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Shivalik Hills in the south. This fertile valley of the
Doon boasts of spring-fed perennial streams and dense
forests of sal. It is also a popular retirement town,
among army officers. Dehradun is also a city of research
institutions, philanthropic organizations and
residential schools, where children come to study from
all over India. The Forest Research Institute, Indian
Military Academy, Institute of Petroleum Exploration,
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Wild Life
Institute of India are the famous institutes in Dehradun.
Dehradun has a equable climate and a pleasant place to
relax in or stop en route to Mussoorie.
History of Dehradun
According to the Hindu legend, Dehradun formed part of
Kedarkhand and was Siva’s stamping ground, hence the
place was known as Siwaliks. Rama and his brother are
said to have done penance for killing Ravana and the
five Pandavas stopped here on their way to the high,
snowy mountains. Guru Dronacharya meditated here, which
was then known as Drona Ashram. In the 17th and 18th
century it changed hands a number of times. Guru Ram Rai
also retreated here from Punjab after failing to succeed
his father. The Ram Rai Durbar is also located here that
attracts lots of devotees and followers from India.
Dehradun derives its name Dehra (Camp) from here.
Najib-ud-daula, the Mughal Governor of Sahranpur,
occupied it in 1757 and held it until his death in 1770.
The Gurkhas also overran it on the westward expansive
from Kumaon to Kangra. They ceded it to the British in
1815. Dehradun appealed to the British, who developed it
as centre of education and research.
Institutes in Dehradun
The British found the climate of Dehradun very pleasant
and established many institutions here. The Forest
Research Institute, one of the largest institute in India
was established in 1914. In 1922, the Royal Indian
Military College for boys who intent on an army career
was established along the lines of Welbeck. Ten years
later, the Indian Military Academy was opened to provide
officer training. This institute is modelled on
Sandhurst and all officers in the Indian army undergo
their initial training here. The country’s most
prestigious public school, the Doon School, Col. Brown
school, Jesus & Mary Convent, St Joseph's School and
Welham’s High School are also situated here. Rajiv
Gandhi was one of the old boys of the Doon School. The
Survey of India was founded in 1767, whose Surveyor
Generals included Sir George Everest has its
headquarters here too.
Tourist Attractions in Dehradun
The Forest Research Institute; Robbers cave, a picnic
spot; Tapkeshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva;
Sahastra Dhara, the sulphur springs; Dakpathar Barrage;
Tapovan, a place where Guru Drona did penance; Kalanga
Monument for Gorkha Gen Balbhadra Thapa and Ashoka Edict
at Kalsi are the famous tourist attractions in Dehradun.
How to reach Dehradun
By Air:
The Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is connected to
various cities in the country.
By Rail:
Dehradun is a main railway station of the Northern
Railway which has direct trains to Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Lucknow and Varanasi.
By Road:
Dehradun is well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar,
various pilgrimage places and other important hill
stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region. |
