Dehradun (India), main town of Garhwal and Uttaranchal , was earlier a huge lake. However, ecological changes led to the disappearance of the lake which took away with it the dense forests and its wild animals. Now barren, the main attraction of this valley is that it is surrounded by the Himalayas in the North, the Shivalik Mountain Range in the South, the River Ganges in the East, and the river Yamuna on the West. Dehra Dun Valley is 1500 to 2500 feet above sea level.

The city is also historically significant as archeological evidences reveal that that in the times of Mahabharata, these forests were used by the Pandavas when they were sent on their exile.

The city has the Himalayas to its north, the Shivalik range to its south, the sacred Ganga river to its east and the Yamuna river to its west. Dehradun is the part of Garhwal Himalayan region, which was earlier known as Kedar Khand. Following a war between the Gorkhas rulers and the British, the Treaty of Sugauli was signed in 1816 which the British established their hold over the entire region. Today this enchanting city still retains the quaint flavors of the Raj. Tourist attractions include:

Tapkeshawar Temple

Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple, an ancient place of worship, is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. area. It is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets, originating from a rock, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.

Sahastradhara

Sahasratra Dhara, literally meaning, the 'thousand-fold spring', is situated at a distance of 11kms from Dehra Dun. The place makes an ideal picnic spot and is of immense attraction to visitors. The water here has a fall of about 9 meters and is breathtakingly beautiful. Scores of people come to the sulfur spring to bathe as the water is said to cure skin infections and possess other medicinal properties

Malsi Deer Park

En route to Mussoorie is situated the beautifully developed tourist spot lying at the foot hills of the Shivalik range. Malsi Deer Park is a mini-zoological park comprising of a children's park enveloped by beautiful, natural surroundings. It offers an ideal sight-seeing cum picnic spot.

Chandrabani

Situated 7kms from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Delhi road is the famous temple of Chandrabani. Legend has it that spot was inhabited by Maharishi Gautam, his wife and daughter Anjani who are widely worshipped by the people. It is believed that the Goddess Ganga had manifested herself on this spot.

Sai Darbar

Situated 8kms along the Clock Tower on Rajpur Road, is the Sai Darbar Temple. This place holds a high cultural and spiritual value and is visited by tourists from across the country and foreigners as well.

Robber's Cave

An ideal place for a picnic, Robber's Cave is just 8kms away from the City Bus Stand. Local bus services are available up to Anarwala Village, from where it is just a kilometer's trek to the spot.

Santala Devi Temple

About 15kms from Dehradun to reach the famous temple of Santaula Devi, which stands as a symbol of the faith people have in the temple and has a great cultural and religious significance. It is believed that Santla Devi and her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the advancing Mughal Army, abandoned their weapons and began to pray. Soon, a light flickered and within moments they both were transformed into stone images.

Tapowan

Approximately, 5kms from the City Bus Stand on the Dehradun-Rajpur road, this place is situated in beautiful surroundings. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharya had done penance in this area.

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 820 sq kms. The park with its magnificent ecosystem, is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges and is home to 23 species of mammals and 315 of fauna.

Popular places near Dehra Dun are:

Mussourie

Mussourie is a quaint little town at an altitude of 2000 m. It is a popular tourist for all people visiting Dehra Dun.

Dakpathar

Dakpathar or the Yamuna Hydel Scheme is 45 km away from Dehradun in the western Doon valley with lush green lawns and blooming gardens.

Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib is one of the most sacred sites for the Sikh community. It is said that at the site of the Gurdwara next to the Yamuna, the tenth Guru Govind Singh wrote a major portion of the sacred Dasam Granth.

Chakrata

Chakrata is the 112-year-old town that is a haven for nature buffs and trekkers. Several sites worth a visit near Chakrata are Mundali, Tiger falls and Lakhamandal.