Sundays Around Doon – Sahastradhara

Photo bydeepgoswami

If the mercury keeps shooting at this rate, it will soon break all of Jaspal Rana’s records. Not to forget, those of the State Government as well – right from the days of the struggle for statehood, to the present day. Though emphatically stressed upon, Uttarakhand’s development agenda has clearly gone skewed. The so called ‘Urja Pradesh‘ has no electricity for its own self, after 1 billion US dollars and 1 lakh people displaced (source:Wikipedia) on its star project – Tehri Dam. The common man has spent his winters facing hours of daily power cut and is  bracing up for a bigger onslaught of  cuts this summer.

But, this piece is about getting the common man some relief from summer. And the star attraction in summers for us Doonites has been the one and only Sahastradhara. Though, Dehradun sports about a dozen ‘Summer Relief’ water spots, I’m hoping the summer would last long and I will wickedly get to write about all of them. Jokes apart, my earliest memory goes back to school days when we were made to walk all the way to Sahastradhara in the name of picnic. And thence on, on Sundays with family and as we grew up, with friends, it became a popular summer spot. It sure would be hard to find a Doonite who hasn’t visited Sahastradhara, and hasn’t swam in the many man-made pools and bathed in the ’sulphur spring’.

Photo by ankyuk

Sahastradhara is about 15kms from Dehradun, easily approachable by road and boasts of lush green surroundings. It takes just under an hour to reach there from the city. Its name, Sahastra-Dhara, means ‘a thousand streams’. Veritably, the last generation Doonites will fondly remember the countless number of springs and streams sprouting up in the region. Having developed fast, it has changed its shape drastically due to heavy tourist pressure. Sadly, the growth has been unplanned and the place does not boast of the natural beauty it once did. Its water is said to contain medicinal properties, and is said to be very effective for skin diseases. Once, the activity used to centre around its high waterfall and a few pools. Tourists used to go upstream for a private bath and picnic. Not so any longer, one has to do with the many pools there are. Or settle for many other attractions that have developed nearby.

So you can pick up your lunch baskets and swimming gear and head for Sahastradhara this Sunday, as the mercury goes up and up. Make sure you park in an authorised parking lot; there have been many cases of vehicle-theft. And do make sure you bathe in a clean area; upstream is a better idea. Just be cautious that you don’t wander off too far away, specially if you are with family and ladies.

Very few people would know that there is a beautiful trek from Sahastradhara leading to Buraskhanda on the Mussoorie-Dhanaulti road, and another diversion that goes upto Suwakholi. The trek to Buraskhanda has a big waterfall on its way and goes through thick foliage sporting rich flora. But don’t try this trek without a guide. One of the locals from the villages around ( Chamasari is one of the big villages there) who have been on the route can take you. Otherwise, there are high chances of your getting lost. Those with adventurous spirits can try the trek; the rest can cool their bodies and spirits in the thereapeutic waters of Sahastradhara. Have fun!