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	:: N O R T H I N D I A > D E H R A D U N ::

	Brief -
	A gateway to hill stations of Garhwal, the picturesque town of Dehradun marks the entry for trekkers, mountaineers and adventure sports lovers. Famed for its fruit laden orchards, it is the threshold of a world full of adventure, spiritualism and tranquility. Nestled cosily in the Shivalik ranges, pilgrims gather here to move on to Rishikesh and Haridwar to begin their Char Dham Yatra to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The alluvial soil has attracted farmers, the branching climate led to the coming up of educational and research institutions like public schools, the Indian Military Academy, Forest Research Institute and many other industrial organisations right here in this bustling town.

	History -
	Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India. In the Vedic times, the Garhwal Mandal, of which Dehradun is a part, was known as the Kedar Khand. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharaya, a Brahmin teacher of warfare, considered Dehradun a place fit for meditation & worship and therefore, the valley of Doon was christened Drona Ashram, which means "The Abode of Drona". The written history of Dehradun dates back to 250 BC and King Ashoka’s inscription at Kalsi, on the outskirts of the city, is proof of this. There are 14 edicts carved on a rock and nearby is the site of three horse sacrifices by Raja Shilvarma of the Vrisheri dynasty. Large bricks with writing on them are laid out in the shape of a huge bird with a fire altar in the middle. The Sikh saint Guru Ram Rai also camped here at the place where the present Guru Ram Rai Durbar is located. Like most other Indian hill stations, the British found the climate and the serene environment of this place closer to their home and established many well-known institutions here.

	Culture -
	Dehradun is full of vivid culture. Fairs & Festivals are celebrated at all places. The Jhanda Fair is celebrated to mark the arrival of Guru Ram Rai at Dehradun. In the year 1699, Guru Ram Rai built a gurdwara, Guru Ram Rai Durbar and hoisted his flag on it. Now a fair is held on the sixth day after Holi every year in March/April and a flag (Jhanda) unfurled at the Jhanda Chowk. A fair is held in February to celebrate Shivratri at the Tapkeshwar Temple, 5.5 km from Dehradun. The Lakhawar Fair is held at the village of the same name in the months of September-October every year. Many activities are held during the festival like dance, music, and sports competitions.

	Climate & Geographical Location -
	Dehradun has salubrious climate throughout the year. While summers are warm, winters are very cold. Dehradun is situated in a valley in the Shivalik ranges, in the foothills of the Himalayas at a height of 2,200 feet and is bounded on the west by the Yamuna and on the east by the river Ganges.

	How to Reach -
	Dehradun is well connected by road, rail and air. By air, the nearest airport Jolly Grant is 24 kms away and is connected with flights to Delhi. By rail, the main railhead is Dehradun and is well connected with direct trains coming in from Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow and other places. There is good network of roads which helps to connect it with many parts of the country. Buses of U.P. State Roadways, state transport systems of Delhi, Himachal, Haryana, Rajasthan and private operators provide deluxe and ordinary bus services to Dehradun and other centres of the circuit.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Forest Research Institute -
	FRI, or the Forest Research Institute, is one of the best among equals around the world. It has an extensive museum, that showcases a wide diversity of botanical specimens. Open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, it makes for a great experience. The entry to the museum is free. While here, you can also visit the Botanical Garden, located on the campus.

	Sahastradhara -
	A picnic spot and famous for its sulphur water springs. There is also an attractive little Shiva temple, snuggling under an overhanging cliff. Located 14 km from the city centre.

	Rajaji National Park -
	Nestled in a lush valley of the Shivalik Range, Rajaji National Park is situated at the edge of the sprawling Dehradun valley. Founded in 1966, three sancturies in the Western U.P., Shivaliks- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla were amalgamated into a large protected area. It was named Rajaji National Park in the year 1983 after the famous freedom fighter late Shri Rajgopalachari; popularly known as Rajaji. An ideal holiday resort with its many picnic spots and excursion sites for the nature lover, the park offers wonderful opportunities for viewing wild animals in their natural habitat. It possesses as many as 23 species of mammals and 315 birds species. The wildlife here includes elephants, tigers, panther, bear, chital, sambar, wild boar, kakar, python, monitor lizard, a wide variety of avian fauna and a rare species of ant eater. the best time to visit the park is from Mid-November to Mid-June.

	Others -

	DAKPATHAR - A well maintained tourist spot. Its lush gardens and picturesque setting, against a mountain backdrop make it a good excursion.

	MALSI DEER PARK - Malsi Deer Park, is located 8 km away from the city, on the road to Mussoorie. A pleasant excursion, the park makes for a good picnic spot.

	PANOTA SAHEB - Located some kilometres from Dehra Dun, it is a holy place of the Sikhs and has a beautiful gurudwara.

	ROBBERS CAVE - A pilgrim spot where Sundays are considered auspicious to offer prayers. The famous Robbers Cave is a great picnic spot beyond the Anarwala village, 8 km from main Dehra Dun.

	TAPKESHWAR TEMPLE - This Siva temple is the scene of the annual festivities on Shivaratri. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is perched atop a long flight of stairs on the outskirts of the city.

	WADIA INSTITUTE OF HIMALAYAN GEOLOGY - This institute too, makes for an interesting experience, educating the visitors on the mountains, which form a backdrop to the city. Open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm.