Although Dehradun is still considered a green place, the Cantonment area has a far greener look than the other parts of the city. It is an oasis of peace and beauty for the valley town that has grown into a noisy, bustling capital city over the past 15 years or so
Cantonments are a world apart from the normal city areas. In various cities and towns, the Cantonments stand out due to the distinct look they wear and the charming atmosphere they exude. It is a sum total of cleanliness, order, greenery, discipline and serenity.
In the valley of Doon too, the Cantonment or Garhi Cantt (as it is locally called) is a beautiful area that has retained its look and charm over the years, making it a popular destination for locals as well as tourists. The Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan), the CM’s house and several other important places like The Doon School are located in the Cantt area besides the army offices and houses. little temples, some small shops and the CSD canteen give it a special look.
Although Dehradun is still considered a green place, the Cantonment area manages to maintain a far greener look than the other parts of the city and one can feel the difference immediately as one enters the Garhi either from the crowded Dilaram Bazaar side or from the congested Bindal Bridge side. No doubt, it is an oasis of peace and beauty for the valley town that has grown into a noisy, bustling capital city over the past 15 years or so.
The famous “Pine Grove” near Raj Bhavan has been there for ages and still stands, lone and quiet, holding a lot of my childhood memories within its fold. The “separated families” houses near the Doon School still look as they did when I used to visit (alongwith my parents) my aunt and her kids when my uncle was posted at a “non-family” station.
We used to go to their place twice a month carrying “jalebis” and “pakoras” from the famous sweet shop that was once on Chakrata Road and has been shifted a few years ago from there. However, its fame has grown and it is known for the quality of its products. Its outlets can now be seen in many places in Doon. Each time I cross that white and yellow house, I can see myself, with my cousins, playing hide and seek or sitting on the swing outside the little house.
Recently, a very nice restaurant, cafeteria and shopping centre complex has been opened in the Cantt which caters to civilians as well. It is indeed a place worth visiting. The ambience is addictive and the food at the restaurant fresh and nice. The shopping centre is stocked with all one can need for the kitchen and for running the house. Though it is quite a distance from my house, I like to visit it as often as I can.
As one has one’s coffee and snacks, one can see through the glass walls of the café and look at children on the many kinds of swings outside, one can hear the sweet birdsong from the neighbouring plot of fruit trees and one can see the sun setting, leaving a trail of various orange hues.
There is no doubt that the Cantonment area is the most beautiful one in the Doon valley. Sometimes I find it ironical that an army area is always the quietest one that we find in any city. The discipline and greenery are the main factors responsible for this, I believe. There is an air of controlled leisure that charms me no end. The little Garhi Bazaar (actually, not so little any longer) adds greatly to the atmosphere of the Cantonment.
It wears the look of old bazaars with shops on both sides of the curving road. Photographers’ studios, jewellery shops, stationery shops, electronics shops, sweet shops, bakeries and many other colourful set-ups give this bazaar a vibrant appearance. Just after this bazaar, the road takes one to the famous Tapkeshwar (cave shrine) of lord Shiva. If one turns left, one moves towards RIMC (Rashtriya Indian Military College).
A walk or drive through the Cantonment is more than enough to refresh one’s mind and body and provide a better perspective of life. Fortunately for me, I have always been associated with Cantonments as many of my uncles, friends and cousins are from the army. I have always envied them and wished many a time that I had spent more of my days in Cantt areas. However, the Doon Cantt, which I visit often, has fulfilled this longing and given me great happiness.