Dehradun

Dehradun is located in the Doon valley, 230 kilometers far from New Delhi. The district is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north, Sivalik Hills in the south, the river Ganga in the east, and the river Yamuna in the west. The water divide of Ganga and Yamuna passes through the city. Dehradoon is the capital city of the Uttarakhand state (earlier called Uttaranchal) in India.

Dehradu is today one of the most developed cities of India. Situated on the threshold of a world full of adventure, spiritualism and tranquility, amidst the Shivalik ranges, the foothills of Himalayas, Dehra Dun is an entry point for all the trekkers and mountaineers onto their journey into the Garhwal Himalayas. A gateway to the popular hill station of Mussoorie and the pilgrimage centres of Haridwar and Rishikesh

History

History of Dehradun

In Skanda Purana, Dun is mentioned as a part of the region called `Kedar Khand`, the abode of Shiva. Another belief states that Dronacharya, the great teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas dwelled here, for a brief period; hence the name, "Drona-nagri". Dehradun during its historical era was part of the region of Kendarkhand, which was the abode of Lord Shiva who gave his name to the Shivalik Hills. Numerous lords and famous personalities have paid a visit to Dehradun, Uttarakhand for peace and atonement. Rama and Lakshmana gave themselves atonement for killing the Lanka King, Ravana. Dronacharya also had landed in Dehradun in quest of peace; the place was then named as Drona Ashram, the habitat of Drona. The five Pandavas also came on their way in Dehradun to the Himalayas to sacrifice themselves.

Guru Ram Rai retreated here from Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-ud-Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before ceding it to the British in 1815. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institutions like Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools for girls and boys, many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time. Dehradun has now become an important tourist destination.