About Dehradun
Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas
Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Doon Valley between the Himalayas and the Shivalik hills. Known for its pleasant climate, prestigious institutions, and proximity to hill stations, it serves as the administrative, educational, and cultural hub of the state.
Key Facts
Type
city
Region
garhwal
Division
Garhwal
Established
1699
Elevation
640 m
Area
3088 km²
Climate
humid subtropical
STD Code
0135
Demographics
| Population | 1,696,694 (2011) |
| Population Density | 550 /km² |
| Literacy Rate | 89.32% |
| Male / Female Literacy | 93.77% / 84.22% |
| Sex Ratio | 902 per 1000 |
| Villages | 764 |
| Towns | 18 |
| Lok Sabha | Dehradun |
Languages Spoken
HindiGarhwaliEnglishPunjabiUrdu
Assembly Constituencies
- Dehradun Cantt
- Mussoorie
- Rishikesh
- Haridwar Rural
- Rajpur
- Raipur
- Dehradun
- Vikasnagar
- Sahaspur
- Doiwala
- Chakrata
History
Full history →Dehradun's history stretches back thousands of years, with references in the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics. The name is believed to derive from Dera (camp) of Guru Ram Rai, or from Dron (Dronacharya) and Dun (valley). The Doon Valley has been ruled by various dynasties including the Garhwal kings, the Gurkhas, and the British. It became the capital of the newly formed state of Uttarakhand in 2000.
Historical Names: Doon Valley, Drona Nagari, Dera Dun
Also Known As
DoonDoon ValleyCity of Love