Sahastradhara Scarred By Cloudburst: What Is The Significance Of This Dehradun Tourist Haven?

Last Updated:September 16, 2025, 12:39 IST

Sahastradhara, located about 11-15 kms from Dehradun city, draws its charm from sulphurous hot water streams believed to possess therapeutic qualities

Geologically, the waters of Sahastradhara emerge from sedimentary limestone layers, giving them a distinct brownish-orange hue. (News18 Hindi)

The picturesque Sahastradhara, a popular tourist attraction in Dehradun known for its sulphur springs and cascading waterfalls, has been left battered in the aftermath of a cloudburst. The incident has triggered widespread damage in the region, with two persons reported missing and several houses washed away in the powerful flow of water. Vast stretches of the city are said to be inundated with debris carried downstream.

Sahastradhara, literally meaning “a thousandfold spring”, has long been a magnet for visitors from across India and abroad. Known for its streams gushing through limestone caves, sulphur-rich water, and the presence of an ancient Lord Shiva temple, the site holds equal appeal for tourists, devotees, and wellness seekers. But in recent days, the otherwise serene waterfalls have turned treacherous.

Eyewitnesses noted that the torrent of water following the cloudburst swept through adjoining habitations, uprooting homes and flooding the Baldi riverbanks. Rescue teams have been pressed into service to trace the missing persons and clear the debris. Local authorities have issued warnings to visitors to avoid the area until conditions stabilise.

History of Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara, located about 11 to 15 kilometres from Dehradun city, draws its charm from sulphurous hot water streams believed to possess therapeutic qualities. For centuries, locals and pilgrims have bathed here, convinced that the mineral-rich waters bring relief from skin ailments, digestive disorders, and joint pains. The presence of a submerged Shivalinga in the cliffside temple nearby has further deepened its spiritual aura, with residents believing the streams are linked to Lord Shiva.

Geologically, the waters of Sahastradhara emerge from sedimentary limestone layers, giving them a distinct brownish-orange hue. Over time, the deposits have created a series of caves that add to the site’s allure. The Baldi River serves as the main watercourse, though Sahastradhara itself is not classified as a river but a cluster of waterfalls and sulphur springs.

Is the Water Safe to Drink?

While Sahastradhara’s water is famed for its medicinal qualities, doctors caution that it is not potable. Formed from sulphur-rich springs, the water is suitable for therapeutic baths but is unsafe for drinking due to its high mineral concentration.

For now, authorities are grappling with the immediate challenge of restoring normalcy to the area.

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Author: News18