Dehradun, a modern city is the principal entry point for the Garhwal valleys. Dehradun is the capital city of the state of Uttaranchal. Dehradun is situated about 42 kms. from Rishikesh and the gateway to the hill station of Mussoorie. Dehradun is one of the most important towns in the Himalayan foothills. Dehradun lies at an altitude of 640 metres in the fertile Doon valley and bounded by the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in the east and west, the Himalayas in the north and the Shivalik Hills in the south. This fertile valley of the Doon boasts of spring-fed perennial streams and dense forests of sal. It is also a popular retirement town, among army officers. Dehradun is also a city of research institutions, philanthropic organisations and residential schools, where children come to study from all over India. The Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy, Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Wild Life Institute of India are the famous institutes in Dehradun. Dehradun has a equable climate and a pleasant place to relax in or stop en route to Mussoorie.

According to the Hindu legend, Dehradun formed part of Kedarkhand and was Siva’s stamping ground, hence the place was known as Siwaliks. Rama and his brother are said to have done penance for killing Ravana and the five Pandavas stopped here on their way to the high, snowy mountains. Guru Dronacharya medidated here, which was then known as Drona Ashram. In the 17th and 18th century it changed hands a number of times. Guru Ram Rai also retreated here from Punjab after failing to succeed his father. The Ram Rai Durbar is also located here that attracts lots of devotees and followers from India. Dehradun derives its name Dehra (Camp) from here. Najib-ud-daula, the Mughal Governor of Sahranpur, occupied it in 1757 and held it until his death in 1770. The Gurkhas also overran it on the westward expansive from Kumaon to Kangra. They ceded it to the British in 1815. Dehradun appealed to the British, who developed it as centre of education and research.

The British found the climate of Dehradun very pleasant and established many institutions here. The Forest Research Institute, one of the largest insitute in India was established in 1914. In 1922, the Royal Indian Military College for boys who intent on an army career was established along the lines of Welbeck. Ten years later, the Indian Military Academy was opened to provide officer training. This institute is modelled on Sandhurst and all officers in the Indian army undergo their initial training here. The country’s most prestigious public school, the Doon School, Col. Brown school, Jesus & Mary Convent, St Joseph's School and Welham’s High School are also situated here. Rajiv Gandhi was one of the old boys of the Doon School. The Survey of India was founded in 1767, whose Surveyor Generals included Sir George Everest has its headquarters here too.

The Forest Research Institute; Robbers cave, a picnic spot; Tapkeshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; Sahastra Dhara, the sulphur springs; Dakpathar Barrage; Tapovan, a place where Guru Drona did penance; Kalanga Monument for Gorkha Gen Balbhadra Thapa and Ashoka Edict at Kalsi are the famous tourist attractions in Dehradun.

By Air: 
The Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is connected to various cities in the country.

By Rail:
Dehradun is a main railway station of the Northern Railway which has direct trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Varanasi.

By Road:
Dehradun is well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, various pilgrimage places and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.