Haridwar
Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. Among the many pilgrimages that dot the length of the Ganga, Haridwar ranks among the holiest. Legend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a curse of rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhhagirath requested the ganga to descend on Earth. Haridwar is also famous by the names of gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. It is at Haridwar that the Ganga finaly emerges into the northern plains. The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh melas also take place here every 12 th & 6th year respectively.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. From this point on, the great Ganges leaves behind her mountain home and enters the vast plains of Northern India.
Dehradun
Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2,200 ft in the Doon Valley between two of the most important rivers in India, the Ganga and Yamuna. It offers beautiful scenery and a moderate climate in summer, and so is an ideal place to relax and escape the heat of the plains below. The town also serves as a convenient base for visiting the area’s many tourist sites. Forest Research Institute or the FRI in Dehradun, is one of the best research institutes devoted to the same purpose all around the world. A vast extensive museum in its premises displays a wide range of diverse botanical specimens.
The Indian Military Academy became functional from 1st October 1932 with a course strength of 40 Gentlemen Cadets. Brigadier L. P. Collins, DSO, OBE was the first Commandant. The first course had on its rolls Sam Manekshaw, Smith Dun and Mohd Musa. All of them later became the Chiefs of the armies of their respective countries namely India, Burma and Pakistan. The course was christened as ‘PIONEERS’. The government acquired the estate of the erstwhile Railway College at Dehradun, which had the appropriate buildings and a fairly extensive campus to meet the requirements of the Academy at its birth. The IMA building in Dehradun is known as Chetwode Building after the name of Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, who was then the Commander-in-Chief of India. IMA is located at 8 kms on Dehradun-Chakrata road.
Mussoorie
Being at an average altitude of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a ‘fairyland’ atmosphere to tourists, and is also referred as ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’.
