Dehradun is the capital city of the State of Uttarakhand in the northern part of India. Located in the Garhwal region, it is 255 km north of India's capital New Delhi.
Dehradun is renowned for its natural resources, and for its prestigious educational institutions such as the Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy and several day and boarding schools which are highly reputed across the country.
Located amongst the Shivalik Ranges on the foothills of the Himalayas, the Doon Valley is nestled between two of India's mightiest rivers - the Ganges on the east and the Yamuna on the west. Being a famous tourist destination, Dehradun is known for its picturesque landscape and pleasant climate and provides a gateway to the surrounding region. It is well connected and in close proximity to popular Himalayan tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, Nainital and Auli and Hindu holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh along with the Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of Char Dham.
The history of the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is linked to the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that after the battle between Ravan and Lord Ram, Lord Ram and his brother Laxman visited this site. Dronacharya, the legendary royal guru to the Kauravas and Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata is also believed to be born in modern day Dehradun and resided here. Evidence such as ancient temples and idols have been found in the areas surrounding Dehradun which have been linked to the mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These relics and ruins are believed to be around 2000 years old. Furthermore, the location, the local traditions and the literature reflect this region's links with the events of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Even after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas had influence on this region as the rulers of Hastinapur along with the descendants of Subahu ruled the region as subsidiaries. Likewise, Rishikesh is also mentioned in the pages of history when Lord Vishnu answered the prayers of the saints, slaughtered the demons and handed the land to the saints.
In the seventh century this area was known as Sudhnagar and was described by the Chinese traveler Huen Chang. It was Sudhnagar that later came to be recognised as the name of Kaalsi. Edicts of Ashoka have been found in the region along the banks of river Yamuna in Kaalsi indicating the wealth and importance of the region in ancient India. In the neighbouring region of Haripur, ruins were discovered from the time of King Rasala which also reflect the region's prosperity.
Dehradun was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaigns into India followed by Taimooralang in 1368, Ruahela Njibuddulo in 1757 and Ghulam Qadir in 1785. In 1806 Nepali King Prithvi Narayan Shah united Nepal and many of the Indian territories now fell under Nepal such as Almora, Phatankot, Kumaon Garhwal, Simur, Shimla, Kangra and Dehradun itself. But when the British East India company and Nepal went on war with each other from 1814 to 1816 and as a "deal" all these parts of Nepal were given to British East India company. The deal or so called treaty between the two countries was called Sugauli Treaty. The British conquered Dehardun in 1816 and colonised Landour and Mussoorie in 1827-1828. In the 1970s it was involved in the Garhwal Mandal. In 2000 , Uttarakhand state was created from the north-western districts of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun made its provisional capital. After becoming the capital of the city there has been continuous development. Dehradun is a popular tourist destination. The famous Tapkeshwar temple, Malsi Deer Park, Kalanga monument, Laxman Siddh, Chandrabani, Guchhupani, Forest Research Institute, Tapovan, Santala Devi temple and Wadia Institute are all situated here. On the other side, away from the valley there are other attractions as well. The tourist destinations in Dehradun can be divided into four - five parts ; nature, sports, sanctuary, museums and institutions. The nearby hill stations are well known for its nature, temples for its faith dimensions, sanctuary for animal and bird lovers. You can also engage in activities like rafting, trekking and rock climbing. It is easy to get to the nearby hillstations like Mussoorie, Sahastradhara, Chakrata, Dakpathar and Lahkhamandal. Famous temples Tapkeshwar and Santala Devi are located here as well along with amusement parks like fun and food and fun valley. There are also museums and institutions for those who are interested in history and architecture.
Dehradun can be visited in any season. But September - October and March - April is the most appropriate as the weather is good during that period. There are many different options to get there.
Dehradun is home to some of India's most ancient and elite educational institutions. The Doon School, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Welham Girls School, Welham Boys School, St. Joseph's Academy, SelaQui International School, are considered to be some of India's most prestigious and well performing schools. Several Indian luminaries have attended these schools including former prime ministers and film stars.
Dehradun is also well renowned for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) training and military services. The Indian Military Academy, a premier institution for training the nation's military officers, is located there. Yoga, Ayurveda and meditation also have a great influence in Dehradun.
Places to See:
The hill resort of Dehradun is dotted with places of tourist interest.
The Forest Survey of India, founded in 1767 is an important landmark of Dehradun. The organization had determined the height of Mount Everest under the leadership of the then Surveyor General, Sir George Everest. You may check out the old maps of all kinds of maps here.
Then there is the Forest Research Institute on the Kaulagarh Road of Dehradun. The institute trains forest officers in India. It has six museums that display the best species of flora and fauna to be found in India. Wood samples, insects, furniture, wildlife, few stuffed animals, library and bookshop are the other places you may check out at the institute.
Dehradun also boasts of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. It has a museum that displays the geological diversity of India. Rock samples, semi-precious stones and fossils are the various exhibits in the museum.
While in Dehradun you must visit the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple. The cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of a seasonal river.
Then there is Tapovan on the Dehradun-Rajpur Road. Situated in the Doon Valley Tapovan is believed to have been the spot where Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of warfare to the Kauravas and Pandavas, underwent his penance.
Then there is the temple of Lakshman Siddh. The younger brother of Lord ram is believed to have undergone penance here for killing the demon king Ravan. The Shakya Center, Robbers Cave, Sahastradhara, Malsi Deer Park and the Rajaji National Park are other places of tourist importance in Dehradun.
Dehradun is also renowned for its academic institutes. Dehradun is home to the institutes like the Anthropological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Survey of India, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Zoological Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, and Indian Military Academy.
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