Tired of crowded tourist places? If you are looking for a place filled with heavenly beauty and peaceful surroundings, we have got you covered. Places to visit in Dhanaulti will take you into a realm of nature, where you can relax.
Surrounded by dense forests of deodars, oaks and rhododendrons, Dhanaulti is a small town located near Dehradun and Mussoorie, popular tourist places in Uttarakhand. Unlike other crowded tourist sites, Dhanaulti is lesser-known and offers a laid-back atmosphere with an abundance of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 2286 m, the area turns into a snowland during the winter season. Also, the weather remains pleasant during the summer season, making it one of the best places to visit in June to escape the summer heat. So, instead of visiting a crowded tourist destination, Dhanaulti is a perfect choice to enjoy the best of natural beauty and adventure activities. From ice skating, rappelling, to zip-lining, there are endless possibilities for a memorable getaway.
Places to visit in Dhanaulti
1. Surkanda Devi Temple
Located at a distance of 6.7 km from the city center, Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the most famous religious places to visit in Dhanaulti. Situated at an altitude of around 2,756 m, this Hindu shrine is one of the 51 Shakti pithas dedicated to Marsakanda Devi. According to the mythology, it is the same place where the head (Sir) of the goddess Sati is believed to have fallen, making it a significant spiritual site.
To reach the temple, you have to tread through a scenic trail. Upon reaching the temple, witness the breathtaking views of the dense forests and majestic Himalayan peaks. Moreover, the temple complex, built with traditional Himalayan stone and wood, fascinates the visitors.
- Best Time to Visit: During festivals like Ganga Dusshera and Navratri.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM during summer and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM during winter.
- Location: Addukhal Surkanda Hike Start, Chamba, Saklana Range, Uttarakhand, 249145.
2. Dhanaulti Adventure Park
With the backdrop of dense forests and snow-capped mountains, Dhanaulti Adventure Park is one of the best places to visit in Dhanaulti for adventure seekers. The park offers various activities like zip-lining, zip-swing rappelling, and rock climbing. You can also set up a camp and enjoy stargazing at night.
One of the most popular tourist places in Dhanaulti, Eco Park, is spread over an area of 13 hectares. Covered in deodar and oak trees, the park was developed by the DFO and the locals to create employment opportunities for local youth. It is a well-maintained park with a separate playground for kids.
The park is divided into two forests – Amber and Dhara, situated at a distance of 200 m from each other. The scenic views of the mighty Himalayas and fun activities make it a perfect picnic spot. Moreover, the park also has a tradition called memory sapling plantation, through which you can plant a sapling in the memory of your loved ones.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunrise and Sunset.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Location: Chamba – Mussoorie Rd, Dhanolti, Uttarakhand 249180.
5. Deogarh Fort
Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,286 m above sea level, the Deogarh Fort is one of the best places to visit in Dhanaulit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Built in the 16th century, the fort takes you back in time through its stone walls, intricate carvings and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and other deities.
From the fort, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, forests and mountains. The best way to explore the fort is by hiring a local guide who can help you understand the fort’s history, architecture and cultural significance in detail.
- Best Time to Visit: March – June and September – November.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 per person.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Location: Dhanaulti, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand 249180.
6. Kanatal
Situated at an altitude of roughly 2,500 m above sea level, Kanatal is a quiet Himalayan village known for its cool climate, forested paths and wide, open mountain views. The area is ideal for travellers who enjoy slow walks, scenic drives and time spent outdoors. Popular spots like the Kodia Forest offer chances to spot wildlife, while the surrounding hills make for peaceful sunrise and sunset points.
- Best Time to Visit: March – June & September – December.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee for visiting Kanatal’s general viewpoints and trails.
- Timings: Open throughout the day.
- Location: Kanatal, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand 249145.
6. Jabarkhet Nature Reserve
If you are seeking a break from daily hustle and bustle, what could be better than escaping into the woods and soaking in the beauty of nature? The best place to do so is Jabarkhet Nature Reserve in Dhanaulti. The area is filled with beautiful flowers, ferns, mosses and dense forests. There are eight well-demarcated walking trails for you to explore and enjoy the scenery.
So, while looking for places to visit in Dhanaulti, don’t skip checking out Jabarkhet Nature Reserve for birdwatching and nature walks.
- Best Time to Visit: October – June.
- Entry Fee: INR 450 for adults and a 50% discount for children.
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Location: Nature Reserve, Jabarkhet, Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179.
7. Potato Farms
To enjoy the rural setting of the place and learn about the farming process in the region, a visit to the Potato Farms, locally known as Aloo Khet, is a must. With a joint effort of the government and some private farmers, a vast stretch of land is used for potato farming. It is the best-suited place to take your kids, as there is plenty for them to see and learn.
The scenic beauty, especially during the sunset, makes the farms one of the best places to visit in Dhanaulti.
- Best Time to Visit: March – June and September – October.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for adults and INR 10 for children.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Location: Potato Farms, near Main Market Dhanaulti, Dhanolti, Uttarakhand 249180.
Places to Visit Near Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is located at a short distance from famous places to visit in Uttarakhand, which include the state capital Dehradun, Mussoorie hill station and the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh. These places are not just perfect to book an affordable and comfortable stay while exploring Dhanaulti, but also have some of the best tourist attractions.
1. Dehradun
Located around 36 km from Dhanaulti, Dehradun is situated in the rolling Doon Valley and at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is also a getaway to various popular tourist places like Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
The city offers a blend of modern and traditional settings with bustling bazaars, quaint cafes and shopping malls. You can easily find budget-friendly hotels in Dehradun near the key landmarks.
Places to visit in Dehradun: Mindrolling Monastery, Tapkeshwar Temple, Sahastradhara, Paltan Bazaar and Forest Research Institute (FRI).
2. Rishikesh
The “yoga capital of the world”, Rishikesh, is one of the best places to visit near Dhanaulti. The city, set on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, is also a pilgrimage hub and a popular tourist destination among national and international visitors.
Trekking, river rafting, yoga and meditation are some of the best things to do in Rishikesh. You can immerse yourself in the spirituality of the place by booking hotels in Rishikesh and enjoy modern amenities like wifi, free breakfast, parking and much more.
Places to Visit in Rishikesh: Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Neergarh Waterfall and Vashistha Guha Temple.
3. Mussoorie
The “Queen of Hills”, Mussoorie, is a popular hill station in the country. Located around 58 kms from Dhanaulti, it is a popular destination among honeymoon couples and leisure travellers. It is also a gateway to the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines.
While visiting the place during the winter, you can witness the winter line, one of the rare phenomena, offering breathtaking scenery. For easy accessibility, book your stay at hotels in Mussoorie located near transit points, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Places to visit in Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and the scenic Camel’s Back Road, Mussoorie Lake, Cloud’s End, Lal Tibba and Mussoorie Adventure Park.
Thus, places to visit in Dhanaulti and nearby are perfect for a relaxing getaway and to enjoy the scenic beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the city. So, next time you want to pause, Dhanaulti has to be at the top of your list.
