The valley of legends
Kulwinder Sandhu

NESTLED in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal, Doon Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in Asia. It is blessed with a salubrious climate that extends a cordial invitation to inquisitive and dauntless tourists. The magic of Doon Valley unwinds the moment you set foot on its soil. At every nook and corner the scenic beauty of natural wonders greets you. Gushing rivers, majestic snow-clad peaks, enchanting lakes and a rich plethora of flora and fauna enchant the senses.

Dehra Dun, the largest city of the Doon Valley, which was recently declared the state capital of Uttaranchal, is situated in the north of the state. The word Dehra Dun is composed of two words — Dehra and Dun or Doon. Dehra is derived from the word dera which means camp and dun or doon in Sanskrit means a valley formed by tectonic activity within the earth that causes movement of its crusts.

The Himalayas in the north, the Shivalik hills in the south which rise with a gradual incline and fall away suddenly to the great plain of lesser Doab, the land lying between Ganga in the east and Yamuna in the west, form the natural boundaries of the Doon Valley.

From times immemorial a number of people have found shelter in the Doon Valley as ascetics, exiles or refugees. The earliest ascetic referred to is Jahnu who finds mention in the Rig Veda and Ramayana. Guru Dronacharya also came here in search of a solitary spot to meditate and develop techniques of warfare. Henceforth, the Doon Valley was christened Drona Ashram, which mean ‘The abode of Drona’. According to a legend, Lord Rama and his brother Laxmana also visited the valley. Another legend maintains that for the PandavasbDoon Valley was like a second home.

However, the most important of ascetics is the Sikh saint Guru Ram Rai, whose presence in the valley left an everlasting mark. He is credited with laying down the foundation of the city of Dehra Dun. He arrived on the fifth day of the Holi festival, an event which is still celebrated by hoisting a flag atop the Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara on that day. He initially resided at Kandli village on the banks of the Tons river and later shifted to Dhamwala where he built a gurudwara in 1756.

Historically, Dehra Dun has always been an important centre. It had once been the stronghold of the Garhwal rulers and was captured by the British. The Nalapani battle was fought here between General Gilspei and General Bal Bhadra Thapa near Tapovan Nalapani area.

Since antiquity Dehra Dun has been home to a great diversity of people. The majority of people living in Dehra Dun are Hindus, followed by Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Jains. The people of Dehra Dun speak western Hindi, along with a touch of the local dialect, Garhwali; while the inhabitants of Jaunsar Bawar speak what is technically known as Jaunsari, a form of central Pahari.

Dehra Dun is a fascinating destination for discerning tourists. Natural features like the Sahastradhara’s cold sulphur water spring which have high medicinal value and enigmatic caves offer an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Besides a host of beauty spots like the Robbers cave, adjoining areas of Dakpathar, Lacchiwala, Chakrata, etc are places of immense tourist interest. Temples and ashrams like the Tapkeshwar temple, Laxman Siddh, Tapovan, etc are also popular destinations. It is a common belief here that if one offers prayers at these spots God answers them.

Dehra Dun is a major educational centre and boasts of premier educational institutions. The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is rated on a par with England’s Sandhurst and the United State’s West Point military schools. Schools like the Doon School, Welham, etc are well-known for their academic excellence.

The Forest Research Institute (FRI), the biggest training and research institute in India, is also located in the Doon Valley.

Rice, tea and litchi gardens add to the importance and beauty of Doon Valley. Dost Mohammad Khan, who brought rice seeds from Afghanistan, introduced the famous Basmati rice of Dehra Dun. This rice is famous the world over for its taste and aroma. Dehra Dun’s litchi fruits and tea plantation introduced by the English from China also make the city famous.

Dehra Dun has also emerged as an ideal place for adventure sports like river rafting, aero-sports and skiing, etc.

Dehra Dun’s endless panorama of scenic wonders is bound to captivate you. Its breathtaking view of misty mountains, deep gorges, alpine meadows and dense forests with towering deodars, is a memory that will forever live in your mind.