Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is recently declared as the Provisional Capital of newly created Uttaranchal State in the month of Nov'2000. The district is named after its chief city Dehra Dun. The town lies in the Dun Valley, on the watershed of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The name Dehradun is a collection of two word "dera" meaning Camp and " dun" meaning valley. The district is situated in the north-west corner of the state. It is bounded on the north and to some distance in the northwest by the district of Uttarkashi, in the east by the district Tehri Garhwal and Pauri-Garhwal, in the south by the district of Saharanpur(Uttar Pradesh) and its southern tip touches the boundary of district Haridwar. Its western boundary adjoins the Sirmur(Nahan) district of Himachal Pradesh with the rivers Tons and Yamuna separating the two.

Places of Interest:

Tapkeshawar Temple Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple is an ancient place of worship and is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area, 5.5 km away from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. 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, laterally meaning, the 'thousand fold spring' is situated at a distance of 11 km away from Dehra Dun. The place makes an ideal picnic spot and is of immense attraction to visitors. The Baldi river and the caves provide a breathtaking view. The water here has a fall of about 9 m and leaves an incrustation of lime of all its touches.
Malsi Deer Park 10 km away 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. Alongwith the attractive environs the availability of refreshments makes the place an ideal sight-seeing cum picnic spot.
Tibetan Temple Situated on Rajpur Road near the Sai Darbar Temple is a huge and colourful temple of Lord Buddha.
Santala Devi Temple About 15 km from Dehradun to reach the famous temple of Santaula Devi, one can utilize the bus facilities till Jaitunwala, then it is a 2 km drive to Punjabiwala by a jeep or any light vehicle and further it is a 2 kms trek to the temple. The temple stands as a symbol of the faith people have in the temple and has a great cultural and religious significance. Santla Devi, alongwith her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the Mughal Army , abandoned their weapons and began to pray.
Dakpathar 45 kms from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a beautiful tourist spot in the western Doon Valley, amidst the Shivalik range. Dakpathar has emerged a wonderful tourist spot under the Yamuna Hydel Scheme. The place is connected by a regular bus service from the Parade Ground and Highway Bus Stand near the Railway Station, Dehradun. Accommodation is available in a Tourist Rest House with swimming pool facilities
Rajaji National Park Rajaji National Park was founded in 1966 and spreads over an area of 820 sq.kms, the park with it's magnificent ecosystem, is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik ranges. It represents the flora of several zones of the forest, reverine, broad leaf mixed forest, chirpine forest, scrub land and grassy pasture lands. There are 23 species of mammals and 315 of avi-fauna here. The Rajaji National Park is named after Late Shri C.Rajgoplalachari, popularly known as Rajaji. Best Tourist season is between November to mid June.