Dhanaulti is a small, peaceful hilly town in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, located around 24 kilometres from Mussoorie. At an altitude of approximately 2,286 meters or 7,500 feet, this scenic destination lies within the Garhwal Himalayan range. This quiet and serene ambience, with lush forests and panoramic views of the Himalayas, has made Dhanaulti a favourite destination in Uttarakhand for those looking to escape the chaos of city life.
Dhanaulti is a heaven where beauty is untouched by crowded tourist hotspots. Nature lovers, adventure buffs, and even families can just imagine and head here to spend a peace-promising holiday. Be it oak or deodar jungles, treks into the Himalayas, or a view of snowfall in Dhanaulti in the winters—everything’s there in this wonderful heaven, Dhanaulti.
This guide will give you everything you want to know about Dhanaulti, including places to see, things to do, weather, and tips for your trip.
Table of Contents
Top Attractions
Dhanaulti is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand, offering many tourist attractions for all sorts of visitors. Here are the highlights of the places to see in Dhanaulti:
1. Surkanda Devi Temple
Perhaps the most visited place of this entire place is the Surkanda Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. This temple is part of the revered Shakti Peeths, believed to be spots where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell. The temple is situated at a high altitude, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys.
- Trek to Surkanda Devi: The temple could be accessed by going on a small 2 km trek through a village, Kaddukhal. Some parts were really dense forests that suddenly opened up to eye-soothing views.
- Best Time of Visit: On festivals, especially Ganga Dussehra is alive because there are a number of devout, even cultural performances go on for celebrations there.
2. Eco Park, Dhanaulti
The Eco Park in Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand is one of the most visited attractions in the area. It is managed by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand and is divided into two parts: Amber and Dhara.
- What to See and Do: The park is a wonderful place for nature walks, picnics, and adventure activities such as zip-lining, Burma Bridge, and rock climbing. The park’s surrounding dense forests are also home to several Himalayan birds, thus making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- For Families: There are well-maintained walking trails, swings for children, and serene places to relax and soak in the beauty of the place.
3. Adventure Parks
Dhanaulti is not just about serenity; it is also an adventure destination. Dhanaulti Adventure Park is one of the famous places where people enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities such as:
- Rappelling
- Rock climbing
- Trekking
- Mountain biking
Adventure parks also offer camping facilities, where you can spend the night under the stars, enjoying bonfires and barbecue sessions.
4. Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri Temples
Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri temples, along with Surkanda Devi Temple, are part of the Devi Darshan Triangle. Both have great spiritual significance, and their locales are beautiful.
- Chandrabadni Temple: This ancient temple is supposed to contain the remains of Goddess Sati. It’s a place of devotion and peace that is surrounded by lush greenery.
- Kunjapuri Temple: It offers incredible sunrise views, and photographers and spiritual lovers should visit this temple.
5. Apple Orchards
Dhanaulti is famous for its apple orchards. Harvest season is the best time to enjoy apples. Organic apple-based products like jam, juice, and pickles are prepared there, and they are great souvenirs to take home.
Things to do in Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a destination for every kind of traveller, from adventure enthusiasts to those seeking peace and quiet. Here’s what you can do:
1. Trekking in Himalayas
Dotted with trek trails throughout, Dhanaulti takes you through dense forests, mountain streams, and scintillating landscapes. Some popular routes of treks are:
- Surkanda Devi Trek: This short trek is full of satisfaction and offers great panoramas over the Himalayas.
- Chandrabadni Trek: This is moderate, balancing its spirituality and natural beauty aspects.
2. Camping and Bonfire
Camping is one of the favourite activities in Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand. A stargazing night under cool weather with a very peaceful atmosphere makes this destination a great off-the-beaten-path destination for outdoor camping. Campsites offer facilities for bonfires, barbeques, and adventure sports for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
3. Nature walks and photography
Walk around Dhanaulti’s forest trails, surrounded by oak, deodar, and rhododendron. This walk is not just a time for relaxation but also provides an ideal photography opportunity to capture the untrodden beauty of the Himalayas.
4. Snowfall Winter Games
During winter, Dhanaulti gets converted into a wonderland of white and remains to be a favourite for all snow-loving children as well as adults. Such activities that can be partaken include:
- Snowball fights
- Building snowmen
- Skiing and sledding
Amongst the best seasons of Dhanaulti is that between snowfall, which primarily goes between December and February.
5. Local Markets
Dhanaulti is a small town, but like most small towns, it features some local markets where one can shop for local woollen items, traditional products, and souvenirs. Don’t miss your chance to buy some honey and jams prepared on a local scale.
Weather & Best Time
The weather in Dhanaulti is lovely throughout the year, so it is a year-round destination to visit. What each season has to offer is discussed below:
Summer (March to June)
Temperature range: 10°C to 30°C
Highlights:
- Summers in Dhanaulti are cool and refreshing, with a break from the scorching heat of the plains. The temperate climate makes this the best time for trekking, camping, and nature walks. Due to the greenery surrounding it, lush flowering, and clear blue sky sights, it is a nice, serene place.
- In summer seasons, other major attractions, such as Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple, have also been at easy distances. Families and adventure-seeking people like to visit during summer so that they would be able to see their natural attractions in comfort.
Monsoon (Mid-July To Mid-September)
Temperature Range:10Cº to 20Cº
Highlights:
- Dhanaulti turns into a lush paradise during the monsoon seasons. The forests look lively because of their greenery and the freshness of mountain air. Although the rainy season enhances the natural beauty, challenges like landslides and slippery roads bring along with them.
- The visitors need to be careful and plan visits with updates on the weather Dhanaulti Uttarakhand. For those looking for a peaceful and secluded experience, the monsoon months are the time when it is relatively quieter because fewer tourists are around.
Winter (December to February)
Temperature Range: -1°C to 7°C
Hill Station in Winter:
- The winter in Dhanaulti is magical because of the temperatures that drop to the freezing point. The town turns into a winter wonderland with snowfall in Dhanaulti during these months, and tourists from all over the country visit Dhanaulti.
- The snow-covered landscapes and serene atmosphere make it an ideal destination for honeymooners, families, and those looking to experience the beauty of winter in the mountains.
- Adventure lovers can have snow activities and cosy nights around the campfire. Dhanaulti is a treat for anyone who wishes to experience the charm of the Himalayas at their best wintry self.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Ideal for trekking, adventure activities, and sightseeing.
- Winter: Ideal for those who love snow and want a peaceful retreat.
How to Reach Dhanaulti?
Dhanaulti is easily accessible by road, rail, and air for the tourists:
Road
From Delhi:
- Dhanaulti is about 290 km from Delhi, and the nearest route is NH 7 via Dehradun and Mussoorie. The journey takes 7–9 hours and offers a great mountain and valley view along the Mussoorie-Chamba route.
Bus Services:
- There are regular buses between Delhi and Dehradun. From Dehradun, travellers can hire taxis or take local buses to reach Dhanaulti.
By Train
- The nearest railhead is the Dehradun Railway Station, around 60 km from Dhanaulti.
- From there, taxis and buses can be easily available for 2 hours to reach Dhanaulti.
By Air
- The Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which lies around 75 km away, is the nearest airport.
- The airport has regular flights connecting Dehradun to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Travellers can hire a taxi from the airport to Dhanaulti in about 2–3 hours.
Whether you’re travelling by road, rail, or air, the journey to Dhanaulti is a scenic experience in itself, with stunning mountain vistas along the way.
Stay Options in Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti offers many accommodations, ranging from lavish resorts in the midst of nature to budget-friendly options for backpackers. Here is a general guide to the types of stays available and their approximate price ranges.
Luxury Resorts (₹5,000- ₹12,000 per night)
Dhanaulti luxury resorts are great for those who travel and want luxury comfort with beautiful scenery. They offer great service, high-class amenities, and breathtaking views.
- Apple Orchard Resort: It is surrounded by vast orchards of apples. It is very peaceful, has spacious rooms, and offers good service. It is recommended for families and honeymoon couples looking for an upscale experience.
- Dhanaulti Woods Resort: A perfect blend of modern luxury and rustic charm, this resort offers well-furnished rooms, outdoor activities, and a very peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per night)
Mid-range hotels in Dhanaulti are those that balance affordability and comfort to offer value for money. They are a great option for families, groups of people, and couples.
- Whispering Pines Himalayan Retreat: The hotel provides cosy rooms with all the modern amenities, free Wi-Fi and free parking, and is close to attractions, such as Eco Park.
- Hotel Dhanolti View: It stands out for its clean rooms, friendly hospitality, and panoramic view of the Himalayas with value for money.
Budget Hotels and Guesthouses (₹800 to ₹2,500 per night)
There are many budget-friendly options in Dhanaulti Uttarakhand, from basic hotels to guesthouses. Clean rooms, essential facilities, and great hospitality are available at a very affordable price.
Many guest houses near major tourist attractions offer a homely experience, which is ideal for solo travellers and backpackers.
Camping and Adventure Stays (₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per night)
- For an offbeat experience, campsites in Dhanaulti are perfect. They allow you to stay closer to nature, with options like bonfires, stargazing, and adventure sports. Campsites usually provide tent stays with shared or basic amenities, which will appeal to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
- Dhanaulti’s accommodations ensure that you have a memorable stay amidst the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, regardless of your budget.
Camping Options
Camp Awara and Camp O Royale Adventure camps offer different experiences under tent accommodations and outdoor games.
Nearby Places to Visit
It is not just a peaceful city; it is also one great option from which to explore the destination with various experiences. Here are the three must-visit within this range:
1. Mussoorie (24 km)
Often described as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is the well-known Hill Station, a 1-hour driving distance from Dhanaulti, and here too, the tourist can discover lively culture mixing perfect nature with colonial.
From here, a visitor will explore stunning Valley views as one does when passing by Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road and Gun Hill Point or experience the warmth of its famous mall road while shopping and eating mouth-watering local street foods. Mussoorie is there with anything ranging from a relaxing walk, a visit to waterfalls, and cable car rides.
2. Kanatal (15 km)
Kanatal is a quiet hill station just a 30-minute drive from Dhanaulti. The surrounding lush forests and apple orchards make it ideal for those who love quiet, scenic landscapes. For the adventure enthusiast, it is an adventurer’s paradise with trekking, camping, and nature walks. A must visit is the Surkanda Devi Temple located close to it.
3. Tehri Dam (30 km)
One-hour car journey away, Tehri Dam is an engineering marvel as well as a place famous for water sports. This is one of India’s tallest dams, where people could come in for boating, jet skis, and kayaks on the vast reservoir it formed. The dam is flanked on all sides by mountains with breathtaking views, and in this way, a spot for adventure and photography aficionados.
Final Tips To Visit Dhanaulti
1. Pack Smartly: Wear enough warm clothes if the season is winter.
2. Prepare ahead of time: Book hotels in advance, especially in peak seasons.
3. Travel Safely: Traveling during the monsoon season will mean landslides and slippery roads, so be prepared.
4. Respect Nature: Do not litter, and respect the local culture and environment.
Dhanaulti is a Himalayan hidden paradise in Uttarakhand that offers natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual serenity. It will take you through lush forest treks, camping under the stars, or just relaxing amidst mountains; Dhanaulti will suit everyone’s taste. Good weather, proximity to main cities, and the myriad of activities make it a weekend getaway or vacation destination in Uttarakhand.
Plan your visit to Dhanaulti and see the magic of this silent hill station for yourself!
Leave a Comment