Dehradun

The name ‘Dehradun’ has been derived from two distinct words- ‘Dehra’(from ‘dera’) meaning home and ‘Doon’ meaning a valley between Himalayas and Shivaliks (Dehradun lies in the Doon valley). When Guru Ram Rai visited this place with his followers, he set up a camp here. Around this time, the modern city of Dehradun began developing. Many historians have opined that ‘Dehra’ can be used to refer to camping, thus the name ‘Dehradun’. The city also finds a mention in ancient Legends of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Though today Dehradun’s significance as an educational hub is indispensable, till the early 90s there were only 4 colleges for Graduation and Post graduation courses- DAVP PG college, DBS college, SGRR PG college and KP PG Girls’ college. Several parts of the Garhwal and Kumaon region, including Dehradun, were a part of the United Provinces- later named as the state of Uttar Pradesh. In the year 2000 under Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the state of Uttarakhand (formerly known as Uttaranchal) was carved out of the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun was made the interim capital.

Evidence such as temples and idols found in and around Dehradun suggest that the history of Dehradun can be linked to the times of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is said that Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman visited this place to perform an atonement after the battle with Ravana in Lanka. The royal guru of Kauravas and Pandavas in Mahabharata, Dronacharya, is also believed to be born in Dehradun. Hence, the city of Dehradun is also known as ‘Dronagiri’. As per legends, the Pandavas took rest here on their way to the top of the mountains.

The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, is a serene hill station situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This is an ideal retreat for those, who want some peace and beauty by their side, much away from the mundane routine of the city life, especially in the blazing summers of the northern India. This hill station is also the gateway to some of the famous tourist hotspots like Mussoorie, Nainital, Haridwar, Rishikesh etc. Dehradun is also the home to the ever famous Indian Military Academy, which gives out some of the best officers of the Indian Army. Dehradun is also extremely famous for the Doon Valley, which houses the famous Doon School, thus making the city an educational hotspot as well. So next time, if you're looking for a soothing retreat, without the hustle and bustle of the adventurous hilltops, Dehradun is the right choice for you.

Uttarakhand is a state steeped in culture and mythology, so there are scores of temples dotting Dehradun, among which the main tourist attractions are Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple and the Tapovan Temple. The Malsi Deer Park is another renowned tourist attraction in Dehradun, as you get to see a vast variety of rare species here, such as the two-horned deer and the nilgai. Spread over an area of 25 hectares, Malsi Deer Park is a picnic spot that draws hundreds of visitors daily and provides for an enthralling getaway for wildlife and nature lovers. Dehradun has a reputation for being a shopaholic’s paradise, with Paltan Bazaar and Indira Market being two of the primary shopping destinations that tourist flock to. You can buy traditional handicrafts and artefacts as well as jewellery, shoes, bags and clothing, all of it at a relatively inexpensive price. Dehradun has food stalls, and eateries lined up at the corners of every street so that you can have your fill of chaat, momos, chowmein and other local dishes. Festivals are a big part of the Dehradun culture, and the city celebrates many festivals all the year round with great pomp and enthusiasm. A visit to Dehradun will take you back to the simple, peaceful life, without the hustle and bustle of the modern rat race. The hilly city with its lush green scenery offers a quiet yet enjoyable break away from the city life.

Though Dehradun offers a number of choices, what one must try while here, is the local cuisine. These include Kandalee ka saag, Gahat ki Daal, Aloo ke Gutke, Nimbu, Kaafli, Gulgula as well as some traditional sweets that one just cannot miss such as Bal Mithai, Arsa, Jhangora ki Kheer and more. Other than the local flavors you can also relish North Indian cuisine, South Indian, Chinese, Italian, Thai, Tibetan and Continental cuisines in Dehradun.
View Top Restaurants in Dehradun

Day 1 - Once in Dehradun, take some rest and begin your trip with a stroll through the local market, especially the Paltan Bazaar, a fascinating market, with its share of amazing streets and alleys, just near to another famous site in Dehradun city, The Clock Tower on the Rajpur Road. You can buy curios, handicrafts, souvenirs among many other things here.  
 Day 2 - The next day, you should set off officially for the trip, starting with blessings from Lord Shiva at the holy Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mandir. Not very far from here, at a distance of approximately 6.9 km. is the Robbers' Cave, a popular picnic cum adventure sports hotspot for the bold travelers. By evening, you can hop back to your hotel for some rest, for the journey might be quite tiring.
Day 3 - The final day should be reserved for a trek to the Malsi Deer Park, a wildlife reserve, where you can witness some rare breeds of deer prancing about. For the historical enthusiasts, and the qualified applicants of the CDS exams, the Indian Military Academy is always open for you.