The Uttarakhand Himalayas are synonymous with many things such as gushing rivers, majestic snow clad peaks, enchanting lakes and a rich plethora of flora and fauna. No wonder they have been described as the "Abode of Gods". It has two chapters, dotted all over with breathtaking pageantry for unabridged and unadultered natural splendour – viz., Garhwal and Kumaon. These pretty residents of Uttarakhand are a discovery in their own way. Garhwal consists of six picturesque districts – Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Uttarkashi and Chamoli which are all a indigenous store- house of antiquity.

However, the magic of "DEHRADUN" will definitely unwind the moment you set foot on its soil. At every nook and corner collage of natural wonders and celestial flavour greets you. Moreover, echos of religious milestones and mythological landmarks will mitigate both nature loves or a spiritual believes.

 As Walt Whiteman said . . . .  "After you have exhausted what there is business, politics, conviviality and so on, have found that none of these finally satisfy or permanently wears – what remains? Nature remains"

Thus, Dehradun, one of the most alluring picturesque valleys in Asia, which nestles in the arms of Himalayas blessed with salubrious climate, extends a cordial invitation to inquisitive and dauntless tourists.

Dehradun is the most northerly district of the Meerut Division of the United Province. "Dun, Doon or Dhoon" in the Sanskrit language means a "valley" formed by Tectonic activity within the earth that causes movements of its crusts, as earthquakes, folds, faults or the like. Situated between latitude 300–30032’ and longitude 77043’ – 78024’, it is an irregular parallelogram in shape comprising of two district tracts – the Dehradun proper which is an open valley and the hill pargana of Jaunsar Bawar, a wedge of mountain and gorge. It is nearly 75 kms long from Northwest to Southeast and 25 kms broad from Northeast to Southwest. The most striking physical features of the valley incomparably are the marvellous natural boundaries which it encloses, the Himalayan mountains in the North, the Shiwalik hills in the South and the colossal rivers Ganga in the East and Yamuna in the West. The Oxford Dictionary therefore defines it "Valley in Shiwalik Hills". In general, Dehradun to quote the words of Mr. Baker a former Superintendent "is perhaps better known than that of any other district in the province, and hence its beauties have attained a celebrity second only to Kashmir" – a veritable paradise on earth.

Dehradun is one of the pristine cities in India. It was originally included in the Kedarkhand; the region specially favoured by the Lord Shiva or Kedarnath, and his memory is still preserved in the name of the Shiwalik Hills. From times immemorial, a number of people have found shelter in Doon as ascetics, exiles or refugees. The earliest ascetic referred to is Jahnu who finds mention in the Rig-Veda and the Ramayana. Guru Drona Acharya the Brahman preceptor also came in search of solitary spot to perform meditation and worship. Henceforth, the valley of Doon was christened Drona Ashram, which mean "The Abode of Drona’s". He was followed by Ram and Laxman who cameto the valley to do   penance for killing Ravana. For the Pandavas of Mahabharat, the Doon was like second home. However, the most important of them all in modern times is the Sikh saint Ram Rai, the impact of whose presence in the valley has left an everlasting mark. He is considered the man, who lauds the foundation of the nucleus of the present city of Dehradun. He arrived on the fifth day of the Holi festival – the event is still   celebrated annually, by hosting a "Flag" atop the Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara, on the same day.   Historically, Dehradun has always been an important centre. It had once been the stronghold of the Garhwal rulers and was captured by the British. The Nalapani battle was fought here between General Gilspei and General Bal Bhadra Thapa near Tapovan Nalapani area. The English came; they saw, conquered and stayed for a hundred and thirty three years. Then all of a sudden, they left for "Home" making way for the refugees from Pakistan to establish their new "Home" in the Doon.

Since antiquity Dehradun has been home of a great diversity of people, who have developed many magnificent cultures. However, with passage of time all these become one, with the great motherland that is India. The vast numbers of people are Hindus, followed by Mohammedan, Christian, Aryas, Sikhs and Jains.  The people of Dehradun, all speak Western Hindi, along with the local dialect "Garhwali"; while the inhabitants of Jaunsar – Bawaruse what is technically known as Jaunsari form of Central Pahari. The Nagri script is mostly commonly taught and is universal throughout the hill pargana. The traditional folk art and architecture like the temples; woodcarving, paintings, etc. are preserved in the original form, thus making rich and definite contribution to the ocean of Great Indian Culture.

Dehradun, the gateway to the nature’s wonderland is a fascinating destination for discerning tourists. Bewildering natural features like the Sahastradhara’s cold sulphur water spring having high medicinal values and with dripping enigmatic caves offers an exhilrating and unforgetable experience. Besides, host of beauty spots abounds here like the Robbers cave, adjoining areas Dakpathar; Lacchiwala, Chakrata, etc. are places of immense tourist interest. Legends say, even the Gods were mesmerised by Doon’s rugged enchantment. Their divine footprints are now lovely temples and ashrams like the Tapkeshwar temple, Laxman Siddh, Tapovan, etc. which are just a handful to mention. It is however believed that if we offer prayers at these revered spots – they will always be answered. Dehradun is a major educational centre and boasts of premier educational institutions. Being headquartered of many National Institutions, its name had won many accolades and laurels.

The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is rated as on par with England’s Sandhurst and the United States "West Point"Military schools. Institutes like the Doon School, Welham, etc. are well known all over for its academic excellence and moulding the future of children.

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) the biggest training institute in India is in Sylvan surroundings of the Doon Valley where all forest officers are trained.

Some of the other vital and pioneer institution that provides research facilities, elaborate libraries and houses some of the best museums in the city are –:

Anthropological Survey of India, Kaulagarh Road.
  Botanical Survey of India, Kaulagarh Road.
Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute,
   Kaulagarh Road.
Defence Electronics, Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Raipur Road
Indian Photo Interpretation Institute.
Indian Institute of Petroleum, Mohkampur.
Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE).
Naval Hydrographic Office.
National Institute for Visually Handicapped.
Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC).
Survey of India.
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.
Wildlife Institute of India.
Zoological Survey of India.
Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS).
Koti Power House, the biggest underground power generating unit in India.

The rice, tea and leechi gardens add to the importance and beauty of Doon Valley. The famous "Basmati Rice"  of Dehradun was introduced by Dost Mohammad, who brought the rice seeds from Afghanistan. The word "Basmati" in local language means "Smell of the earth" (Bas = smell; Matti = earth) and is famous world over for its taste and aroma. Similarly, Dehradun’s lichee fruits and tea plantation introduced by English from China needs no introduction. Besides, a host of indigenous fruits, a product of its typical climatic conditions will give you immense pleasure and satisfaction.

Dehradun has also emerged as a centre for Adventure Tourism Training programmes and an ideal place for adventure sports like river rafting, aerosports and skiing, etc. making it mandatory on the itinerary of adventure tours. Dehradun’s endless panorama of scenic wonders is nothing short of a romance with pristine and soul-lifting nature itself. Its breath-taking comprehensive view of misty mountain capes, deep gorges alpine meadows and dense forests with towering deodars – unmatched visits that come alive especially at dawn or dusk. A visit to this place is bound to captivate you, as you tread back, with memories as a token of remembrance.

A camera cannot capture the beauty of Dehradun as our hearts could and the memories of this place shall forever vivid in our minds. The magic of the land will not end, it will be merely continued.