Located amidst the Himalayas in the North, the Shivalik in the South, the Yamuna River in the West and the Ganga River in the East, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful valley than the Doon Valley. Lying peacefully within is the capital city of newly found state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, also known as Dehra Doon.

Dehradun prides itself on the basmati rice and the tropical fruit from China called the lychee or litchi. It is also home to renowned institutions such as the Forest Research Institute, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the prestigious Doon School.

Climate
The climate of the Doon Valley is quiet favorable – with cool winters, hot summers, heavy showers during monsoons and pleasant springs. Though the hills around Dehradun (Mussoorie) receive some amount of snowfall, the small town rarely gets to enjoy the snow.

Culture and Economy
Dehradun has evolved to house some of the most elite crowds in the city. The most popular landmark in the heart of the city is known as the Clock Tower or the ghanta ghar. During the day, the city is hustling and bustling with student population. Being an important seat of education and learning, the Doon Valley prides itself with some of the finest schools such as the Doon School, Welhams Girls School and lots more.

Travel and Tourism
Some of the most popular places to visit around the valley and Dehradun are:

• Malsi Deer Park
• Buddha Temple
• Sahastradhara
• Robber’s Cave
• Lachhiwala

Some beautiful hill stations around the Doon Valley are – Mussoorie Landour (36km from Dehradun), a relatively easy trekking route (from Dehradun to Mussoorie) about 16 km away, Dhanaulti and the Chakrata (80 km from Dehradun) hill stations.

Popular pilgrimage and/or religious sites around or near to Dehradun are Rishikesh, Haridwar and the Paonta Sahib (an ancient historic Gurudwara built on the banks o the Yamuna River).