Dehradun

Dehradun - The capital city of Uttarachal is a complete blend of city and hill culture. It is set in the foot hills of Himalayas at the centre of the 120 kms long Doon Valley. The name Dehradun is literally made up of two words where Dera means Camp and Dun stands for Valley. The beautiful town is referred as the gateway to Mussoorie and Garhwal interior. It is perhaps one of the oldest cities in India and was occupied in turns by the Sikhs, Mughals and Gurkhas before coming under the reigns of the British. Elite educational and other institutions were established during the British period.

Dehradun is today proud of its institutions like the Forest Research Institute, Doon and Welham Schools, ONGC, Indian Military Academy, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India etc. The Survey of India was established in 1767 and its greatest achievement was to determine the height of Mt. Everest.

Being a host of large Cantonment area, the city is a popular retirement spot. It is also famous for aromatic long grain rice - Basmati Chawal (Rice) and delicious litchies.

Daily flights from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun connects Dehradun to New Delhi. Click here for flights to Dehradun

Explore villages in Dehradun district

Dehradun Stats

District Headquarters: Gopeshwar

Area: 7951 sq km

Total Population: 12,82,143

Literacy: 76.23.%

Dehradun District Map

Places to Visit in Dehradun

Assan Barrage (40 kms): The wet land near the confluence of rivers Assan and Yamuna attracts large number of migratory birds and is an 'ornithologist's paradise'.

Mussoorie: Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hills' perched at a height of 2000 metres is one of the most popular hill resort of the country. It was set up in 1823, by Captain Young during the British era and is 34 kms from Dehradun. This popular weekend retreat provides first glimpse of snow-clad Himalayas for the travellers from the plains.

Gun Hill: This second highest peak of Mussoorie had a gun mounted over it, which was fired to herald mid-day. Travelling by the 400 m ropeway connecting the Mall to Gun Hill is quite exciting.

Childrens' Lodge: It is the highest peak of Mussoorie and has a telescope which provides aweinspiring views of the Himalayas and Doon valley.

Camel's Back Road: It is a charming pony trek or walk which girdles the northern base of Gun Hill. A fine view of sun-set can be enjoyed from here.

Municipal Garden: Beautiful garden and scenic picnic spot. An artificial lake and boating facilities.

Nag Devta Temple: The ancient temple on Cart Road is 6 kms from the town and is popular among devout followers, who believe that wishes are fulfiled here.

The Jheel: Fine picnic spot on Dehradun - Mussoorie road.

Clouds End: The beautiful bungalow amidst lush deodar forest was one of the first four buildings of Mussoorie. It has now been converted into a hotel.

Around Mussoorie

Kempty Falls (15 kms): The picturesque waterfall is a popular attraction of Mussoorie.

Bhadraj Temple (15 kms): It is dedicated to Lord Balbhadra, brother of Shri Krishna. Panoramic view of the Doon Valley and Chakrata ranges.

Surkhanda Devi (35 kms): The temple of Surkanda Devi is located 8 kms from Dhanolti. The temple commands a majestic view.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill) (9 kms): The shrine amidst lush forest affords a fine view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and. Yamuna valley.

Rishikesh: Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is an important pilgrim and spiritual centre on the right bank of holy Ganga. It is surrounded by Shivalik ranges on three sides and is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage. It also attracts large number of people interested in meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. The International Yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year from 2nd to 7th Feb on the banks of Ganga.

Bharat Mandir: This temple is deidicated to Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram. It lies near the Triveni Ghat and is the oldest temple in Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat: The sacred bathing ghat on the banks of Ganga is believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati river. The evening Aarti ceremony here is worth attending.

Shatrughan Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Shatrughan, Lord Ram's brother and is situated 5 kms from Rishikesh.

Neelkanth Mahadev: It is set atop a hill across the Ganga. According to mythological legends Shiva drank the venom produced during 'Sagar Manthan' here, which turned his throat blue and was named Neelkanth.

Lakshman Jhula: This hanging bridge across Ganga is about 5kms from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. It was originally a jute rope bridge without pillars and was rebuilt with iron ropes in 1889. On the side of this famous bridge is the well known Shri Raghunathji temple dedicated to Lord Ram.

Kailash Niketan Temple: The 13 storied structure is the main temple at Laxman Jhoola.

Ram Jhuol: The hanging bridge similar to Lakshman Jhoola is built between the Shivanand Ashram and the Swargashram.

Shivanand Ashram (The Divine Society): The famous spiritual centre was established by Swami Shivanand. It imparts lectures on spiritual life and training in meditation and Yoga.

How to Reach Dehradun

By Air: The airport for Dehradun is Jolly Grant (24 kms):
By Rail: Dehradun is well connected by rail with important towns of the country.
By Road: It is connected by good network of roads and highways.