240 kms from New Delhi lies the Dehradun Valley (77o40’ to 78o15’E and 30o00’ to 30o35’N) and adjacent Himalayan hills. The Dun valley (490m) lies between the west Himalayan mountain ranges of Chakrata, Mussoorie and Dhaunalti in the north and the Shiwalik range in the south. In the west it is bordered by the river Yamuna and in the east by the river Ganga. The
valley is well watered by many perennial streams. The area and its surrounding hills has a record of 587 bird species.
Mixed forests dominated by Sal cover most of the valley and surrounding hills. A large part of the landscape is characterized by stretches of denuded hills shorn of any leafy vegetation. The flat stretches in the central valley is occupied by agricultural land, riverine scrub and agro-forestry.
The valley receives 210cms of rain annually, most of which falls during the monsoons (June–September).
Temperature(s): Low 0oC (winter); High 45oC (summer)
How to reach:
Dehradun is a 5-6 hour journey from New Delhi by road. Many trains connect Dehra Dun with New Delhi, the most convenient being the Satabdi Express which takes 6 hours to reach.
Where to stay:
Dehradun is the capital of Uttaranchal state and has many hotels in all categories. It is also close to the hill resort of Mussorie. The best place to stay for birders is where I stay, the gorgeous
Walterre resort. Check it out!
Best Time:
October to January; March to April.
