Dehradun, the capital of the north Indian state of Uttaranchal is an important town in North India. It is also a beautiful hill station to which people travel in the summer to escape the heat of the plains. Founded by Guru Dronacharya, according to the epic of Mahabharata, Dehradun is today one of the most developed cities of India. Situated on the threshold of a world full of adventure, spiritualism and tranquility, amidst the Shivalik ranges, the foothills of Himalayas, Dehradun is an entry point for all the trekkers and mountaineers onto their journey into the Garhwal Himalayas.

A gateway to the popular hill station of Mussoorie and the pilgrimage centres of Haridwar and Rishikesh, Dehradun boasts of the famous Forest Research Institute and the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. Doon Valley finds its place between the two most important rivers of India Ganga and Yamuna, and is a picturesque town with moderate climate and a number of places of tourist interest.

During British colonial rule, Dehradun was the summer base of the Viceroy's Bodyguard. The hill resort became an important educational centre and military cantonment. Dehradun is home to the Rashtriya India Military College a school for students who intend to join the Defence Services, it is also home to the Indian Military Academy. The Forest Research Institute and the Wildlife Institute of India, institutes known for their collections of flora and fauna, are located in Dehradun as are many well-known residential schools.

The temple is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area 5.5 kms. from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. It is named Tepkeshwar as water droplets, originating form 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.

Forest Research Institute or the FRI, is one of the best research institutes devoted to the same purpose all around the world. A vast extensive museum in its premises displays a wide range of diverse botanical specimens. Open on all, weekdays from Monday to Friday, it is a great experience to witness the innumerable species of vegetation on the Earth. The Botanical Garden set in the campus is another attraction of the place.

10 kms. from Dehradun, enroute Mussoorie is situated a 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.

Located on the right side of the Dehradun- Sahastradhara route, the kalanga monument recalls the story of the bravery of an 180 year old battle between the British and the Gokhas, perched on hill, 1000 feet over the banks of river Rispana, the monument represents the history of the rulers of Garhwal.

12 kms. away from Dehradun, towards Rishikesh is a famous temple known as the Laxman Siddh, Legend has it that a sage underwent penance over here. Due to easy accessibility the temple is visited by a large number of the people especially on Sundays.

Robber's Cave

8 km from Dehradun, just beyond the Anarwala village, the famous Robber's Cave is a fabulous picnic spot, which is sure to delight the visitors. The best way to reach the place is to take a bus to the village and then stroll to the pace at a leisurely pace giving yourself time to take in the picturesque surroundings. It is known for a strange phenomenon as a stream of water suddenly disappears from sight at a point and then reappears again a few metres ahead as a squally stream.

By Air: The nearest Jolly Grant Airport is 25 km from Dehradun. It is connected to Delhi with Indian Airlines having five flights a week from Delhi to this airport.

By Train: Dehradun is well linked to all the major cities of the state by trains. There are direct daily trains that come here from Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow and other places. The most notable ones are Shatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express and the Doon Express.

By Road: Well connected by good and smooth roads and there are daily bus services that connect Dehradun to Mussoorie and Delhi.