Dehradun, situated in the broad Doon Valley between the Himalayas in the north and the Shivalik range in south, is the old centre of the Raj. The bracing climate of the town led to the establishment of educational and research institutions like public schools, the Indian Military Academy, the Forest Research Institute and several prestigious boarding schools including the famous Doon School which has produced many eminent personalities.

Dehra Dun is also an excellent gateway for adventures into the Garhwal Himalayas. The extremely popular hill station Mussoorie is only 34 km away on the high ranges above the valley.