Andaman Nicobar
Andra Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Bengal
Bihar
Chandigarh
Chattisgarh
Dadar Nagar Haveli
Daman Diu
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu Kashmir
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Lakshdweep
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
New Delhi
Orrisa
Poondicheri
Punjab
Rajasthan
Sikkim
Tamilnadu
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh
uttaranchal
West Bengal
more places 
Dehra Dun / Dehradun Uttaranchal
Dehra Dun General Information
Introduction :: DehraDunThis old centre of the Raj is situated in the broad Doon Valley between the Siwaliks and the front range of the Himalya. Dehra Dun is at the centre of a forest area and the Forest Research Institute is here. The town is a major academic and research centre and a base for the Indian Military Academy and the Survey of India. There are also several prestigious boarding schools including the Doon School, India's most exclusive private school. Dehradun takes its name from the Hindi words, dera, which means camp, and dun, valley. Famous for its educational institutions, the town has one of the largest railway terminuses in North India. According to a legend, Lord Shiva, the Hindu Destroyer of the Universe, stomped his foot in anger in the Dun valley. Another lore has it that Lord Rama and his brother, Laxmana, did penance here after killing Ravana, the King of Lanka . During their exile, the five Pandavas lived in the Dun valley for a short while. A rock inscription near Kalsi has led historians to believe that Emperor Ashoka ruled over the area in the 4th century B.C.
Area
3106 sq km.
Altitude
640 metres.
Climate
Summer :- Max 36.6ºC, Min 16.7ºC.
Winter :- Max 23.4ºC, Min 5.2ºC.
Rainfall
192 cm average yearly.
Languages spoken
Hindi, Garhwali, English.
Clothing
Summer : Cotton.
Winter : Woollens.
Season
Throughout the year.
STD Code
0135
Dehra Dun Sightseeing
Forest Research Institute :: Forest Research Institute, DehraDun One of the finest institutions in the world. the FRI stands in extensive grounds amongst fine plantations of many species of forest wealth. The institute maintains six museums, covering various disciplines, which are open to public.
Wadia Institute of Geology :: Wadia Institute of Geology is the best center on Himalayan geology, the Institute maintains a museum displaying the geological diversity of the sub-continent.
Tapkeshvar Temple :: Tapkeshvar Temple, DehraDun5.5km away from Dehra Dun is the Tapkeshvar temple, a popular Hindu pilgrim centre and the venue of an annual fair held on Shivratri, which celebrates Lord Shiva’s marriage with Parvati. Cool sulphur springs around the temple make excellent bathing spots for pilgrims
Sahastradhara :: Sahastradhara, Dehra DunAbout 14km from the city and is famous for its natural beauty and medicinal waterfalls, Sahastradhara is a very popular picnic and entertainment spot. There is also an attractive little Shiva temple snuggling under an over-hanging cliff.
Malsi Dear Park :: This is located 8km away on the road to Mussoori. It has deer, neelgai and a variety of birds.
Robber's Cave :: Popularly known as Guchu Pani is a picnic spot situated 8km away from the city.
Dakpather Barrage :: Constructed on the River Yamuna, is surrounded by gardens and is a popular picnic spot.
Rajaji National Park :: Consists of three sanctuaries, namely Rajaji,Motickur and Chilla. It has elephant, leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, spotted deer and variety of birds.
Dehra Dun Excursions
Chakrata :: Chakrata, DehraDun ExcursionAbout 92km from Dehra Dun. It is located at a height of 2,135m, the place offers an excellent view of the Himalayas.
Roorkee :: Near Dehra Dun is Roorkee, a small town famous for its Institute of Technology. Formerly called the Thomason Engineering College, the institute was established in 1847. Roorkee is also known for its canals, and is one of the first Indian towns to channel river water for farmers.
Saharanpur :: Saharanpur is another little town near Dehra Dun where woodcarving is the main occupation. Founded in 1340, Saharanpur was as a summer getaway from the heat of Delhi for the Mughals.
Kalsi :: 50km on the way to Chakrata, Kalsi has an edict inscribed on a rock. It was carved on the orders of the Buddhist Emperor Ashok in the 3rd century B.C.
Dehra Dun Helpline
Banks
Allahabad Bank, Clock Tower.
Punjab National Bank, Paltan Bazar, Astley Hall.
State Bank of India, Main Branch, Convent Road.
Bank of India, Rajpur Road.
Post Offices
Head Post Office, Clock Tower,
Sub Post Office, Karanpur.
Sub Post Office, Kutchery Road.
Hospitals
Doon Hospital, New Road.
Coronation Hospital, Dalahwala.
Cantt. Hospital, Cantt. Ph.
Military Hospital, Cantt.
P & T Dispensary, Chukhuwala.
Dehra Dun Entertainment
Cinema Halls
Kank, Orient, Payal, Chhaya Deep,
New Empire, Digvijai, Capri, Natraj,
Filmistan, Laxmi.
Clubs
Doon Club Rajpur Road.
Sports Activities
Fishing, Swimming.
Dehra Dun Travel Information
How to Reach Dehradun
Air :: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 24 km
Rail :: Dehra Dun is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Howrah, Varanasi and Allahabad.
Road :: Dehra Dun is well connected by road with all major centres of the state.
Some important cities distance from Dehra Dun
Mussoorie
34 kms.
Delhi
235 kms.
Shimla
280 kms.
Kedarnath
268 kms.
Fairs and Festivals of Dehradun
Lakhawar Fair :: This village fair is held during Sept.-Oct. and is very popular in the neighbouring area of Chakrata, 78 km. from Mussoorie. The fair reflects of the Garhwali tribes. Activities include cultural programmes and sport competitions.
Hanol Mela, Chakrata :: The temple of Hanol in Chakrata, 78 km. from Mussoorie is the venue of an exotic fair. The hill dwellers of the state gather in October to worship in all their finery. This is an opportunity to exchange message, purchase wares from various merchants and to celebrate with friends and relatives before the onset of a harsh winter.
Neelkanth Mahadev Mela :: Situated at a height of 1675 mts. on a hill above Swarg Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev is one of the most revered temples of Rishikesh. According to a legend, after the great 'Sagar Manthan' the churning of the sea by gods and demons, Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom that turned up from the manthan. The poison turned his throat blue and hence the name Neelkanth (Blue throat). An important fair is held in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad (July/August) when a visit to the temple is considered auspicious. Jhanda Fair
Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar in Dehradun City on the sacred memory of the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda ( Flag) on the staff located in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local people, a large number of devotees turn up from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and Himachal Pradesh etc.
Tapakeshwar Fair :: Tapakeshwar is a legendary place located on the eastern bank of the river Tons. Lord Shiva is the reigning deity of the ancient temple located here in a cave. In the Skandapurana, this place has been referred to as Deveshwara.It is believed that during Dwaparyuga, this place was abode of Guru Dronacharaya who lived here with his family. Since then, the cave was known as Drona Gufa. One of the famous heroes of Mahabharata and son of Guru Drona, Ashwathama was born here . When Ashwathama was very young, the poor father could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too poor to afford a cow. It was a matter of worry to the great master. One day, when young Ashwathama was crying for milk, the helpless Guru advised him to pray and worship Lord Shiva, who would bless him with milk. Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the young boy's tough penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the garb of Brahmin and enquired about his wish.
Lakshman Siddha Fair :: Lakshman siddha is one of the four siddhpeeths around Dehradun. It has immense religious importance. It is about 10kms. away on Dehradun-Rishikesh road. It can be easily approached by city bus or three wheelers and is located about 1 km off the road inside jungle. It is mainly a local religious fair held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April has a special significance, when people turn up in very large number and congregation of 20 to 25 thousand people can be seen offering obeisance to the samadhi here.
Bissu Fair :: This fair is held at the Jhanda ground in cantonment area of Chakrata block of the Dehradun district. It is about 3kms. from Chakrata. The fair reflects cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people turn up in this fair from nearby Trhri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur districts. The fair marks harvesting season inthe area and reflects the happiness of the local people.
Mahasu Devta's Fair :: Mahasu Devta's fair is held at Hanol which is about 120kms. on the Chakrata Tyuni road. The fair takes place in August every year, when Mahasu Devta (deity) is taken out in a procession. Musical prayers continue for three days and night. The havan samagri ( offering material ) is arranged by the Government of India. This is a local fair of Jaunsari tribe. Thousands of participants throng the place on the occasion from the adjacent Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur district.
Shaheed Veer Kesri Chand Fair (Chaktata Fair) :: This fair is held at Ramtal in Nagau gram sabha of Chakrata tehsil in Dehradun district. Ramtal is a beautiful natural tank of about 30mts. length and 30mts. width, located on a hill and is connected with a 700mts. long motorable road. The tank is surrounded by a green ground which is the venue of fair. Every year during navratras ( April) a big fair is held here. A temple and a memorial dedicated to the freedom fighter Veer Kesri Chandra is located at this spot.
