Dehra Dūn, India
Region: Uttarakhand
Geographic Coordinates: 30.345000, 78.029000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 578420
Language: Hindi
Dehra Dūn is a stunning city located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. It sits at an elevation of 640 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the breathtaking Shivalik range of mountains. The city’s pleasant climate and picturesque surroundings make it a popular tourist destination. The name Dehra Dūn means Valley of Gods, And it certainly lives up to its name. The city has numerous temples and shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, And Lord Hanuman. Some notable temples include Tapkeshwar Temple, Santala Devi Temple, Laxman Siddh Temple, And Mindrolling Monastery.
In addition to its religious significance, Dehra Dūn is also known for its natural beauty. The city boasts several parks and gardens such as Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Botanical Garden which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks or go on wildlife safaris in these parks to experience nature at its best. Dehra Dūn is also home to several prestigious educational institutions including Doon School and Welham Girls’ School which have produced some notable alumni over the years.
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is also located here where cadets are trained for service in the Indian Army. The city’s rich history dates back to the Mahabharata era when it was ruled by King Virat who gave shelter to Pandavas during their exile period. Later on during British rule in India Dehradun became an important center for tea plantations due to favorable climatic conditions. Today Dehra Dūn has transformed into a bustling commercial hub with modern amenities like shopping malls, Multiplexes etc., While still retaining its old-world charm.
The city is also famous for its Basmati rice, Lychees and mangoes which are exported to several countries. Dehra Dūn is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, History buff or just looking for a peaceful getaway, This beautiful city will not disappoint you. With its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, It is truly one of the most amazing places to visit in India.
- Robber’s Cave (Gucchupani)
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Forest Research Institute
- Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
- Buddha Temple (Clement Town)
- Sahastradhara
- Malsi Deer Park
- Rajaji National Park
- Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib
Major Industries and Businesses in Dehra Dūn, India
- Information Technology (IT)
- TCS
- Wipro
- Infosys
- Education
- Indian Military Academy
- Forest Research Institute (FRI)
- Doon University
- Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textiles
- Paper products
- Electrical goods
- Tourism
- Robber’s Cave
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Agriculture
- Basmati rice production
- Healthcare
- Growth due to an increase in demand from an aging population
- Service Sector
- Finance & banking industry
- Growth due to increased commercial activity within this region
- Guru Ram Rai: He was a Sikh guru who founded the city of Dehra Dūn in the 17th century.
- British Raj: During the British Raj, Dehra Dūn became an important military cantonment and administrative center.
- Forest Research Institute: The Forest Research Institute was established in Dehra Dūn in 1906 to conduct research on forestry and wildlife conservation.
- Indian Military Academy: The Indian Military Academy was established in Dehra Dūn in 1932 to train officers for the Indian Army.
- Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy: The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy is located in Dehra Dūn and is responsible for training forest officers for India’s forest service.
- Rajaji National Park: Rajaji National Park is located near Dehra Dūn and is home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
- Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda visited Dehra Dūn during his travels across India and gave lectures on Hinduism and spirituality.
- Rabindranath Tagore: Rabindranath Tagore visited Dehradun during his stay at Mussoorie where he wrote some of his famous works including Gitanjali.
- Tapkeshwar Temple : Tapkeshwar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which attracts thousands of devotees every year from all over India.
- Chakrata Cantonment : Chakrata Cantonment was established by the British Army as a summer retreat for troops stationed at Meerut during World War II.
- Forest Research Institute Museum
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Robber’s Cave (Gucchupani)
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Malsi Deer Park
- Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Museum
- Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib
- Tibetan Buddhist Temple (Clement Town)
- Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
- Sahastradhara Waterfalls
- Dehra Dun, India is not known for any major sports teams or significant sporting history.
- However, the city does have a few local cricket and football clubs that participate in regional tournaments.
- One of the most notable clubs is the Dehradun Football Academy, which was established in 2015.
- The aim of the academy is to promote football in the region and provide opportunities for young players to develop their skills.
- Basant Panchami is a festival celebrated in February to mark the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts.
- Jhanda Mela takes place in March every year at Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib to celebrate the day when Guru Ram Rai first arrived in Dehradun.
- Bikhauti Mela is celebrated in April/May every year and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It involves a procession of devotees carrying flags to symbolize victory over evil.
- Tapkeshwar Fair is held at Tapkeshwar Temple during Shivratri (February/March) and attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
- Lakhawar Village Fair takes place annually in September/October and features traditional folk dances, music, and food stalls showcasing local cuisine.
- Rajaji National Park Festival is celebrated annually during December/January and showcases the rich biodiversity of Rajaji National Park through nature walks, bird watching tours, jungle safaris etc.
- Dehradun Literature Festival is a relatively new addition to Dehradun’s cultural calendar that brings together writers from across India for panel discussions on literature and culture.
- Kalsang Friends Corner – serves Tibetan cuisine like momos, thukpa, and shabalay.
- Moti Mahal Deluxe – serves North Indian cuisine like butter chicken and dal makhani.
- Ellora Bakery & Restaurant – serves a mix of Indian and Chinese cuisine along with bakery items.
- The Great Indian Pub – serves a variety of cuisines including North Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Continental.
- Doon Darbar Restaurant – specializes in Mughlai cuisine like biryani and kebabs.
- Orchard Green Restaurant – offers multi-cuisine dining with live music performances on weekends.
- Kumar Vegetarian Food Center – specializes in vegetarian food with dishes like chole bhature and paneer tikka masala.
- Cafe Marigold – offers continental breakfast options along with coffee and tea varieties.
- Black Pepper Restaurant & Bar – offers a range of cuisines including North Indian, Chinese, Continental along with bar facilities.
- Nirvana Organic Kitchen- provides organic food options for health-conscious individuals.
- Robber’s Cave is a natural cave formation and waterfall that is popular for trekking and picnics.
- Rajaji National Park is a wildlife sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna, offering safari tours.
- Malsi Deer Park is a zoological park that houses deer, peacocks, and other animals.
- Sahastradhara is a scenic spot with natural sulphur springs and waterfalls.
- Forest Research Institute Museum is an educational museum showcasing forestry research in India.
- Buddha Temple (Clement Town) is a Buddhist temple complex with beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance.
- Tapkeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the midst of hills and forests.
- Mindrolling Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its grand architecture, murals, and prayer wheels.
- Paltan Bazaar Market is a bustling local market selling handicrafts, clothing, spices etc., perfect for shopping enthusiasts.
- Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort offers adventure sports like boating, kayaking, angling etc., on the Asan River reservoir making it an ideal destination for thrill-seekers!
