Encased within the mighty Himalayas, Dehradun is regarded as the life-blood of Uttarakhand. The city is one of the ancient most cities in the Indian subcontinent. Recently Dehradun has been the declared the provisional capital of the state of Uttarakhand. Etymologically, Dehradun bears immeasurable significance. Dehra is a corrupt form of `dera`, which signifies a temporary dwelling, or site.

Under the order of Aurangzeb, the infamous Mughal emperor, spiritual leader of the Udasi Sikhs, Ram Rai, had been forced to take recourse in the wild and uninhabited area. Near the Khurbura locality he built his tent. Ram Rai also constructed a town near another place called Dhanawala. A town called Dehra flourished around these said places.

Another derivation of the term `dun` is stated to be from Dronashram, hermitage of Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, who sojourned for a season in the village of Devara, situated in close proximity with Dehra to perform his devotions at a secluded spot. The word `dun` or `doon` signifies the low-down lands at the bottom of the lofty Himalayan range. Since the place is placed in such a piece of land, it is named Dehra Dun.

The city of Dehradun is located in the Doon valley, 230 kilometers north of India`s capital New Delhi and the Delhi metropolitan area. Dehradun district is girded by Himalayas in the north, Shivalik Hills in the south, Ganges in the east and the river Yamuna in the west. The water divide of Ganga and Yamuna passes through the city.

The city of Dehradun is also placed on the northwestern side of the lush Gangetic plains of India. Before Uttarakhand came into being on November 9, 2000, Dehradun was a part of Uttar Pradesh. The most admired cities and towns in the vicinity include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee, Mussoorie and Saharanpur.

A product that has made Dehradun a household name within India is the city`s "Dehradooni basmati rice" and lychee. Also, it has always been known as home of prestigious Engineering Organisations, namely, Survey of India and other research institutes Forest Research Institute (FRI) and educational institutions like, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Indian Military Academy (IMA) and The Doon School. Dehradun is a much preferred tourist destination, due to its magnetic hilly attractions, attracting both pilgrims and enthusiasts from various walks of life. According to the 2001 census, population of Dehradun stands at 447,808.

History of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India: History of Dehradun can be traced in the ancient times of Mahabharata, when the place finds mention, both in association with the Pandavas and Guru Dronacharya. The city`s rich legacy was brought down in history pages, when British Raj was dominating whole of India in a significant manner. Britishers had clashed with the Marathas and Mughals, thereafter sealing Dehradun`s fate with a signing of treaty.

Tourism in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India: Tourism in Dehradun is exceedingly high-classed and sophisticated in its own right, with economical boosting aiding the city to maintain the spots perfectly. Ranging from historical and legendary temples, to wildlife parks, waterfalls, museums or just gardens, tourists can have a pristine view of the Himalayas from each sector, loaded with unnaturalness.

Climate of Dehradun
Dehradun essentially resembles a sub-tropical climate with cool winters, warm and nipping springs, with hot summers and a tough monsoon. The mountains around Dehradun receive a fair amount of snowfall in winter. Dehradun city is generally prone to cold waves in the winter. April to June comprise the summer months, with maximum temperature averaging approximately 33 degrees Centigrade (93 degrees Fahrenheit). Monsoons arrive in late June and ends in September, often with weeks of hammering rainfall; the specified season is generally advised to be avoided by visitors. Autumn begins in late September and continues till November, with average temperatures approximately hovering around 16 degrees Centigrade (60 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter in Dehradun lasts from December to February, with average minimum temperature near 4 degrees Centigrade (38oF), followed by spring, lasting from late February to early March.

Accessibility:
Over the years due attention has been rested on developing the transportation of Dehradun. The reason is to securely launch the connectivity of the city with other places of India.

How to reach Dehradun by air: The capital city of Dehradun possesses its own domestic airport, the Jolly Grant Airport. Located at the outskirts of the city, the airport lies at a distance of 25 km from the city centre. Daily flights operate to and from Delhi, the nearest international airport to Dehradun. Delhi Airport is the ideal destination for those wishing to board onto international flights. Delhi is connected by air to all the major Indian cities like: Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata etc. private Air Deccan and Indian Airlines are the only airlines operating from Dehradun airport.

How to Reach Dehradun by Road: An extensive network of National Highways, State Highways and metalled motorable roads make Dehradun smoothly reachable from any part of northern India. The notable cities with road connections to Dehradun comprise: Agra (381 km), Delhi (235kms), Jaipur (493 km), Lucknow (582 km), Kolkata (1562 km), Chennai (2365 km), Mumbai (1578 km).

How to reach Dehradun by Rail: Lying in vicinity, Dehradun Railway Station rightly caters to the requirements of localities. In fact it is a principal `railhead` on the Northern Railway line. Facilities are being provided so that one can board into direct trains to all the metro cities of India and also several tourist locales of Uttarakhand itself. Amongst the important trains, Shatabdi Express and Mussoorie Express are significant. One can board the Shatabdi Express train from Delhi. Another train, Dehradun-Mumbai Express establishes connectivity of Dehradun city with Mumbai. Almost every metro city in India like: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, have direct trains to and from Dehradun. Several central trains also connect the city with Varanasi, Lucknow, Mussoorie and so on.

Shopping in Dehradun
Shopping in Dehradun can be quoted as a satisfying experience. The concept of shopping malls in Dehradun does not exist. However, the city is home umpteen markets, where one can find priceless artifacts, shawls and brass statues.

It is highly recommended to visit the shops at the Sahakari Bazaar, Rajpur Road, Ashley Hall, Paltan Bazaar and Connaught Place in Dehradun to pick up specific exceptional articles at affordable prices. While shopping in Dehradun, one can buy anything, ranging from woollens to gift items. The carpets weaved by the Tibetan refugees make for first-class gift items and relics. It is a must that one checks out the utilities created out of wood, bamboo and cane. The local paintings and ornaments obtainable in the shops of Dehradun are also worth a buy.

Uttarakhand has its own tradition of handicrafts. Dehradun being the capital of the state thus possesses fine market places. So you can easily find the specialties of Uttarakhand in the markets of Dehradun.

Visiting Information in Dehradun
In order to essentially have a pleasant and satisfying stay in Dehradun, it is best to choose right and appropriate accommodation. Visitors to this idyllic place have a host of options to opt from, with luxurious and budget offerings in the hotel section. Visiting information in Dehradun thus is crucial and substantial, which included car parking, restaurant facilities, room services and the likes. Some of the numerous hotels include: