Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is recently declared as the Provisional Capital of newly created Uttaranchal State in the month of Nov’2000.

Also known as the ‘Adobe of Drona’, Dehradun has always been an important center for Garhwal rulers which was captured by the British. The headquarters of many National Institutes and Organizations like ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest Research Institute, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc are located in the city. Some of the premier educational and Training Institutes like Indian Miltary Academy, RIMC(Rashtriya Indian Military College), Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy(IGNFA), Lal Bahadur Shahstri National Academy of Administration(LBSNAA)etc are also there in Dehradun. It is a favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts from various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the city into a paradise.

The district is named after its chief city Dehra Dun. Dehra appears to be a corruption of dera signifying a temporary abode or camp. During the reign of Aurangzeb, Ram Rai, Guru of the Udasi Sikhs on being ordered by the Mughal king to retire to the wilderness of the Dun, had pitched his tents here in what is now the Khurbura locality of the town and has also built a temple near Dhanawala.

Around these two sites, grew up the town popularly known as Dehra. The term dun or doon means the low lands at the foot of a mountain range, and as the bulk of the district lies in such a terrain, it justified the dun part of the name. Another derivation of the term dun is stated to be from Dronashram, hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a season in the village of Devara, situated near to Dehra to perform his devotions at a lonely spot.

Dehradun in one of the odlest cities of India. Also known as the Abode of Drona , Dehradun has always been an important centre of the Garhwal rulers which was captured by the British . the headuarters of many National Institute like ONGC , Servey of India , I.I.P. etc. are located in the city . Dehradun has a string of premier educational institutes like the forest Research Institute, Rashtriya Indian Military College and the Indian Milirary Academy.

It is favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists, piligrims and enthusiasts From various walks of life to its serene environs. Add to this the abundance of special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which contribute in turning the city into a paradise.

Places of Interest

Malsi Deer Park
10 kms. from Dehradun , enroute Mussoorie is situated a beautifully developed tourist spot lying at the foot hills of the Shivalik range. Malsi Deer Park is a mini-zoological park comprising of a children's park enveloped by beautifulm natural surroundings.

Alongwith the attractive environs the availability of refreshments makes the place an ideal sight seeing cum picnic spot. Sahastradhara Sahastradhara is a cold sulphur wate spring, with hing medicinal value. The Baldi river and the caves provide a breathtaking view. Situated 14 kms. from the city bus stand , and connected by a regular bus service and private taxies, this is an ideal place for family picnics.

Tepkeshwar Temple
The temple is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area 5.5 kms. from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. It is named Tepkeshwar as water droplets, originating form a rock, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organised on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.

Kalanga Monument
Located on the right side of the Dehradun- Sahastradhara route, the kalanga monument recalls the story of the bravery of an 180 year old battle between the British and the Gokhas, perched on hill, 1000 feet over the banks of river Rispana, the monument represents the history of the rulers of Garhwal.

Laxaman Siddh
12 kms. away from Dehradun , towards Rishikesh is a famous temple known as the Laxaman Siddh , Legend has it that a sage underwent penance over here. Due to easy accessibility the temple is visited by a large number of the people especially on Sundays.

Chandrabani
Situated 7 kmS. from Dehradun , on the Dehradun- Delhi road is the famous temple of Chandrabani (Gautam Kund). According to the mythological beliefs, this spot was inhanited by Maharshi Gautam , his wife and daughter Anjani who are widely worshipped by temple. It is believed that the daugher of heaven Ganga had manifested herself on this spot which is now popularly known as the Gautam Kund. Every year devotees, in large numbers , take a dip in the holy Kund. 2 kms. away from the main raod , located in the midst of Shivalik hill, the place is a beautifl tourist spot.

Sai Darbar
Situated 8 kms. along the Clock Tower on Rajpur Roadm is the Sai Darbar temple. This place holds a high cultural and spirital value and is visited by tourist form across the country and foreigners as well. Tibetan Temple Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar is a huge and colourful temple of Lord Budha.

Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
An ideal place for a picnic , Robber's Cave , is just 8kms. away from the city Bus Stand . Lachhiwala 3 kms. from Doiwala and 22 kms. from Dehradun , on the Haridwar-Rishikesh road , is Lachhiwala. The serene and blissful spot is famous for is picnic spotsl.. The place also provides accommodation ot the tourists in the forest Test House nestled in the greenery.