Genesis of Dehradun

Dehradun - from the legendary past to an incredible heritage

The saga of Dehradun, as legends and epics would have it, begins in an era long before recorded history… during the times of the epic Mahabharata, when Dronacharya the legendary teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas, lived here. In Skanda Purana, Dun is mentioned as a part of the region called Kedar Khand, the abode of Shiva. In ancient India during the Mahabharata epic era, Dronacharya the great teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas lived here hence the name, "Drona-nagri".

Today, one of the earliest extant evidences of civilization here is the rock edict at Kalsi, built by Emperor Ashoka the legendary Mauryan King over two millennia ago. Centuries later, Dehradun became part of the Garhwal Kingdom, which was founded by Ajai Pal in 1400 AD. His descendants ruled over Garhwal and Tehri-Garhwal in an uninterrupted line till 1803.

The Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816) led to the ouster of the Gurkhas from fort of Nalapani and annexation of Dehradun and east Garhwal Kingdoms by the British Empire. During World War II, Dehradun became the Central Internment Camp for the captured German, Austrian and Italian soldiers.

Dehradun is now the capital of Uttarakhand. It is an upbeat education & IT hub, with all the modern paraphernalia to make life more meaningful in myriad ways. At the same time, there is inimitable old world grandeur in the very atmosphere of the city, which makes it an urban heaven in the Himalayan foothills, with the best of natural beauty and urban facility.

By Flight

Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, located just 25km from the valley of Dehradun, is served by flights operated by Indian Airlines and Private carriers such as Spice Jet and Jet Airways.

By Train

High speed trains, including the Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express, Jan Shatabdi and Doon Express, connect Dehradun to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Varanasi.

By Bus

Being well linked to all parts of the country by road, you may avail Deluxe bus services from Delhi and elsewhere to this picturesque town. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, also plies buses from Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) near Clement Town to Shimla and Mussoorie every 15-20 minutes. Many buses are available from Dehradun to various cities.

Distance to Dehradun from some major cities is given below:

  • Delhi - 225Km • Haridwar - 54Km
  • Rishikesh - 42Km • Agra - 382Km
  • Shimla - 221Km • Lucknow - 555Km
  • Nainital - 297Km • Jaipur - 436Km

Getting around Dehradun

From Campus to Dehradun and back

For the convenience of those students who are staying in city hostels as paying guest accommodation, UPES has hired buses that ply from City in the morning  to the campus, which return to the City in the evening every day.

For those living in the Campus accommodation, UPES provides a bus every Saturday to Dehradun City in the morning, which returns in the evening.

Getting to Dehradun

Dehradun is well connected by rail, road and air with the rest of the region and country. So, take your pick for the most convenient way to get to Dehradun.

Multicuisine restaurants and cafes adds to vitality of the city.

Weekend Getaways near Dehradun:

Robber's Cave
(8 km from Dehradun)
A river cave in the Himalayas is a natural formation that has the river water flowing from the middle of a cave

Mindrolling Monastery
It draws beauty from the gardens, university complex and the tallest Stupa in Asia surrounded by greenery

Malsi Deer Park
Located at the base of the Shivalik, it’s a zoological garden, and is home to Tiger, Neelgai, Peacock, the two horned Deer among others

Sahastradhara
This literally means 'thousand-fold spring'. It is a popular attraction, famous for its ecstatic beauty and therapeutic value since its water contains sulphur

Har ki Dun
Popularly referred to as Valley of Gods, this beautiful cradle shaped valley represents untouched panoramic beauty of pine trees and mountain peaks

Mussoorie
(35 km from Dehradun)
This is a famous weekend getaway, along with its surrounding areas like Lal Tibba, Lake Mist, Kempty Falls, Cloud's End and Dhanaulti

FOODIE’S DELIGHT
There’s a sprinkling of cafes, juice & soup corners and eateries serving a variety of cuisines from Punjabi to South Indian and Rajasthani. The popular ‘Tandoori Momos’ are a must try.

ADVENTURE

Trekking
Jwala Devi, George Everest, Bhadraj Temple, Doon Valley Dakpather, Asan Barrage and the Pachhwadun region are some of the
places popular for trekking

Rafting
The experienced and courageous may get ready to raft on one of India’s wildest rivers, Tons, and get the ride of your life, in Tiuni or in the famous white waters of Rishikesh

 

FUN TIME

Amusement Parks
Fun and enjoyment in the right dose at amusement parks like The Fun Valley, Fun 'N' Food Kingdom, Hi-Jinks, etc., are there for the taking

Shopping
Among the many shopping destinations that Dehradun has to offer, the easily accessible Tibetan Market offers a great shopping experience

Clubs
Some of the happening clubs in the city include Tonic Club, London Eye, Aura, The Earth Lounge, and Opal