np

[vigsom]

Mussoorie

We had a family event in the forenoon session and post that, a few fellow guests were game to drive down to the Mahadev Mandir, which is enroute Dehradun to Mussoorie. The Rajpur Road is a bit of a pain around the Ghanta Ghar area but post that it gets better. Once at the Mandir, which was an absolutely peaceful experience, the group decided to do a quick drive up to Mussoorie. Car was a Ford Figo petrol, and the driver, an experienced retd. Colonel. At about 65+, he was as full of josh as anyone half his age could be.

Tip: I'd strongly recommend taking Rajpur Road and the old Mussoorie Road uphill. The road has less traffic and the route is a little more scenic, has more hairpin bends etc. The old road and the new road converge at Kuthalgaon.

Prakasheshwar Mandir enroute Doon to Mussoorie


Enroute view with mist around


At Mussoorie - a halt of just 20 mins


So many such structures built on the hill slopes

[vigsom]

Driving Dehradun to Delhi

Three cars - an XUV500 W11AT, a Tata Tiago, and a Ford Figo. This was one drive that took much longer. Reasons:

1. Stop at Daat Kali Mandir just on the outskirts of Dehradun
2. One extra pee stop for the elders
3. Lunch stop at Fun and Food Carnival at Khatauli bypass

The original plan was to go to Dwarka and then to Terminal T2, but I ended up going straight to T2 because of the late entry into Delhi; experience at T2 was lesser said the better!

Landfill at Ghazipur - what a mountain!


On NE3 towards Delhi


Summing it up

A short, unplanned trip with wild card trips thrown in. Some nice experiences, some disappointments, but overall a good break. Signing off with me being in awe of the under construction new highway from Biharigarh to Dehradun. What a project!

Under construction new highway to Dehradun

[ampere]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[reach_gm]

Nice and quick one! They are 3 gems though due to commercial activities and population these places are loosing the natural charm. Were you being driven in an Hyundai Alcazar by any chance ?

[Sudey]

That was a nice and quick trip. Although I would recommend that the next time around head past Mussoorie and onwards to Landour. I found it to be much more tranquil!

[vigsom]

Originally Posted by reach_gm

Were you being driven in an Hyundai Alcazar by any chance?

No, @reach_gm. We were in a good ol' 2013 Ford Figo. The car is visible in one of the pics featured on this thread. Excellent car! But yes, we did see many Alcazars as companions.