Ramada, Dehradun-Where to stay before setting out for your Chaardhaam pilgrimage
Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand is the culmination point of many a traveller seeking pilgrimage to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath collectively known as the Chaardham in Hindu mythology. I was invited by the authorities at Ramada Dehradun for a couple of nights to spend at this luxurious property before my onward journey to Mussoorie finally culminating in Rishikesh.
Ramada is situated at the downtown area of Chakrata Road and is about an hour’s drive from the Jolly Grant Airport. This luxurious property has rooms in the categories of Executive, Deluxe and Suites spread over 5 floors. They are well equipped with a coffee shop and a multicuisine restaurant at the lobby level and a rooftop bar with an attached brewery.
I was lucky to catch glimpses of the ensuing sunset upon my arrival from my window. However you can experience it much better from their terrace overlooking the bar and the brewery aptly titled Ale n ‘Marley. My room in the Executive category was spacious and comfortable. The bathroom was equipped with a bathtub and the enormous closet space made my stay delightful.
I was free for a while in the evening and decided to welcome my first encounter with the city with a few quick bites at the terrace accompanied with cocktails. It was a Sunday evening and the mood was relaxed with people enjoying themselves in the company of their loved ones, food and Bollywood music.
The beauty of this rooftop bar is beyond compare and no pictures can do justice to the architectural marvel behind it. The hills of Mussoorie and adjoining ranges play the perfect backdrop for a romantic night-out. The elegant dome of the bar with the lights and contemporary decor add to its fervour. I was also able to experience a glimpse of this place at the dawn next and trust me its beauty enthralled me each time anew.
The Multicuisine restaurant titled Garden Cress is operational till 11 PM and serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. With indoor and outdoor seeing, this restaurant boasts of contemporary art deco reflecting the moods of a picky entrepreneur. As a result, it also plays host to a lot of corporate meetings and rendezvous in the heart of the city. I enjoyed their Fish Steak in Butter Garlic Sauce as my dinner to go with a glass of Single Malt.
No review is complete without a mention of the polite and professional staff at this property that took care of my every need with acute precision. The inviting lobby, the elegant interiors and the unforgettable chandelier at the entrance is reason enough to visit this venue again. Dehradun being the culmination point for pilgrimage to the Chaardham, you can relax at this hotel for a night or two before setting out. You can avail cab facilities or even a Chopper from the nearby Helipad in order to pursue your destination to the holy venues. I am deeply thankful to my friend and the General Manager of Ramada Dehradun- Ravi Singh and his dedicated staff for taking such great care of me during my visit. I am definitely coming back for more.
Here is a video of the Sunset from the terrace of Ramada Dehradun shot with my GoPro Hero 6:
