Destinations India > Hill Stations in North India

Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti, located amidst thick, virgin forests of deodar, rhododendron and oak has an atmosphere of perfect peace & tranquility. The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely weather and fabulous view of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday. Situated on the Mussoorie - Chamba route, Dhanaulti is 25 kms. from Mussoorie.

Dhanaulti, a dreamy, misty mountain retreat in the Garhwal Hills, makes a wonderful holiday getaway. This all-weather favourite is just a couple of hours drive away from Dehradun and has a serene beauty that will bowl you over. Compared to the boisterous town of neighbouring Mussoorie and the throngs that mill around the Mall, Dhanaulti is blissfully secluded.

Dhanaulti lies on a ridge at an altitude of 2286 m. Tucked away in the midst of deep forests of deodar, oak, conifer, rhododendron and flame of the forest, Dhanaulti is a woody paradise that makes you forget where you are. Caressed by a bracing mountain zephyr, this hill station is just ideal for long walks up shady slopes or quiet tête-à-têtes in grassy meadows.

Located on the Mussoorie-Chamba track, Dhanaulti is the launching point for numerous treks into the snow-capped Himalayas, especially to the Tehri region of Garhwal. The most popular treks are through the dense alpine forests that take you to Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri, the sacred three of the holy Devi Darshan triangle. The temple of Surkanda Devi, 10 km from Dhanaulti is perched high on a mountain and there is a 2 km uphill trek from the tiny village of Kaddu Khal to get here.

Longer treks from Dhanaulti take you to Deoprayag where the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda rivers unite and the Ganga is born. Visit the villages of Kandikhal, Jamnikhal and Nekhari en route where you can spend the night at simple guesthouses. Another magnificent route is the Dhanaulti- Nagtibba trek through the Garhwal Himalayas, past the pretty village of Panthari, past some splendid scenery and interesting flora and fauna. Other exciting treks via Dhanaulti are to Kempty Falls, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri glaciers.

Its easy to surrender yourself to Dhanaulti’s charms - just give yourself a chance!

Prime Attractions of Dhanaulti

Gangotri

Barehipani & Joranda Falls

These picturesque falls (Barehipani - 399m and Joranda - 150m) situated in the core area of Simlipal National Park.

Chanderi

This town, famous for its gossamer-like sarees, also has fine examples of Rajput and Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal Fort dominates the skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak Mahal, the Badal mahal, Victory Arch, Jama Masjid and ancient Jain temples.

Dashavatar Temple

This fine Gupta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the earliest known Panchyatan temple in north India. The terraced basement above the high plinth is decorated with sculpted panels. The figures of Ganga and Yamuna adorn the carved doorway leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Three large carved panels along the side-walls - the Gajendramoksha panel, the Nar Narayan Tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu, depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology. Only the lower portion remains, of the spire, which was the most important part of the temple.

Deogarh

A 16th century magnificent fort, near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples.

Jain Temples

These 31 Jain temples were built much after the Vishnu Temple, but are no less remarkable. They are situated inside the fort of Kanali on the hills, overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain centre from the 6th to the 17th century. The temples abound in panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, votive pillars, votive tablets, Jain images visible from all sides and pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures.

Matatila Dam

This is an ideal picnic spot developed by the Irrigation Department. Water-sports and a garden on the lines of the Vrindavan gardens are added attractions.

Pradhanpat

The Pradhanpat hill, with its picturesque waterfall, offers a rare scenic beauty.

Talbehat

31 km, south of Lalitpur, Talbehat is situated on the Jhansi-Sagar National Highway. It derived its name from Tal (Lake) and Behat (village), in the language of Gonds, the original settlers at the site. In 1618, Bharat Shah, the king of Bar and Chanderi, built a fine fort with the famous Narsingh temple inside.

Excursions from Dhanaulti

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. more..

Surkhanda Devi Fair

The Surkhanda Devi Fair is held on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, at the Surkhanda Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Chamba

Chamba valley is also known as Ravi valley. The scenery is of a picturesque and varied character presenting many delightful sights.

New Tehri

The district head quarters of Tehri Garhwal, at New Tehri is a recent development. It will soon become an important center of attraction on the completion of the dam at Tehri, when the huge lake will become a picturesque spot. Facilities are being developed here.

How To Get There - Dhanaulti

By Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (82 kms).
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Dehradun, 60 kms.
By Road : Well connected to Dehradun (60 kms.), Delhi (325 kms.) & Rishikesh (107 kms.)

Temperature

Summer : Max - 31 degree celsius | Min - 7 degree celsius
Winter : Max - 7 degree celsius | Min - 1 degree celsius

Altitude

2286 m above sea level.

Clothing - Dhanaulti

In Summer : Light Woollens
In Winter : Heavy Wollens.

Tourists Season: April-June and September.