Plan A Stay At This Swanky Hotel On Haridwar Bypass Road On Your Next Visit To Dehradun

Sometimes the most common incident becomes a really chilled-out experience. And that’s what happened with me at Dehradun. Known as a slow, boring town where youngsters study and old people live, I went to this beautiful city without any expectations. But was surprised to see the buzz; also it's the capital of Uttarakhand. And the hotel is located on the Haridwar bypass road. Considering the rush within the city, it actually turned out to be a good decision to stay in this quieter and better-managed place.

There are 68 spacious rooms offering all the modern amenities along with personalised service. Plus, the Wi-Fi is free and all the bathroom amenities are there. The view from my room was all sunshine, facing the road and the open fields.

For those regular people who are on their fitness goals, there is a gym and a swimming pool as well. The corridors are properly lit and there is an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant. While I enjoyed buffet breakfast and dinner here, there was a la carte for lunch. But I was never in the hotel for lunch. The in-room dining is equally good. I personally liked the fresh juices and the South Indian fare.

The general manager informed me that it has the largest banqueting space in that region and is preferred for social events such as weddings. The hotel organises the entire event; you don’t need to look outside for anything. Even the corporates find it lucrative as it offers all that they need within the venue. And the corporate structure is fast growing in the region.

The city centre is a bare 30-minutes drive. The bus stand is nearby, as is the railway station. Also, the airport is just 45-minutes away. The hotel is located within 60-90 minutes drive from Rishikesh, Haridwar and Mussoorie.

The hotel can help with your daily travel around town too. One can explore the famous markets and see the heritage structures in this town. If you like walking, then try going with the group 'Been There, Doon That?'. The walks are free and can really make you change your opinion about the city. I enjoyed the Ruskin Bond walk with them.

The city does have malls, but the old shopping area is Paltan Bazaar. You will find everything here, from knick-knacks to household goods. The famous Sunrise bakery is here. Look up and you will see banners of ‘mehndi art’, which is what I would have liked to try. Around the Clock Tower area is chaat wali gali. Then there is the famous Ellora’s bakery near Astley Hall. For those who like a lot of sunshine, try going for a picnic to Robber’s Cave or around Tapakeswar Temple. I enjoyed my few hours at Robber’s Cave, wading through the water flowing out of a narrow passage.

While Sahastradhara falls might appeal to those who love bathing in natural waters, the more religious ones would like taking the ropeway to a Sai Mandir on top of a hill. I should have gone for the view alone. I didn’t explore the area a lot but there are sulphur springs too there. Watch out for monkeys though, for they could surprise you in many ways. This area also offers choices for local shopping. Many state and co-operative societies have showrooms here, so you could buy good stuff at pocket-friendly prices.

The one place to find peace is Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town. This has bliss, souvenirs, gardens and the Tibetan settlement around is an experience in itself. Stroll around and enjoy some delectable dishes and soup in the cafes. And come back satiated.