The History of Dehradun
In Skanda Purana, Dehradun is mentioned as a part of Kedarkhand, the abode of Shiva. During the Mahabharata epic era, Dronacharya the great teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas lived here hence the name, “Dronanagari”.
A rock edict of Ashoka, the legendary Mauryan King, who ruled between 273 BCE to 232 BCE, was discovered at Kalsi, 44 km from Dehradun by John Forest, in 1860. The edict was known as Chhatra Shila by the local residents until it was protected by the Archaeological Survey of India following its discovery.
The present town of Dehradun was named after ‘Guru Ram Rai‘, the elder son of seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai, who came here in 1675, and first settled in the village ‘Dhamawala‘, which even today hosts the annual ‘Jhanda Fair‘ or “Jhande ji ka Mela” on the fifth day after Holi in his memory.
Dehradun was a part of the Garhwal Kingdom also known as ‘Kedarkhand’, which was founded by Ajai Pal, around 1400AD. He and his descendants ruled over Garhwal and the adjacent state of Tehri-Garhwal, in an uninterrupted line till 1803 (When the Gurkhas invaded Kumaon and Garhwal).
The treaty of Sagauli led to the annexation of the Dehradun and east Garhwal Kingdom into the British Empire. Britishers ruled the city till the year 1947 when India finally gained freedom from them.
Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. It lies over 230km North of the National Capital New Delhi.
How to reach Dehradun
Jolly Grant Airport
Dehradun Airport, also known as Jolly Grant Airport, is located 25 km south-east of Dehradun. You can book Taxi Services from the Airport to reach Dehradun main city.
All major Airlines like Indigo, Air India and Spice Jet operates on Delhi-Dehradun route.
Dehradun Railway Station
It lies at the heart of the city from where you can board buses for Queen of hills Mussoorie. The iconic clock is situated a few kilometres away from the Railway station. You can go to markets such as Paltan Bazar, Sunday Market and Chakrata Road from the Railway station though Vikrams and Autos.
Travel through Buses
After reaching Delhi you can board a Bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun. Both private and public state transport buses are available at the stand. Private ones are however over crowded and takes a longer route to reach Dehradun. Public Buses are a safer and less time consuming bet. You can board the bus for ISBT Bus Stand Dehradun or Mussoorie Bus Stand (The Railway Station).
If you want to explore the popular areas of the city or board bus for Mussoorie, it is better to board the bus for the Mussoorie Bus Stand.
Book a Cab
If you want a comfortable ride you can book an intercity cab from Delhi. The cabs normally charge around 4000₹ for a one way travel and cost may go up as the private taxi owners need to pay travel taxes on the way increasing the overall cost.
One added advantage is that you can explore some of the cities on the way like Hardwar.