Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, lies in the picturesque Doon Valley, between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Its history stretches back to ancient times, with references in the Ramayana and Mahabharata linking the region to Guru Dronacharya—hence the name Dehra-Doon, meaning “the valley (doon) of Drona’s camp (dehra).”

The area was part of the Katyuri and later Garhwal kingdoms, and for centuries remained a forested stretch dotted with small settlements. In the late 17th century, Guru Ram Rai, son of the Sikh Guru Har Rai, arrived here and built the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, around which the modern town began to develop.

In the early 19th century, the Gorkhas captured Dehradun, ruling it until the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), after which the British took control. Under British rule, Dehradun grew rapidly as a peaceful hill-town, known for institutions such as the Forest Research Institute (est. 1906), Doon School, Survey of India, and the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

After Independence, Dehradun remained part of Uttar Pradesh until 2000, when Uttarakhand was formed and the city became its capital. Today, Dehradun is known for its educational institutions, natural beauty, and its role as a gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and the Garhwal Himalayas.