10 Fascinating Facts About Dehradun You Never Knew
Dehradun City of Uttarakhand is the capital of India, where rich culture and modern development meets natural beauty. The city is situated in the Doon Valley, with the Himalayas to the North and Shivalik hills to the South. There is something to offer to everyone from nature lovers, and history enthusiasts to people seeking solace. Let us look at some of the most inspiring facts about Dehradun that showcase its beauty and significance.
1. Dehradun has a tale behind its name
The word 'Dehradun' is the combination and abbreviation of 'Dera' which stands for campsite and 'Doon' which refers to a valley. In the 17th century Guru Ram Rai, who was the eldest son of Guru Har Rai, the seventh siekh Guru, settled here giving reason for this name. The area was known as Sudhnagar before it became Dehradun.
2. It Serves as the Gateway to Several Tourist Destinations
Dehradun serves as a point of access to some key locations in India including the temples of Mussoorie, Auli, Nainital, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and in Addition to these above mentioned temples, there is the Char Dham pilgrimage area. Given its position, it is also very convenient for passerby tourists who make journeys in Uttarakhand.
3. Home to Prestigious Educational Institutions
Dehradun is sometimes called the 'school capital of India' and for good reason. The Doon School, Welham Girls' School, Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Forest Research Institute (FRI), Indian Military Academy (IMA) are just some of the big names in this area. The quality of these institutions brings in a lot of students from different parts of the nation and enhances the reputation of the city.
4. Rich Biodiversity and Natural Beauty
With the city's location at the Himalayan foothills, it is plausible that there is rich biodiversity. Dehradun is a city of green forests, the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, Rajaji National park and other wildlife sanctuaries around it. What also makes Rajaji National park special is the vast variety of flora and fauna that resides in it. Elephants, tigers, leopards, over 300 birds are just a small portion of what makes the park such a delight.
5. Forest Research Institute – A Heritage Site
Dehradun has the Forest Research Institute (FRI), which is the foremost institution in India in the area of forestry research and boasts exceptional architecture. Its main building, constructed in 1906 during the British raj, is considered one of the largest wooden structures in the continent. In 2014, FRI was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title of 'Modern Heritage'.
6. Birthplace of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev
The city of Dehradun is the birthplace of Yoga guru Swami Ramdev who is well known across the globe for practicing and popularizing Yoga, and Ayurveda through Patanjali Ayurved Limited. His endeavors have impacted the health and wellness of people around the globe.
7. Robber's Cave – A Unique Geological Wonder
One of the iconic places of Dehradun is also Robber's Cave / Guchhupani. It is a natural cave with a stream running through it, and where water disappears quite suspiciously. The site is also well known for its association with some Hindu fables like Lord Rama believed to have meditated here during his exile.
8. Nearby Tehri Dam Reservoir
Dehradun may not host the Tehri Dam in its vicinity, but what it does have is extremely close access to this engineering wonder which is roughly 100 kilometers away. The Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River is one of the tallest dams in the world and holds significance in hydroelectric power generation as well as irrigation in Northern India.
9. A Hub For Adventure Activities
Adventure lovers, both domestic and foreign, are very much interested in getting to Dehradun because that means they will have relatively easier access to places like Mussoorie, Chakrata and Dhanaulti. An endless array of trekking, paragliding, river rafting, camping and skiing all await these adventurers throughout the year in the region. These activities become even more remarkable with the breathtaking views the region offers.
10. Climate and Agriculture
Dehradun has a temperate climate, which is suitable for agriculture. The cold winters along with moderate summers leaves space for Basmati rice, litchis, mangoes and many others to flourish in the rich soil of the Doon Valley. Additionally, this region becomes an attraction for most expatriates and retirees who want to settle down in a tranquil environment surrounded by greenery, due to the nature infused lifestyle they offer.
Conclusion
Now you know that Dehradun is much more than the capital of Uttarakhand; it is a combination of culture, education, spirituality, and adventure all neatly packed into one location. The city is filled with opportunities for exploration and discovery, ranging from its historical roots, and notable institutions, to its surreal natural beauty and landmarks. If you are looking for a place to go on vacation, wanting to relocate, or you just want to learn more about this wonderful city, these facts highlight the reasons why Dehradun is one of the most loved places around the world.
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