Discover Chakrata dehradun: A Hidden Gem in Uttarakhand
- RAMESH KHANNA
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Embark on a memorable journey to Chakrata with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore breathtaking vistas, hidden gems, and thrilling adventures in this picturesque hill station nestled in the Indian Himalayas. From trekking trails to serene nature spots, uncover all that Chakrata has to offer. Plan your perfect getaway and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this enchanting destination.
Introduction to Chakrata hill station
Chakrata is a hidden gem in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It's about 90 km from Dehradun, the state capital. At an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, Chakrata is surrounded by beautiful green mountains and dense forests. Originally a British cantonment, it has become a popular destination for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy trekking, camping, and bird watching in the mountains.
Chakrata is a peaceful hill station with stunning mountain peaks and lush green fields. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Top 17 Attractions in Chakrata
Chakrata is filled with beautiful places to explore. Here’s a list of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:
Tiger Falls
Tiger Falls is a stunning waterfall located about 20 kilometers from Chakrata market. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, it’s a must-visit spot.
Deoban
Deoban is a picturesque location situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bandarpoonch and Nanda Devi.
Chilmiri Peak
Chilmiri Peak offers breathtaking views of the mountain peaks and green valleys. It’s a popular viewpoint for both tourists and photographers.
Budher Caves
Budher Caves is a natural cave system located 35 km from Chakrata market. It’s near the famous Moila Top and is a popular destination for adventure lovers.
Moila Top
Moila Top is close to Budher Caves, about 35 km from Chakrata market. It features a moderate trek of 2.5 km, making it ideal for trekkers and bird watchers.
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Kalsi
Kalsi is an ancient site in Indian history. Here, you can find ancient scripts from the time of King Ashoka. It marks the beginning of your Chakrata journey.
Keemona Waterfall
Keemona Waterfall is located 10 km from Chakrata market. It features a 100-meter moderate trek through a deep forest.
Virat Khai
Virat Khai is about 20 km from Chakrata market. It features the old ford of King Virat.
Lakhamandal Temple
Lakhamandal Temple is situated 50 km from Chakrata market. Many believe this place was constructed by the Pandavas during their exile.
Kanasar Range
Kanasar Range is located 25 km from Chakrata market. In Koti Kanasar, you can find one of the oldest trees in Asia.
Khadamba Peak
Khadamba Peak is the highest point in Chakrata. From here, you can see the farthest Himalayan peaks.
Vyas Shikhar
Vyas Shikhar is the highest peak near Deoban. It’s about 100 meters from the Deoban forest guest house. You can see many Himalayan peaks from here.
Mundali
Mundali is 70 km from Chakrata. The journey features dangerous roads and dense forests, making it perfect for adventure seekers.
Chintahari Temple
Chintahari Temple is a famous temple in Chakrata. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in the region.
Hanol Temple
Hanol Temple is 90 km from Chakrata. It is known for its ancient stories and attracts thousands of pilgrims in May and June.
Ramtal Garden
Ramtal Garden is a horticulture garden maintained by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.
Bisoi Temple
Bisoi Temple is located 20 km from Chakrata market. It is a famous wooden temple in the area.
Trekking in Chakrata
Chakrata is famous for its trekking opportunities. Here are some trekking destinations you can enjoy:
Chakrata-Mussoorie Trek: This is the oldest trekking route in Chakrata. It takes about 3 to 4 days to trek from Chakrata to Mussoorie. Enjoy bird watching and the dense Himalayan forest along the way.
Tiger Falls Trek: This stunning waterfall is about 20 km from Chakrata market. The trek is easy and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
Kanasar Trek: Located around 27 kilometers from Chakrata, this moderate trek can be completed in 3 to 4 hours.
Budher Cave Trek: The Budher Caves are 35 km from Chakrata market. This moderate trek takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
Chilmiri Neck Trek: Chilmiri Neck is a popular mountain top near Chakrata. This easy trek can be completed in 1-2 hours.
Adventure Activities in Chakrata
Chakrata offers plenty of outdoor activities for adventure lovers. Here are some activities you can enjoy:
Trekking: Chakrata has numerous trekking trails that offer amazing views of the Himalayan mountains and valleys. You can choose from easy to moderate treks like Tiger Falls and Chilmiri Neck.
Rock Climbing: The natural rock formations in Chakrata are ideal for rock climbing. You can enjoy this activity at Keemona Falls, Lakhamandal, and Deoban.
Rappelling: Rappelling involves descending on a vertical surface with a rope. It’s a thrilling activity you can enjoy at Tiger Falls and other locations in Chakrata.
River Rafting: Chakrata is surrounded by rivers like the Yamuna and Tons, offering perfect opportunities for river rafting in Mori and Natwal.
Camping: Chakrata is a great place for mountain camping. You can set up your tent in locations like Budher Caves, Kanasar, and Tiger Falls.
Wildlife Safari: Chakrata is home to many wild animals and beautiful birds. You can explore Rajaji National Park and Corbett National Park, where you might spot deer, tigers, and various bird species.
Local Culture and Cuisine
Chakrata has a rich local culture influenced by the Garhwal region. The town is divided into two areas: Jonsar and Babar, separated by the Tons and Yamuna rivers. The local population primarily practices Hinduism and celebrates traditional festivals like Magh, Bisu, and Pancho.
The cuisine in Chakrata is simple yet delicious. Most food is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques are still in use.
Best Time to Visit Chakrata
The summer months are ideal for visiting Chakrata. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, perfect for outdoor activities like sightseeing and bird watching. However, it's best to avoid the monsoon season from July to August due to heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and roadblocks.
In autumn, temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, making it a pleasant time for nature walks. Winter months, from December to February, can drop to 0°C, attracting snow lovers eager to see snowfall in the mountains.
Where to Stay in Chakrata
Chakrata offers various accommodations to suit your budget. Here are some popular options:
Chakrata Green: This popular accommodation is 10 km from Chakrata market. It's surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, making it ideal for budget travelers and nature lovers.
Forest Guest House: Located 15 km from Chakrata, this guest house is surrounded by evergreen forests and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. It’s equipped with basic amenities and is perfect for budget travelers.
How to Reach Chakrata
Chakrata is well-connected and can be reached in several ways:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, about 115 km from Chakrata. You can book a taxi from the airport to reach Chakrata.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun, well-connected to major cities in India. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Dehradun to Chakrata.
By Road: Chakrata is accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand and nearby states. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Dehradun, Mussoorie, or Delhi.
Conclusion
Chakrata is a beautiful and serene town. Surrounded by lush green hills, waterfalls, and forests, it offers a perfect getaway from busy city life. With many ancient temples and trekking trails, Chakrata attracts tourists from all over the country.
During your visit, you can enjoy various activities such as camping, trekking, rock climbing, and river rafting. You’ll find many budget-friendly hotels and homestays in Chakrata.
Overall, Chakrata is an excellent destination for nature lovers seeking peace in their busy lives. So book your stay at Chakrata Green and enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience in this enchanting hill station.
Chakrata, Uttarakhand: FAQs
Where is Chakrata Hill Station in Uttarakhand?
Chakrata is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It sits at an altitude of about 7000 feet above sea level and is approximately 98 km from Dehradun.
How to go from Delhi to Chakrata?
You can reach Chakrata from Delhi by various means:
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun, about 98 kilometers from Chakrata. You can take a taxi or a bus from Dehradun to Chakrata.
By Bus: Chakrata is well-connected to other cities in Uttarakhand through state-operated buses. You can take a bus from Delhi, Dehradun, or Mussoorie.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 115 kilometers away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chakrata.
Why is Chakrata, Uttarakhand famous?
Chakrata is famous for its natural beauty, serene environment, and adventurous activities. Here are some reasons:
Scenic Beauty: Located in the Shivalik range, Chakrata is surrounded by beautiful hills, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
Trekking: Chakrata is a popular destination for trekkers, with trails ranging from easy to moderate. Notable treks include Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck, and Kanasar.
Wildlife: The region is home to various wildlife species, including barking deer and musk deer, as well as numerous bird species like the Himalayan Monal.
Adventure Sports: You can enjoy activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and river crossing in Chakrata. Camping trips in the surrounding forests are also popular.
Historical Significance: Chakrata has a rich history, featuring ancient temples and historical sites like Hanol Temple, King Virat Palace, and Lakhamandal Temple.
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