Chakrata is one of the favorite off beat locations for the tourists in Uttarakhand, India. Never heard of it? It is a deep seated hilly area near Dehradun (the capital city of Uttarakhand) which offers a lot of fun activities for solo travellers as well as families. One can find college students on short trips almost every weekend. The terrain is a bit undulating, which is why experienced drivers or trip guides should be involved at crucial steps throughout the journey. In order to plan your next getaway to this small and cozy town, read on to know all about Chakrata, the offbeat Hill Station in Uttarakhand and its actual whereabouts!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Chakrata
This place is not just a touristy place but also holds a strategic importance in the way our country was ruled by the Britishers. Even in the modern times, certain places are closed to the general public due to the military operations and preparations going on. If you are someone who loves history as well as the cultural diversity of India, you are sure to love this place! Certain sources even suggest that Chakrata was initially closed for foreigners because of ongoing secret missions.
Top Attractions in and around Chakrata
Tiger Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall, sure to offer you a breathtaking view, adding much value to your trip. A short trek leads to this waterfall and there is ample space to enjoy. The way to these falls is equally captivating, and you can enjoy it with kids as well as elders, thanks to the accessibility. You can reach by two wheelers easily, followed by a short trek of 2 to 3 kilometres.
Mundali
It is a mountain top famous for skiing adventures for all the sporty visitors of Chakrata. The lush green peaks look like a nature’s cradle in summers, and transform into pristine white tops in winters, making it a must-visit location all year long. The Main attraction is the rest house and there are breathtaking views. Reaching the place is easy by car as well as by bus.
Lakhamandal Temple
This temple of Lord Shiva has a very essential place in the list of places to visit in Chakrata – the footfall is high throughout the year. If you are planning to visit somewhere around Shivratri, you might even have to face long queues. Local people as well as tourists revere this temple a lot and the sacred history makes it even more significant. The South Indian style of architecture is combined with Himalayan to offer a perfect architectural masterpiece. The beauty is unmatched! There are two routes – one through Dehradun and the other trek route.
Budher Caves
For the adventurous people out there, these caves offer all that you might be looking for. With the history dating back to epics like the Mahabharata, the amount of heritage attached to these caves are sure to astound you! Walk carefully as the gradient might be sloppy at places.
Ram Tal Horticultural Garden
For nature enthusiasts looking to add more experiences to their trip, this garden might be the optimum destination. As the name suggests, it has a good collection of trees, shrubs, bushes, etc, along with a beautiful centrally located pond. The distance between this garden and Chakrata is close to 13 kilometres and you can easily reach it by road.
Koti Kanasar Temple
This temple has a lot of backstories attached to it, and people visit this for a lot of reasons ranging from devotion to making offerings for wellbeing. It is located in the heart of Kanasar village, which is a beauty in itself. The Himalayan trails can be easily accessed and you can dedicate one full day to exploring this area.
Chilmiri Neck
When you reach Chakrata, why not visit the highest point? Chilmiri Neck lies close to Chakrata, and is a bird-watching haven for people who love spending time in nature. You can reach it on foot or by car as well. It goes without saying that in the winter season, the beauty of this area increases manifold. A winter line and snow-clad mountain peaks all around, enough to seal the deal for a perfect picturesque moment which will be cherished for years! It is a stroll towards the mountain area from the market area, you can plan your visit in the evening for relaxing as well.
Deoban
Almost 15 kilometres ahead of Chakrata, Deoban forest looks exactly like its name – a forest of Gods. The tree species are also rare here, and you can have a birds eye view of the valley once you reach the top!
Things to do in Chakrata
Rest peacefully
As mentioned before, Chakrata is best known for the peace and solace it offers. If it is a trip that offers you a mountain retreat, spending time in nature might be the best bet. You may also divide your day into two halves, sunbathing on your balcony in the mornings and exploring the streets of Chakrata in the evenings. Enjoying for a few hours around the bonfire by the night might add up to your experience!
Stroll down the local markets
Depending on your place of stay, you might find a lot of seasonal fruits and local creations in the local markets. Every morning or evening, you can plan a short stroll to the local market and have a wholesome experience, with lots of memories to take home.
Trekking on short routes
Amongst the locations mentioned above, you might step out on a trek if the weather permits, Almost all temples have two alternatives – either you go by road transport or take the trek route. There are some amazing sunset and sunrise points amidst the mountains, and you can also indulge in a lot of fun activities and games with friends across the path.
Camping
If you are visiting with some travel agency, they might help you with the camping locations. In case you are planning to do camping on your own, the best accessible locations include Chaani Chirani and the Deodar Dream Resort. These are affordable as well as offer a cozy environment.
Weather and Best Time
The best moments in Chakrata are dependent on the weather. If you are fed up with the heatwave, you can pack your bags and begin your errand in mid-summer. On the other hand, if your winter vacation is just round the corner and you do not wish to visit the oh-so obvious hill stations and wish to have some fun in solitude, Chakrata is an option you must definitely consider. Have a look at the optimum travel departures-
Summer Season:
Between March and June, pleasant weather is a given in Chakrata and nearby areas. Though the days are sunny, you can expect a cold breeze during early mornings and post sunset hours. In addition to the cool breeze, the summer season also offers many sightseeing opportunities thanks to the pleasant weather. The maximum temperatures do not soar above 25 degrees in normal conditions.
Winter Season:
Since Chakrata is a hill station a few kilometres into the interiors of Jaunsar, you can expect snow in the winter season. Though Christmas and the new year eve are the highly expected times, you may enjoy the sub-zero temperatures in this hill station between late December and early February. The snowfall can be easily predicted depending upon the early or late onset of the winter season in the surrounding areas. What else does one need if there is a well-lit bonfire amidst snowclad mountains in the winter season? You are sure to enjoy the same if you plan to visit Chakrata in these winter months.
Note: You must try not to visit Chakrata or nearby areas during peak monsoon season because the area gets really unpredictable and at times the travel routes (in and around Paonta) are completely washed off. On the other hand, you must try returning from your summer trip before the onset of the first rains of the season.
How to reach Chakrata?
The beauty of offbeat locations lies in the adventures you get to do enroute. It is not a straightforward journey to a single point. Hopping from one bus to another, and taking help of the local people makes the trip even more memorable. Have a look at the possible transport routes you can take to reach the beloved hills of Chakrata:
If you do not wish to cover long distances using roadways, you may reach up to the nearest point through rail or air. Though Chakrata is a hilly area close to Dehradun (at a distance of 90 kilometres), there is no direct train or flight. Depending on your starting point, you can reach Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, through the following means-
By air
Dehradun airport is situated on Dehradun-Rishikesh road. If you are planning to reach Dehradun by air, you might have to add a few extra hours to your trip. Reaching Dehradun from Jolly Grant airport is a 40-50 minute affair, post which you might have to schedule a longer journey towards the hills of Chakrata.
By railways
The Lakhibagh railway station is the last spot you can reach by train before you begin your journey towards Chakrata. You might continue your journey from there through cab or other preferred transportation.
By bus
If you are taking a bus to Dehradun, you might have to take a further Bus to Paonta beyond which transportation is available for Chakrata. No direct buses are found, and you might have to share local transport like a tempo or some other mode. It is advisable to book your transportation in advance through some travel agency as the timings of local transport might not suit your journey.
Dehradun to Chakrata By Road
Whether you book a cab or drive your own four-wheeler, the journey is going to be a memorable one.
Tempo Travellers: This is the most common mode of transportation used by people of Dehradun, whenever they plan a trip to Chakrata.
Nearby Places to Visit
Dehradun
The beautiful valley of Dehradun is home to the best bakeries and offers numerous retreats in nature resorts and the like. If you are someone who loves a slow life, head on towards Dehradun towards your return journey and enjoy some solace. Rajpur road and Ghanta Ghar are amongst the must visit places.
Mussoorie
For enthusiasts of sunrise and sunset points, the hills of Mussoorie are a perfect match. Around an hour from Dehradun, this hill station, also known as the queen of hills, is sure to leave you satisfied in terms of aesthetics and pleasant weather.
Dhanaulti
If you wish to extend your vacation by adding one more offbeat location which is located at a greater height, Dhanaulti might be your go-to location. The route runs directly from Dehradun as well as from Mussoorie. You can plan your trip accordingly. This place has lots of staycation options and an atmosphere full of peaceful vibes with Buddhist flags all around.
Paonta Sahib Gurudwara
This Gurudwara is on the road connecting Dehradun to Chakrata, just where you make the transition from Uttarakhand to Himachal. You might stop in for a tasty langar, some time of devotion and sit by the Holy Yamuna river behind the Gurudwara.
Final Tips to Visit Chakrata
- Pack ample woollen clothing as it might get chilly even in the summer months.
- Take adequate care of elders and children, due to low pressure conditions if you plan to stay uphill.
- In the running season, pack your stay well in advance.
- Do not forget to visit the local people, who might offer you comforting hospitality and greet you with some fresh produce (for instance, homegrown apples and strawberries in the peak winter season).
- For people suffering from motion sickness, medication is advisable as there are close to 360 degree turns as you are about to reach the stays nestled in the lap of mountains on all sides.
Conclusion
If you wish to have a vacation full of peace and delight, Chakrata should be your go–to destination. With curvy roads to bounty gardens, it has all you need for a cozy retreat amidst the mountains. It has many appealing view points which are sure to leave you mesmerised. Make sure you check the route and weather conditions before you set off to this visually rich travel location in the heart of Jaunsar, Uttarakhand!
Leave a Comment