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About Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a sleepy, little town that sits on the Chamba-Mussoorie road, at a staggering height of 2,250 metres above sea level. Dhanaulti’s elevation means that you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas from almost any point and the weather remains pleasantly cool at almost all times. The landscape of the place is defined by virgin forests with towering trees of deodars, oaks and rhododendrons. A short walk away from the town centre is sure to lead you to quaint meadows, dense jungles and gurgling streams.
Albeit small, Dhanaulti has a strong cultural presence and you will be able to spot locals wearing traditional clothings and headgear. Here, you can enjoy traditional garhwali food and buy local hand-made goods and souvenirs. The place is also dotted with several temples and forts that date back to different eras in history and are a great way of finding more about the Dhanaulti and its place in the pages of history. Dhanaulti is dotted with several resorts and camping sites which offer a plethora of accommodation options. When here, you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the forest from the window of a luxury resort or choose to sleep under the stars in a tent.
There are several places that offer adventure activities that take you skywalking through the peaks, trekking in the forests, climbing mountain faces and sledding down slopes! You can also try your hand at ziplining, biking or rappelling! If you are not much of an adventure enthusiast, you can spend your time in Dhanaulti enjoying spa treatments, playing golf, reading books while lazing on a hammock or taking leisurely strolls through jungle roads. Dhanaulti also has potato farms that stretch for miles where you can go horse riding! Apart from these, the apple orchards at Dhanaulti grow a variety of apples and you can spend an entire day walking through these orchards, apple-picking and enjoying delicious apple-based recipes.
Albeit small, Dhanaulti has a strong cultural presence and you will be able to spot locals wearing traditional clothings and headgear. Here, you can enjoy traditional garhwali food and buy local hand-made goods and souvenirs. The place is also dotted with several temples and forts that date back to different eras in history and are a great way of finding more about the Dhanaulti and its place in the pages of history. Dhanaulti is dotted with several resorts and camping sites which offer a plethora of accommodation options. When here, you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the forest from the window of a luxury resort or choose to sleep under the stars in a tent.
There are several places that offer adventure activities that take you skywalking through the peaks, trekking in the forests, climbing mountain faces and sledding down slopes! You can also try your hand at ziplining, biking or rappelling! If you are not much of an adventure enthusiast, you can spend your time in Dhanaulti enjoying spa treatments, playing golf, reading books while lazing on a hammock or taking leisurely strolls through jungle roads. Dhanaulti also has potato farms that stretch for miles where you can go horse riding! Apart from these, the apple orchards at Dhanaulti grow a variety of apples and you can spend an entire day walking through these orchards, apple-picking and enjoying delicious apple-based recipes.
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Dhanaulti FAQ's
Which are the places to see in Dhanaulti?
The road distance between Delhi and Dhanaulti is around 291 km from the NH-307 route. The journey would take around 7-8 hours to travel one-way.
Here are a few ways to reach Dhanaulti from Delhi.
- By Flight - Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest from Dhanaulti. You can take a flight till Dehradun and complete the remaining journey of around 104 km with public buses or private taxi rentals.
- By Train - You can board a train from Delhi to either Rishikesh or Dehradun as these are the closest railway stations from Dhanaulti. The distance from Rishikesh is about 90 km and from Dehradun it is 61 km. You can complete the remaining journey with public buses or private taxi rentals.
- By Bus/ Taxi/ Car - You can easily take the road to reach Dhanaulti. You can board a bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate from where you can get state-run buses to reach Tehri, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Dehradun. From these places, you would have to either board a public bus or rent a taxi.
Moreover, cabs and personal vehicles are two options that are direct means of transportation and the fastest.
Is it safe to drive from Delhi to Mussoorie?
Yes, The roads from Delhi to Mussoorie are well connected as well as in great shape. One can easily travel to the hill-station using a personal vehicle or even a taxi.
The distance between Delhi and Mussoorie is around 289 km which would take somewhere between 6-7 hours to reach from the Saharanpur Road route.
The distance between Delhi and Mussoorie is around 289 km which would take somewhere between 6-7 hours to reach from the Saharanpur Road route.
Does Dhanaulti have snow?
Yes, The winter months from November till February experience freezing temperatures in Dhanaulti.
Moreover, the place also receives snowfall from December till January which are the peak winter months. So, if you want to see a snow-clad Dhanaulti then you can plan a trip around the colder months.
Moreover, the place also receives snowfall from December till January which are the peak winter months. So, if you want to see a snow-clad Dhanaulti then you can plan a trip around the colder months.
Is it safe to visit Dhanaulti in August?
Dhanaulti in August experiences its monsoon season which comes with a heavy downpour regularly. This also makes part of the sloped hamlet unsafe and road travel here becomes almost impossible.
Therefore, it is best to avoid a trip to Dhanaulti in July and August. However, you can visit Dhanaulti the rest of the year without any inconvenience. In fact the weather here remains cool due to the temperate climate.
Therefore, it is best to avoid a trip to Dhanaulti in July and August. However, you can visit Dhanaulti the rest of the year without any inconvenience. In fact the weather here remains cool due to the temperate climate.
Which are the places to see in Dhanaulti?
1. Dhanaulti Eco Park:
If you are looking for a quiet spot right in the middle of the thoroughfare of Dhanaualti’s main market, then this is your place. This is a protected patch of forest where you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by beautiful trees. The place also offers opportunities for adventure sports and has a playground for kids.
2. Aloo Khet or Potato Farm:
Aloo Khet or potato farm is a government-owned and run potato farm that goes on for miles! Here, you can spend your time riding a horse through the perfectly manicured landscape. The rows upon rows of planted potatoes offer a great background for photography.
3. Surkanda Devi Temple:
A 15-minute drive from the Dhanaulti town centre will take you to the ancient shrine of Surkanda Devi. The approach to the temple is a 2-kilometre long trek which takes you to this beautiful temple, perched at a height of 2,700 metres above sea level. From here, you can enjoy splendid views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
4. Kaudia Forest:
Kaudia Forest offers some great opportunities to stretch your muscles and go for a scenic hike when in Dhanaulti. Since the track is accessible both on foot and by jeep, you can choose to take any or a combination of two. After around 6 kilometres of walking on level ground, you enter a dense forest with streams running along the path and uninterrupted mountain scenery.
5. Apple Orchard Resort:
When in the Apple Orchard Resort, you get an opportunity to sample a wide variety of apples plucked fresh from the orchards. You can sample the fruits and other preserves and jams made from fruit produced in the farm itself. Long, romantic orchard walks and apple-picking are a few of the most popular activities at the resort.
6. Camp Thangdhar:
If you want to spend action-filled time tucked away in the lap of Himalayas, then Camp Thangdhar is the place for you. Situated at a distance of 14 kilometres from the city centre, Camp Thangdhar offers a plethora of adventure activities like rappelling, trekking, rock climbing and more! You get to camp under the stars and enjoy a variety of Indian cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
7. Dhanaulti Adventure Park:
Dhanaulti Adventure Park is a premium destination for all the adrenaline junkies visiting this small mountain town. Here, you can enjoy fun activities like sky walking, zip-lining, rock climbing, paragliding, rappelling and much more! Not only can you enjoy the breathtaking scenery but also explore it through trekking, cave exploration and other activities.
8. Dashavatar Temple:
Travel back in time when you visit the Dashavatara Temple. Located around 10 kilometres away from the town, the temple has been sitting in the spot as far back as the times of the Gupta Empire. The temple is enshrined by Lord Vishnu and is an excellent example of architecture and Gupta architecture. The beautiful walls with carved panels and inscriptions of Vaishnava mythology make for a beautiful setting.
What are the things to do in Dhanaulti?
1. Zip-line above the Treetops:
The Dhanaulti Adventure Park offers some amazing zip-lining opportunities where you can enjoy the thrill of speed along with some spectacular mountain views. The park has several lines sitting at different heights so you can choose the height at which you want to zip-line.
2. Go Jeep-riding at Kaudia Forest:
Kaudia Forest offers miles upon miles of marked trails where you can ride a jeep through the pristine forest! The trail has gurgling streams, breathtaking mountain scenery and plenty of wildlife to make for an interesting ride.
3. Trek to Surkanda Devi:
The temple of Surkanda Devi sits at a height of 2,700 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range. The only way to get to the temple is a two kilometre-long trek which takes you right to the top where the quaint little temple is situated.
4. Try Apple-picking at Apple Orchard Resort:
The Apple Orchard Resort in Dhanaulti offers apple-picking opportunities where you can enter the orchards and learn the skill of apple picking. The place has a large variety of apples which you can try both cooked in recipes or as they are!
5. Camp under the stars at the Eco Park
Dhanaulti is dotted with various camping sites but the Eco Park offers some of the best experiences if you want to stay at a convenient distance from the town and still enjoy the best of nature. The established camps take care of all your needs while giving a secluded feeling.
Which are the best campsites in Dhanaulti?
1. Camp-o-Royale:
This is a glamping site with twenty-one tents where you can choose between luxury tents and deluxe tents. They come packed with all modern amenities to make for a luxurious stay. The camp also offers excellent choices for food and a plethora of adventure activities.
2. Camp Awara:
2. Camp Awara:
Sprawled over a massive area of 125 acres, Camp Awara offers an off-the-grid experience where you can feel one with nature. The Swiss-style tents come equipped with all modern amenities to make for a memorable stay.
3. Kanatal Camp:
Kanatal Camp offers a true camping experience as it is nestled on the edge of a dense deodar forest. You can wake up every morning to the sounds of the forest and go to sleep under a sheet of shining stars. The camp offers adventure activities like trekking, valley crossing, rock-climbing and more!
4. Camp 180 Heights:
If the idea of camping the heart of the wilderness excites you, then you must head over to Camp 180 Heights. This camp comes highly recommended not only for its well-equipped tents but also because it sits on a rugged landscape with breathtaking views of the mountains.
5. Camp Dhanaulti Magic:Camp Dhanaulti Magic is a highly accessible camping ground with both bamboo cottages and tents to choose from. You can enjoy a luxurious stay all the while partaking in adventure activities like trekking, sky-walking, valley crossing and rock-climbing among others.
5. Camp Dhanaulti Magic:
What is the best time to visit Dhanaulti?
Although Dhanaulti welcomes tourists the whole year-round, the best time to visit is in the summer months of June to September. The summers in Dhanaulti are milder with temperatures staying between 15 to 22 degrees Celsius. If you love snow and are looking for a cold break, then you can visit between November to February to enjoy views of the snow-covered hills.
How to reach Dhanaulti?
- By Car:
The tiny hill town of Dhanaulti is situated at a distance of 24 kilometres from Mussoorie and 35 kilometres from Chamba. You can simply drive from these two destinations.
If you are driving from Delhi, it will take you around 8-9 hours to drive from the capital.
- By Air:
The nearest airport from Dhanaulti is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is situated at a distance of 75 kilometres from the town.
- By Train:
The nearest railway station to Dhanaulti is the Dehradun Railway Station which is situated at a distance of 25 kilometres. You can get here on trains like the Doon Express, the Sangam Express Slip, the Mussoorie Express, the Delhi to Dehradun Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi.
What are the best places to stay in Dhanaulti?
1. Karma Vilas Resort:
This mansion-turned-resort offers a picture-perfect stay for your holiday in Dhanaulti. Perched on a hilltop, at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level, this resort has 13 luxurious rooms where you can stay and soak in the rich history of the place. The resort promises excellent hospitality and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
2. Whispering Pines Resort:
A stay at Whispering Pines Resort is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and/or thrilled, based on your preference. On the one hand, where the resort offers a well-equipped in-house spa, golfing opportunities and places for fine dining, it also offers a long list of adventure activities. When here, you can partake in sledging, snow treks, mountain biking and more!
3. Dhanaulti Camp Homes and Nature Resort:
For a true, camping in the wild experience, you must head over to the Dhanaulti Camp Homes. A twenty-minutes long trek into the forest will lead you to this camp which offers well-furnished, pet-friendly accommodations in the middle of nowhere!
4. Rock Resort:
Rock Resort in Dhanaulti offers excellent stay options that will fit almost any budget. You can choose to stay in the hut-like accommodations that overlook the pine forest. Apart from the neat and clean rooms, the place offers free Wifi and parking among other facilities.
5. Samaira Hill Resort:
This is considered one of the best places to stay in Dhanaulti. This luxury resort will pamper you with its world-class hospitality and is the perfect retreat if you are looking to take a break from hectic city life.
Which is better, Dhanaulti or Mussoorie?
While Mussoorie has a lot to offer, in terms of entertainment, history and eateries, Dhanaulti has its own charm. The commercialization of Mussoorie has led to it becoming a tourist trap of a town and if you are looking to escape the crowds, you might be disappointed when you arrive in Mussoorie. Dhanaulti, on the other hand, has all the qualities of a sleepy hill town with an abundance of nature-based activities and a sprinkling of old forts and temples to keep you entertained.
How far is Dhanaulti from Mussoorie?
Dhanaulti sits at a distance of about 24 kilometres from Mussoorie and can be easily reached by road. It takes around one hour to get to Dhanaulti from Mussoorie.
What is the height of Dhanaulti?
Dhanaulti sits at a height of 2,250 metres above sea level.
More Things to do in Dhanaulti
Popular Dhanaulti Attractions
Aloo Khet
Need a change from the usual albeit
stunning mountain scenery and snowcapped hills? Head on over to Dhanaulti ...Read More
Classic Hill Top Resort
Nestled amidst the beautiful town
of Chamba, The Classic Hill-Top Resort is the ideal destination for a resor ...Read More
Dhanaulti Adventure Park
Dhanaulti is the perfect
destination for a mix of leisure and adventure. Blessed with towering hills, snowcap ...Read More
Surkanda Devi Temple
Amidst clouds of fog and haze and
abundant greenery and colourful flowers lies the Surkanda Devi temple, situ ...Read More
Eco Park
Eco Park Dhanaulti is tucked away on the Chamba–Mussoorie road at 2,286 m. It covers 13 hectares of deodar-oak ...Read More
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