Dhanaulti is famous for its beautiful landscape, pleasant weather, adventure activities, cozy stays and small cafes. This never-ending road has viewpoints to see sunrises and sunsets. The mixture of the Deodar, Rhododendron and Oak forests gives a peaceful atmosphere. This place has limited options but if you are looking for a peaceful and noiseless ambience, then Dhanaulti is for you. Situated at a height of 2286 m, share the views of Swargarohini and Bandarpunch on a clear sky.
Top Places to Visit in Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is one of the top destinations in Uttarakhand. A weekend stay or an adventure thrill day can be experienced in Dhanaulti. Here are some major highlights of Dhanaulti mentioned below.
1. Eco Parks – Amber and Dhara
The eco parks in Dhanaulti named Amber and Dhara, are tranquil places to relax and spend quality time with loved ones. A retreat to serenity with outdoor activities like horseback riding and nature hikes is relaxing. The place also sets a location for photography and gives you a thrill to enjoy more.
2. Deogarh Fort – Historical Gem
The Deogarh Fort in the Dhanaulti gives us the knowledge of the regional history. This fort is also known as the Prataghar Fort, which is said to be the historical gem. The ruins of the forts give us an insight into the illustration of the past with a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
3. Potato Farm – Agricultural Visit
The potato farm in the hills of Dhanaulti shares a major attraction. If you have read about terrace farming in your school days, then see it live. The regional agriculture method in the foothills of the Himalayas gives us an experience of the mountain lives. The mesmerizing views of the terrace potato farming in the hills say the unique way of local lifestyle in that area.
4. Camp Thangdhar – Camping Experience
Camping in the hills gives a thrilling experience. Here comes Camp Thangdhar, which gives you the ultimate adventure with proper camping, playful campgrounds and some fun activities in the lap of mountains. You also get a chance to go for day hikes, bird-watching in the forests of Deodar and a campfire under the stars.
5. Surkanda Devi Temple – The Tri Shiddha Peeths
Surkanda Devi Temple is a spiritual haven that blends the beauty of nature. The temple is set on the top of the hills, where one can take a cable car or walk to the hill on stairs. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati and also falls under the triangle Siddha Peeth. The lush meadows to the temple give you an adventure spirit and visiting in Navratri Dusherra gives a festival vibe with celebration.
6. Dashavatar Temple – Blend of Architecture
The temple of Dashavatar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu with a blend of architecture designs from South and North India. The distinctive design of the temple with carvings on the wall depicting each story of Vishnu. The scenic beauty of the temple gives a peaceful ambience where it takes you into spirituality.
7. Apple Orchard Resort – Stay in Nature
The Apple Orchard Resort gives you a great option for a perfect, peaceful stay. The name itself says “stay between the apple orchard” with the stunning views of the hills. The stay offers a tranquil atmosphere where you can enjoy the local cuisine of Uttarakhand.
8. Dhanaulti Adventure Park – Adventure Hub
The thrilling adventure and a perfect combination of nature and harmony can be done at Dhanaulti Adventure Park. The park offers ziplining that swings at a height of 80 feet in the middle of mountains over the vegetation. Also have sky walking at a height of 120 feet from the ground, which is 360 feet long on a single wire rope. The adrenaline rush into the body can be seen in all the outdoor activities of the Dhanaulti Adventure Parks.
9. Kanatal Adventure Camp – Adventure Spot
The Kanatal offers many adventure camps, which offer thrilling adventure. It is a paradise for adventure lovers in the middle of the mountains. Various outdoor activities like rappelling and cliff crossing make one feel alive. With a high safety and exciting voyage into the world of adventure and discovery, Kanatal Adventure Camp offers the best services.
10. Tehri Dam – Hydroelectric Power Dam
The Tehri Dam is a marvel of engineering and manpower. It stands on the Bhagirathi River, sharing a breathtaking view of its vast reservoir and the nearby area. This marks a feat of engineering, generating hydroelectric power. One can also enjoy the water activities in Tehri Dam.
Best Time to Visit Dhanaulti
The best time to visit Dhanaulti is all around the year. We visited in June and it had pleasant weather. The morning and evening are cool and people there wear woolen cloths all year.
April to June – This is considered the peak season with pleasant weather and moderate sun. The nights are chilly so carry a jacket and scarf. You can walk around in nature, do adventure activities, visit park and spend time with family.
July to September – These months are not safe due to monsoon. The days and nights are mostly rainy, with no views and all covered with clouds. The best thing about the monsoon season is spending a planned weekend with your loved ones, and the stay typically offers discounted rates.
October to March – The winter arrives after October with chilly days and nights. You can also receive some snowfall if you are lucky enough. The best thing in the season is circling yourself with friends in a bonfire. Some grilled food and some drinks just make it picture perfect.
How to Reach
Dhanaulti is an easy access point for the traveller, as people from Delhi or Dehradun often visit for their peaceful weekends. But if you have already planned with limited days, then don’t worry. You can just take a drive to the mountain roads and come back on the same day.
Road: By road from Delhi to Dhanaulti it is approx. 350 kms, which takes about 7-8 hours with breaks. My suggestion is to reach Dehradun or Mussoorie first. Then start the next day for Dhanaulti, which is 60 km from Dehradun and takes 2-3 hours to reach. Dhanaulti is about 30 km from Mussoorie and takes around 1 hour to reach by road
Remember there are no buses available to reach Dhanaulti directly; rather, you can rent a bike or scooty. One can reach Dehradun by buses from the respective place and then reach Dhanaulti.
Train: There is no railway station in the mountains; you can only reach them from Dehradun. The distance from Dehradun Railway station to reach Dhanaulti takes about 60 km. Some common trains connecting to Dehradun are the Doon Express, Mussoorie Express, Jan Shatabdi, etc. Most trains to this route starts from Delhi.
Air: The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Private cabs and shared taxis are available directly from the airport. The distance is about 80 km via Dehradun and takes around 3 hours.
Photo Credits: Sam
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