Dehradun, the vibrant capital of Uttarakhand, is a unique blend of historical depth, mythical legends and modern growth. Nestled in the Doon Valley at the Himalayan foothills, it serves as a scenic gateway to major spiritual and hill destinations like Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Overview and Geography Location: Situated roughly 240 km from Delhi, the city sits at altitudes ranging from 640m to 1,000m. Natural Beauty: The landscape is defined by towering mountains and lush Sal forests, offering a refreshing environment year-round.
How to reach?
Dehradun is well connected with all the major Cities of India. Air: Jolly Grant Airport is just 25 km away. Rail: Direct trains connect to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Chennai. Road: With New Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, the travel time is 2.5 Hrs from New Delhi. Taj Mussoorie Foothills is a short drive from Dehradun City and the base for Mussoorie.
Weather in October/ November
October/ November in Dehradun offers pleasant autumn weather with temperature typically ranging from cool mornings/ evenings (Around 14-18 Degree C) to warm afternoons (upto 27 Degree C), requiring layers like light cottons for the day and a light sweater or hoodie for the cooler nights and mornings, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
What is Dehradun famous for?
Dehradun is famous among tourist as Historical, Picnic Spots, Educational Institutes, Food, Capital City, Shopping, Zoo, Business Hub.
Dehradun is recommended destination for Corporates, Couples, Family and Kids, travelling from abroad or different parts of the country in Groups or Solo.
Dehradun is popular destination for various activities/ interests - Bakery, Biking, Business Hub, Char Dham Route, Christmas and New Year, Leisure, Shopping and Weekend Getaway.
Public Transport Infrastructure in Dehradun
Public transport includes eco-friendly electric buses, e-rickshaws and app-based cabs like Ola, Rapido, Uber and private auto rickshaws. Most major roads branch out from the iconic Clock Tower.
Staying in Dehradun
The capital of the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun has plenty of accommodation available for tourists and travellers according to their budget. Being at proximity to Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar, many places to stay have mushroomed in Dehradun. One can easily find luxurious hotels with all facilities and amenities as well as budget guesthouses with limited amenities at Dehradun to suit every traveller’s needs.
Culture, Food, and Lifestyle Famous For: A mix of historical sites, picnic spots and bustling markets like Paltan Bazaar and the Tibetan Market. Local Flavors: The food scene is diverse, ranging from international cuisines to authentic Pahadi dishes. Rajpur Road is the primary hub for dining. Festivals: The city's spirit shines during traditional fairs such as the Jhanda Fair, Tapkeshwar Fair, Laxmansidh Fair, Bissu Fair, Mahasu Devta Fair and the Shaheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair.
The "School Capital of India"
Dehradun is globally recognized as a premier educational center. It houses over 300 prestigious institutions including The Doon School, Welham Girls' School, Welham Boys' School, St. Joseph's Academy to name a few.
History and Mythology The Name: "Dehradun" is derived from the camp (dera) established in the valley (dun) by Shri Guru Ram Rai in 1676. Legendary Roots: Ancient texts like the Skanda Purana link the city to the "Kedar Khand" region, the abode of Shiva. Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India and is believed that Lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana. Around 2,000 years old temples and idols have been found in the surrounding areas of Dehradun, which dates back to the period of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is also believed that Dehradun was the abode of Guru Dronacharya, who was the royal guru of the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Historical Timeline: The city has seen various rulers, from Mahmud of Ghazni to the British in 1816, before becoming the capital of the newly formed Uttarakhand in 2000.
It is said that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was in awe with the supernatural powers of the magnetic Guru Ram Rai. Therefore, he asked the contemporary Raja of Garhwal, Fateh shah to extend a helping hand to Shri Guru Ram Rai. Hence, a Gurudwara or temple was built in Dhamawala. Also, the construction of the present building of Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj was completed in 1707.
Dehradun was conquered by Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaign into India, followed by Taimooralang in 1368, Ruahela Njibuddulo in 1757 and Ghulam Qadir in 1785. The British gain control over Dehradun in 1816 and post-Independence, Dehradun along with the other parts of Garhwal and Kumaon region were merged with United Provinces which later came to be known as Uttar Pradesh.
In 2000, Uttarakhand state, formerly named as Uttaranchal was created from the North-Western districts of Uttar Pradesh, under the Reorganization Act 2000 and Dehradun was made its provisional capital.
Venue : Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun Address : Mauza Malsi, Pargana Pachwadoon, Near Max Hospital, Dehradun-248 001, Uttarakhand, India Location : View map E-Mail : reservations.dehradun@tajhotels.com Contact : +91 11681 83713
