Nahan – Dehradun – 98 km
The route to Dehradun was a beautiful ride through the countryside.
The villages were close together, and each one had a busy market. At
times, India felt like one endless village. However, finding the way
wasn’t easy, as nearly all road signs were in Brahmi script. As a
result, we had to continually ask for directions that weren’t always
accurate or understood.
Again, we were delayed as Ernest had punctures, likely due to the
damage to the formerly broken rim. By the time we arrived in
Dehradun, it was already dark. The streets were a chaotic tangle of
rickshaws, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals, turning
navigation into a bewildering challenge on a bike. Eventually, we were
able to locate the hotel we had in mind. Hallelujah!
Dehradun
The day allowed for the exploration of the well-known Tapkeshwar
Hindu Temple. The temple had an unusual shrine inside a cave
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hence, finding a Shiva Linga enshrined in
the main complex was unsurprising. It’s believed that praying here
grants the wishes of all who seek the Lord’s blessings, and it was
immensely popular.
No visit to Dehradun would be complete without a tour of the World
Peace Stupa, the world’s largest stupa. The stupa is in a Tibetan
community on the outskirts of town and consists of a multi-storey
structure, shrine rooms, elaborate murals, a giant Buddha statue, and
Tibetan art. The mood was surprisingly tranquil and calm for such a
well-frequented place.