Experience in Dehra Dun, India by AK

What is it like to live in Dehradun? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Dehradun is the state capital of Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located in Doon valley on the foothills of Himalayas. Nestled between two perennial rivers- Ganga and Yamuna it is famous for its picturesque views and milder climate. It is a gateway to famous hill stations like Mussoorie and Auli and various religious places like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Badrinath.
Dehradun has a charm of its own. Although not a big city but altogether a great place to live in. The salubrious climate of Dehradun has always attracted people.it is a peaceful place and the the town is encircled with the green landscapes that make it brighter, prettier and vibrant.

What is the student lifestyle like in Dehradun?

Dehradun has always been a hub of education since the British era. There are many well renowned schools and other educational institutes that have made a mark with their quality education in the entire country. Some Famous Schools in Dehradun are The Doon School, The Welham Girls School, The Welham Boys School, Kasiga School etc. Living in Dehradun and studying in the town is a lifetime experience.its a vibrant city for students

How much does it cost to live in Dehradun?

Living in Dehradun is fairly inexpensive as compared to the metro cities of India. The Cost of Living in Dehradun is really low. The travelling cost is less and so is the rate of renting an apartment. In some cases you may also have to pay a bit much while renting an apartment in a posh colony but you get to live amongst the lap of nature in a clean and serene environment which is worth every penny.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Dehradun? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not at difficult to rent an apartment. With increase in educational institutions hostels / rooms are easily available in the vicinity. You find many agents who have numerous houses for rent. However, some of them may be dubious, it is better to find through classified ads of local paper or talk to some local person. The people here are nice and helpful.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The cuisine of Uttarakhand are so appealing that makes it the must visit destination in India. Belonging mostly to the Pahari, Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The food is extremely nutritious to suit the high energy requirements of the hilly and cold region. It is cooked traditionally with love and affection over charcoal or wood fire.
A number of Tibetan refugees came to India and they settled in town near the Himalayas and therefore the Tibetan culture has also been a part of Dehradun since 1950’s. Because of a large number of Tibetans residing in Dehradun you will find a couple of places where the authentic home cooked Tibetan food is served

What places would you recommend visiting in Dehradun?

The best places to visit in Dehradun consist of religious attractions, tourist points, and wildlife havens. There are places to chill out and watch the sun go down with your partner, tourist pockets to explore with your family, and adventure stops to try thrilling activities with friends.
Within Dehradun must visit places are -
Forest Research Institute
Tapkeshwar Temple
Malsi Deer Park
Robber’s Cave
Lachhiwala
Sahastradhara
Paltan Bazaar
Tapovan
Wadia Institute Of Himalayan Geology
National Adventure Sports Academy
Tibetan Market

Is it good to eat out in Dehradun? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are a lot of restaurants in Dehradun serving a range of local and international delights to the ardent foodies. The city is dotted with big and small, expensive and inexpensive and all sorts of other establishments, making it a perfect place to enjoy delicious Indian as well as Thai and Tibetan food, among others. When it comes to pocket-friendly joints, there are eateries such as Kalsang Friends Corner and Flavours. Muse, Town Table and Orchard are known for their flavoursome Tibetan and Thai cuisine. Black Pepper is another prominent themed restaurant here that is quite popular among locals and visitors, alike.

Is the nightlife good in Dehradun? Where is good to go?

Here there is not much of a nightlife.

What advice would you give future students heading to Dehradun?

Enjoy your stay in the lap of nature.
Hire or buy a vehicle as Dehradun has many natural places to visit.