Craving a breath of fresh mountain air and stunning natural beauty? Then set your sights on Chakrata!
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Chakrata is a hidden gem. Imagine waking up to the gentle chirping of birds, surrounded by rolling hills carpeted in lush greenery. Hike through dense forests teeming with diverse wildlife, or trek to breathtaking viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the valley below. For the more adventurous, Chakrata offers exciting activities like waterfall rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Here you will know about the Best Places to visit in Chakrata.
Why Should You Visit Chakrata:
Chakrata is an off-the-beaten-path destination, offering a chance to experience the Himalayas in their natural, serene state. Imagine escaping the crowds and breathing in the fresh air in Himalayas! For those who crave excitement, Chakrata has adventure activities like waterfall rappelling, rock climbing, and trekking. Get your adrenaline pumping and challenge yourself amidst the stunning scenery.
History of Chakrata:
Chakrata’s history is a fascinating blend of tribal roots and colonial influence. The region was originally known as Jaunsar-Bawar, named after the Jaunsari tribe who still have a presence in the surrounding villages. Colonel Hume of the British Indian Army established Chakrata as a cantonment town in 1866. The strategic location made it ideal for a military base. The town itself was named after the Jaunsari tribe. Chakrata is also home to the historic town of Kalsi, known for housing a rock edict of Emperor Ashoka.
Best Places to visit in Chakrata:
Tiger Fall:
Tiger Falls is a hidden gem located amidst the hilly terrains of Chakrata, Uttarakhand, India. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a refreshing escape and a chance to commune with nature. Here’s what makes Tiger Falls special:
Reaching Tiger Falls involves a scenic trek of about 1-2 kilometres, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trek is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels.
2. Kalsi:
Kalsi is a small and historic town situated between Chakrata and Dehradun on the banks of the Yamuna River, Uttarakhand, India. It serves as the gateway to the Jaunsar-Bawar tribal region and is known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The most prominent attraction in Kalsi is the Ashoka’s Rock Edict, a major inscription by Emperor Ashoka from the 3rd century BC. It’s the only rock edict of Ashoka located in North India and is written in Pali language with Brahmi script. The edict details Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and his emphasis on non-violence and moral conduct.
3. Lakhamandal:
Lakhamandal is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiv. It is believed that visiting this temple can end your all misfortunes. It is made up of two words lakha means many and mandal means temple or lingam.
4. Mahasu Devta Temple:
The Mahasu Devta Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Mahasu Devta, a deity believed to be the protector of the region and an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is situated in the picturesque village of Hanol, within the Jaunsar Bawar region of Uttarakhand. This was originally constructed in the 9th century in the Kath-Kuni or Koti-Banal style of architecture, but over time, it has acquired a more mixed architectural style. The Archaeological Survey of India protects this ancient temple. It also serves as a venue for local festivals and celebrations, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Jaunsar-Bawar community.
It is located on the eastern bank of the Tons River (Tamas) at Hanol village, close to Chakrata. It’s about 190 km from Dehradun, 156 km from Mussoorie, and 140 km from Shimla.
5. Deoban:
Deoban means “God’s Forest” in Hindi. It refers to two things: a mountain peak and a picturesque spot near Chakrata in Uttarakhand, India.
Deoban Peak is a mountain peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, with a height of 6,855 meters (22,490 feet). It’s the 28th highest mountain located entirely within Uttarakhand and the 396th highest peak in the world. It is surrounded by glaciers on both sides, the Purbi Kamet Glacier on the northern side and the Bidhan Glacier on the southern side.
The Deoban region is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of bird species to spot. It’s also a popular destination for trekking, with trails suitable for all experience levels. The highest point in Deoban is Vyas Shikhar, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Take a leisurely walk through the dense forests of Deoban and enjoy the fresh air and the surrounding beauty.
6. Chilmiri Neck:
Chilmiri Neck offers breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, including Bandarpoonch, Swarg Rohini, and other peaks. It is a flat, open area covered in lush green meadows. The landscape is particularly beautiful during the spring season when wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors.
The dense forests around Chilmiri Neck are a haven for various bird species. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of birds, including migratory birds during the winter months.
The weather in Chilmiri Neck can be quite chilly, especially in the evenings. It’s advisable to carry warm clothes, especially if you’re visiting during the winter months.
7. Moigad fall:
Moigad Fall is a scenic, relaxing, and perfect picnic spot located 29 kilometres away from Chakrata. The milky white water of Moigad Fall is a welcome respite on a hot summer day.
8. Kanasar:
Kanasar is a beautiful and serene picnic spot located about 26 kilometres from Chakrata. The area around Kanasar offers several trekking trails of varying difficulty levels. Explore the surrounding hills and forests, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the stunning views.
9. Budher Caves:
For adventure enthusiasts, Budher Caves offer a thrilling spelunking experience. The caves extend for an estimated length of over 150 meters, but a large part remains unexplored due to the challenging terrain and darkness within. The initial part of the cave is accessible with a guide and proper lighting. Reaching Budher Caves requires a trek of about 3 kilometres from the Forest Rest House (FRH) at Budher.
It’s advisable to explore the caves with a local guide familiar with the terrain and equipped with proper lighting.
10. Chinta Haran Mahadev Temple Chakrata:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of anxieties. Chinta means worry or anxiety and Haran means destroy, so it’s Chinta Haran. It’s 3 kms away from Chakrata and 86 kms away from Dehradun. It’s surrounded by rhododendron and pine trees.
These are some Best Places to visit in Chakrata, each one with their different significance.
Best Time to Visit Chakrata:
The Best Time to Visit Chakrata depends on what kind of weather you prefer for your outdoor activities.
Summer (March to June):
This is the peak tourist season in Chakrata, offering pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C.
Monsoon (July to September):
The monsoon season brings moderate rainfall, making the hill station lush green. The waterfalls are at their peak flow during this time. However, landslides can occur due to heavy rains, so be cautious if you’re planning to go trekking during this season. The road conditions might also be slippery.
Winter (October to February):
Winters in Chakrata can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Some outdoor activities might be limited due to the cold weather.
How to reach Chakrata:
From Dehradun:
This is the most popular route, with a distance of about 87 kilometres. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus from Dehradun ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminus) to Chakrata. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.From Vikas Nagar:
This route is slightly longer, around 99 kilometres from Chakrata. However, it might be a good option if you’re coming from Saharanpur or Haridwar. Buses and taxis are available from Vikas Nagar as well.
I hope this comprehensive information helps you plan your trip to Chakrata. Have a wonderful and enriching experience!
If you are planning to visit Chakrata, you must check out other beauties of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Don’t forget to visit the popular destination Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Nainital in Uttarakhand. These destinations are known globally for their culture, yoga, food and special significance.
I would like to highlight some hidden gems of Uttarakhand, which are Kausani: The Mini Switzerland of India and Chopta.
For more tourist places visit our website. For more travel inspiration, delicious food, lifestyle tips and the latest tech updates, head over to Discover with Anjali.