A serene town nestling in the lap of the Himalayas, Dehradun is every tourist’s delight. Its cool climate, lush greenery and tranquil surroundings have been enchanting ever since you could. Take a walk along the cobbled roads which wind themselves like maze and take you across rows of ancient cottages with rose bushes fencing the gardens that bring to you an old-world charm. The aroma of freshly baked goodies that comes from those age-old bakeries tempts you to simply munch on those irresistible delicacies. Go on to the heart of the town where life bustles in the many cafes and stalls lining the streets. The exotic lifestyle of Dehradun promises you a happening holiday!

• Tapkeshwar Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped in his lingam form here. The name of the temple is derived from the fact that water droplets fall on the lingam from a rock. The temple also has several sulphur springs nearby.

• Sahastradhara: This is a lovely picnic spot, which provides enchanting views of the Baldi River and the caves. Sahastradhara, which literally means a thousand fold springs, is actually a stream which flows through a cave formed of lime particles. A sulphur spring which lies close by is believed to have curative powers.

• Lakshman Siddh Temple: This temple is dedicated to Laxman and is said to have been built on the grounds where Lakshman underwent penance for killing Ravana. The temple is accessible only by foot but surely worth a visit, especially during the annual Lakshman Siddh Fair.

• Chandrabani: Famous for the Gautam Kund, the temple is on the site which is believed to have been inhabited by Gautam Rishi. Large numbers of devotees take a dip in this kund every year.

• Malsi Deer Park: A popular spot, the park is home to a wide variety of deer. You could easily spot herds of them nibbling grass and simply lazing around. Avoid venturing too close to them since they run off at the slightest indication of danger.

• Robber's Cave: A fantastic picnic spot, the place is extremely charming for all due to a phenomenon that occurs here. The stream flows from the cave disappears at times and then reappears again after sometime. The picturesque surroundings here make the place even more appealing.

• Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort: A heaven for water sports lovers, the resort offers options of water skiing, boating, rowing, kayaking and canoeing. A fun place to be at, the reservoir is a great place to spot some rare migratory birds too.

• Rajaji National Park: This is one of the best places to watch elephants at their natural most. One of the finest sanctuaries in the Valley, the Rajaji National Park is home to a wide variety of barking deer, leopards, sambar and a range of exotic birds. A must go for all wildlife lovers!

When it comes to eating in Dehradun, the best option to go for is the typical Garhwali cuisine. Some must-tries in Dehradun include Tibetan Momos, Kandalee Ka Saag and Jhangora Ki Kheer. There are several eateries in the city which serve a variety of cuisines. Atithi and Vatika Restaurants are known for their delicious Indian fares. The Countdown Restaurant is a paradise for Chinese food lovers as its serves some of the most delicious garlic chicken and chilly chicken. Kumars is also a good place to try out a variety of cuisine, be it Indian, Mughlai or Continental. A rather high-end hotel option would be the President Hotel. South Indian delicacies can be had at Udupi Restaurant – their masala idlis are especially nice. Opal Lounge is the best place to hang out and have some exotic drinks.

The modern Mall culture is definitely missing in Dehradun, yet it is always a pleasure to walk down its colorful and lively markets. Take a stroll around Paltan Bazaar to find some of the most alluring artifacts, including shawls and brass statues. Woolen attires and carpets woven by Tibetan refugees also make good buys. Dehradun is famous for its delicious Basmati rice from Kumars and lichis from Terai in summer. Gold and silver jewelry is another local specialty. Other main shopping areas of the city are Sahkari Bazaar and Astley Hall. Dehradun is extremely popular for its stickjaws and milk rusks, and these are available at Ellora’s Melting Moments. For gardeners, carrying home rare flower bulbs from Rajeshwari Nursery is a must.