7 interesting facts about Dehradun

1. Dehradun was founded in the 18th century by a Sikh Guru called Guru Ram Rai

The Sikh devotees came to Doon back in 1675 and ruled here for almost 24 years. Today’s lively Doon was a remote place during the 18th century. It was when the elder son of the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai came here that Doon came into existence. To honour Guru Ram Rai, the Dhamawala village hosts a pompous fair each year.

2. What does the word ‘Dehradun’ means?

Dehradun has been derived from the two words ‘Dehra’ meaning dera, griha or home and ‘Doon’ stands for a valley that lies in the midst of the Himalayas and the ‘Shivaliks’.

       

3. Nehru were in dehradun jail

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote an interesting letter to his daughter Indira in the first half of 1941 when he was lodged in Dehradun Jail. “All we can do is to face our job and do it as well as we can and to remain tranquil in spite of shock and disaster.”

4. Clock tower is also known as Balbir tower.

The Clock Tower in Dehradun is the most renowned landmark of the city. The Clock Tower has six faces and it’s unique hexagonal architecture lending it heritage value. The Clock Tower is the most aesthetic structure in the city. The original name Of Clock Tower was Balbir Tower.

5. Dronacharya lived in this city

This city is also known as Dronanagri because Dronacharya who is the teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas was born and raised in Dehradun. The city is linked with the story of Mahabharata and Ramayana.

6. Sahastradhara meaning ‘thousand fold spring’ bears medicinal properties

Many tourists visit Sahastradhara in summers to beat the scorching heat of the sun. The interesting fact about this place is that the sulphur spring of Sahastradhara contains medicinal properties, which can cure several skin ailments in humans.

7. Known as the land of litchis

Dehradun is known as the land of litchis which are particularly famous in India. Litchis from this region are special and are named Dehradun Litchi.