Dhanaulti

Want to enjoy a peaceful vacation in the lap of the Himalayas but without the touristy crowd? Dhanaulti is a great destination for you. It is a small town very close to Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. Quaint forest trails, beautiful parks and temples are the popular places to visit in Dhanaulti. Its location is convenient for tourists visiting Mussoorie, Kanatal or taking up Himalayan trekking trails to Kunjapur, Chandrabadani and Surkanda Devi Temple. The majestic snowclad Himalayas provide a backdrop for the emerald-green conifers all around Dhanaulti.

During winters, the places to visit in Dhanaulti turn white due to snowfall while the summers see a more vibrant environment. The clear ambience complements the clean air and pollution-free surroundings. The temples bring a different level of spirituality and calmness. Meditating in some of the places to visit in Dhanaulti is a great option for destressing.

Dhanaulti Overview

When to Visit Dhanaulti?

Dhanaulti is a hill station with colourful summers. Dhanaulti temperature during summertime ranges between 7 and 31 degrees. The nights are cool, and the days are tolerably warm making it easy to explore the places to visit in Dhanaulti. For tourists travelling with kids or elderly people, summer is the best time to visit Dhanaulti. The area gets heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. During the winter months of November to February, Dhanaulti temperature oscillates between 1-7 degrees. The place turns snowy white with the Dhanaulti weather becoming frosty cold. For adventurous travellers, this is the best time to visit Dhanaulti.

How to Reach Dhanaulti?

Places to visit in Dhanaulti are mostly accessible by road. There are well-constructed roads that take you to Dhanaulti. You have to either go by the Dehradun-Mussoorie route or the Rishikesh-Chamba route. The closest railway station is in Dehradun, 60 km away. The other alternative is Rishikesh Railway Station 83 km away. From these stations, travel by bus or cab to your destination. Both Rishikesh and Dehradun enjoy a good railway network. For air travel, avail Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. You will find a good taxi service here to take you to the various places to visit in Dhanaulti.

What are the Things to See & Do in Dhanaulti?

The places to visit in Dhanaulti offer various activities keeping your itinerary packed. You can pray at the revered temples of Dhanaulti Surkanda Devi Temple and Dashavatar Temple. You can choose between relaxing activities and adventure activities here. Take long strolls through the pine trees, do yoga, have a picnic and indulge in horse riding. You can also opt for birdwatching and stargazing when at camps. Treat yourself to sightseeing and photography at all the places to visit in Dhanaulti. For more adrenaline-rushing activities, go trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, zip-lining, valley crossing and mountain biking. Attempt sky walking, river crossing, paragliding and various other sports. You can go for a village tour if you have time. Dhanaulti food has a huge appeal that adds to the holiday experience.

Places to Visit in Dhanaulti

Surkanda Devi Temple

Popular with both devotees and trekkers, Surkanda Devi Temple offers an auspicious visit along with scenic views. This is one of the top places to visit in Dhanaulti for most tourists. Dedicated to Goddess Sati, a form of Goddess Parvati, this sacred temple is one of the Shakti Peethas. Enquire about the visiting hours for Surkanda Devi Temple, as timings are different for summers and winters.

Dhanaulti Adventure Park

Bring out the adventurer in you at Dhanaulti Adventure Park in Apple Orchard Resorts. One of the exciting places to visit in Dhanaulti, it offers rappelling, mountain biking, rock climbing, sky walking, zip swings, valley crossing and many more activities. Dhanaulti Adventure Park also offers overnight camping.

Eco Park

To explore the natural beauty of places to visit in Dhanaulti, trek to the two Eco Parks Amber and Dhara. Located 200 m away from each other, these Eco Parks offer opportunities for bird watching, flora spotting and activities like Burma bridge crossing, zip lining etc.

Jabarkhet Nature Reserve

Go beyond the places to visit in Dhanaulti on the Mussoorie-Chamba road to reach Jabarkhet Nature Reserve. This spellbinding location is home to 300 species of wildflowers, 100 species of birds and about 60 varieties of mushrooms. You can catch glimpses of mammals and insects too.

Potato Farm

For an unusual attraction among the places to visit in Dhanaulti, visit the terraced farms of potatoes also called Aloo Khet in the local dialect. An interesting place for kids to enjoy and learn, the Potato Farm is a great backdrop for sunset photography. These potatoes make up a major part of Dhanaulti food.

Chanderi

If you have some time on hand after covering places to visit in Dhanaulti, head to the Chamba-Mussoorie road to visit the Chanderi town. Here is a place with historical connections to the Rajput rulers and the Sultanate. You will get to see attractive architecture in the period buildings of Koshak Mahal, Badal Mahal and Victory Arch.

Food to Try in Dhanaulti

Besides touring places to visit in Dhanaulti, tasting local specialities should be on your itinerary. Some Dhanaulti food items are unmissable. The Aloo dal pakoda is the local take on Indian fritters and is served with hot tea. Sample the Bhaang ki khatai/chutney (made with cannabis seeds) that goes great with stuffed parathas (roasted flatbreads). Baby potatoes from the local potato farms mixed with yoghurt, fennel and Himalayan spices make delectable Dum aloo (spicy potato gravy). Dig into the Garhwali Pulao, a rice dish made with spices, caramelised onions and nuts. Do not leave without tasting the Momos steamed or fried. You will get them with a variety of fillings. Momos make a smart snack when exploring the places to visit in Dhanaulti.

Things to Buy in Dhanaulti

This small town does not have malls and shopping centres. There are small local shops to buy souvenirs, or you may shop from nearby cities Mussoorie or Dehradun. Dhanaulti is famous for its handloom weavers. You can list a handloom workshop as one of the places to visit in Dhanaulti. Buy handwoven shawls, scarves and throws designed with natural dyes. Eri silk and Pashmina are popular buys. Himalayan handicrafts and artefacts are also great for home décor and gift options. Buy jams, jellies and juices from the factories in the orchards (Apple Orchard Resort).

Enjoy a memorable mountain vacation at Dhanaulti. You will love nature walks, treks, adventure activities and park visits. Let the serenity of Dhanaulti fill your soul!

Here are a few quick facts to make your travel safe and easy to Dhanaulti. Dhanaulti is a Hills & Mountains destination. The best time to visit Dhanaulti is April, May and June. Since this is the peak season expect a little crowd during this time. November, December, January and February period experiences moderate weather. So, you can easily avoid facing a large gathering.

In peak season the weather is pleasant sunny days with mildly chilly nights, whereas in off-season the weather is colder days and nights with heavy rainfall. Weather in moderate season is chilly days and nights and mid-season snowfall. During Ganga Dushhera, Navratra, a large number of tourists flock together. The festivals are celebrated in the month of May/June, October/November,... consecutively. So, if you are fond of bustling streets and localities, choose this time of the year to travel.

If your travel seems incomplete without getting into some fun activities then you will love to get indulged in nature walks, treks, adventure activities and park visits. In moderate season you will love to get indulged in picture perfect snow-covered landscapes and cosy gatherings by the fireplace.

Conclusion

Most of the places to visit in Dhanaulti will need you to walk a lot. Dress appropriately and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Carry ID proofs, power bank, camera and cash. Get started on your tours to the places to visit in Dhanaulti early in the morning to cover more places before nightfall. Carry some woollens since Dhanaulti weather tends to be cool even during summers. This is a beautiful destination, and you will enjoy sightseeing at the places to visit in Dhanaulti if you travel light and travel in groups.