The capital city Uttarakand is a complete blend of city and hill culture. It is situated at intermountain valley of Shiwalik range, which is set in the foot hills of Himalayas at the centre of the 120 kms long Doon Valley. The name Dehradun is literally made up of two words where Dera means Camp and Dun stands for Valley. Geographically, the location of Dehradun is lies in between 29° 58' and 31° 2'30'' north latitudes and 77° 34'45'' and 78° 18'30'' east longitudes. The beautiful town is referred as the gateway to Mussoorie and Garhwal interior. This district is temperate region. The coldest months are from Mid November to Mid February. Most of the rain fall is received from June to September. The rainiest months are being July and August.  The city is pleasant in summer but temperature is rising in summer due to deforestation. It is perhaps one of the oldest cities in India and was occupied in turns by the Sikhs, Mughals and Gurkhas before coming under the reigns of the British. The population of the district is as of 2009. Indian census, the Dehradun district has a population of 1282143. Hindus 1086094, Muslims 139197 (10.85%), and Sikhs 33379.  Dehradun is today proud of its institutions like the Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools, ONGC, Indian Military Academy, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India etc. The Survey of India was established in 1767 and its greatest achievement was to determine the height of Mt. Everest. Being a host of large Cantonment area, the city is a popular retirement spot. It is also famous for aromatic long grain rich. Also known as the “Abode of the Gods”.  Uttranchal is embraced by the blissful air of divinity and picture-postcard beauty enveloping the Himalayas is a paradise for the nature lovers