Located 230 kilometers north of New Delhi, at Doon valley, Dehradun is the capital of Uttaranchal India. The history of Dehradoon goes back to the Vedic period. In 1860, a rock inscription of 300 B.C related to King Ashoka was found here. It is believed that the Dronacharya, the legendary teacher of the Pandavas, used to live here. He had his ashram or “Dera” from which the name “Dehradoon” originated. Dehradun was ruled by many emperors: Katyuris, Mughals, Sikhs, and Gorkhas. Finally, it came under British rule. Before 2000, Dehradun was a part of Uttar Pradesh.
The total area of Dehradun is 3088 square kilometers. The Himalayan Mountains are situated on the north of the city, Shivalik on the south, the Ganges on the east and the Yamuna on the west. The main feature of this city is that it has every thing hills, forests, and rivers. A total of 1477 square kilometers is occupied by forests. In the higher altitude shrubs, grasses and few other kinds of plants grow. In the lower altitude large trees like Vatica Robusta (Sal), bamboo, Pinus Devaduru (Deodaru) and a wide range tropical plant species can be found. The forest is also a major source of honey, lac, gum, resin, catechu, wax, horns and hides.
The area of Dehradun consists of 17 towns and 764 villages. Being situated in the Gangetic planes make Dehradun ideal place for agriculture and agro-related business. The “Dehradooni Basmati Rice” is very famous all over India. Poultry and animal husbandry can also be found here. Along with cows and buffaloes, farmers rear sheep and goats. Sheep provide meat and wool. Wool is used to make blankets and woolen clothes.
Major manufacturing industries of Dehradun include: woolen garments, carpets, soap, plaster of Paris, dairy, bakery, chocolate, teal, malt, textiles, card board boxes, printing, timber goods, steel furniture, liquor, ayurvedic medicines, turpentine, tubes, leather products, musical instruments, optical lenses, miniature bulbs, medical instruments, utensils and hospital equipments, sewing machines, metal goods etc.
Many important institutions such as: Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy, Wadia Institute of Himalyan Geology, The Zoological Survey of India, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Defense Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Indian Institute of Petroleum and many other major institutions are situated in Dehradun.
Dehradun is also a popular tourist and religious destination. Here are some of the major tourist and religious spots:
- Tapkeshawar Temple: A temple of Lord Shiva, it has been considered as a holy place from ancient times.
- Sahastradhara: It means “thousand fold spring.” This place is famous for natural landscapes, river and caves. In the sulphur spring you can takes bath.
- Laxman Siddh: A templesituated about two kilometers away toward Rishikesh. Many devotees come here on Sunday.
- Malsi Deer Park: A great picnic spot, Malsi Deer Park lies near the Shivalik hill ranges. It is a zoological park.
- Chandrabani: A famous temple of Chandrabani. According to the legend, in ancient times Maharishi Gautum used to live here.
- Lachhiwala: A picnic spot situated 22 kilometers from Dehradun.
- Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort: Famous for its water sports resort Asan barrage was created in 1967.
- Rajaji National Park: Founded in 1966 this park is 820 square kilometers. The park offers a wide variety of plants and animals.
The Dehradun airport is situated about 25 kilometers from the city at Jolly Grant. Flight for Delhi can be found on a regular basis. Dehradun is the center of Northern Railway. Shatabdi express is the best to come to Dehradun from Delhi.
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