Dhanaulti is a picturesque small town located close to Mussoorie that is tucked away among the towering hills of the Himalayas. It is possible to visit the area as a vacation in its own right, although most travellers use it as a peaceful rest stop on route to other destinations in Uttarakhand or on longer trips. Although there are no major tourist attractions in Dhanaulti, the best locations to visit are modest and picturesque spots that provide a sense of quiet and closeness to nature.
If you are looking for a weekend of solitude in the hills, this is the perfect destination for you. While you are in this region, the following is a list of the most important places that you should try to see.
How to reach Dhanaulti?
You may reach this location through any one of the following itineraries.
By air: The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, and it is located around 82 kilometres away from the city. From the airport, passengers heading to Dhanaulti have access to a variety of transportation options, including taxis and buses.
By train: The closest station serving trains from all over India is Dehradun. Dehradun to Dhanaulti is often serviced by buses. About 66 kilometres separate Dhanaulti from Dehradun.
By road: There is a bus service that runs frequently between the airport and a variety of other cities in the state. People travelling from Dhanaulti to Delhi will be there in around eight or nine hours. The distance between the two cities is about 258 kilometres. Another stunning hill station, Mussoorie, may be reached at a distance of 25 kilometres.
Best time to visit Dhanaulti
The optimal time to explore Dhanaulti is during the months of April, May, and June. These months constitute the peak season, characterised by pleasant sunny days and mildly chilly nights. It is important to note that the peak season attracts a moderate crowd. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, November, December, January, and February offer moderate weather conditions and can be ideal for visiting Dhanaulti.
Top 13 places to visit in Dhanaulti
Check out this list of amazing places to visit during your trip to Dhanaulti.
Dhanaulti Adventure Park
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The Dhanaulti Adventure Park has everything you could possibly want in terms of outdoor activities. Zipline, trekking, paragliding, rappelling and cave exploration are just a few of the activities that may be done here. Because of its idyllic location among towering hills and snow-capped summits, this resort offers the ideal balance of relaxation and excitement.
The Dhanaulti Adventure Park is located two kilometres from the Dhanaulti Bus Station and may be accessed by using a public bus or by availing the services of a taxi.
Eco Park
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One of the most popular places to see in all of Dhanaulti, the Eco Park has a land area of approximately 13 hectares and is densely forested with oak and deodar hardwood. It was designed mostly by DFO and locals of Dhanaulti in order to provide work possibilities for low-income individuals as a means of combating poverty. This location, which is 7,800 metres above sea level, benefits from pleasant weather throughout the whole year owing to its elevation.
The park is kept in excellent condition and has a playground that is exclusively for children, making it an ideal location for children to play and socialise. In the park, a custom known as the “memory sapling plantation” is observed, in which visitors are invited to participate by planting a tree in remembrance of friends and family members who have passed away.
Amber and Dhara are the names of the two distinct forests that can be found inside Eco Park; they are located around 200 metres apart from one another. The fact that the forest was grown with the assistance of the young people from the surrounding community is maybe the most appealing aspect of it. The stunning natural beauty that can be seen in Eco Park is the primary draw for visitors to the location.
Due to the fact that it is a great picnic place, lots of tourists often come here. In addition to that, a fantastic panorama of the Himalayas can be seen from this vantage point. The park is at its most beautiful before dawn and after sunset when the sky is filled with a variety of colours. Relaxing in the great outdoors and enjoying the peace and quiet that can be found there is the ideal way for those who like an active lifestyle as well as those who are drawn to the natural world.
Walking or taking an auto rickshaw will bring you to Eco Park, which is just 500 metres away from the Dhanaulti Bus Station. Alternatively, you may take a taxi.
Apple Orchard Resort
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For those of you who are crazy about apples, the Apple Orchard Resort is where you can get your hands on a huge selection of them since they are grown and sold here. In addition to the most desirable and juicy Golden Delicious and Early Sunberry species, as well as the Royal Delicious and Red Delicious, a wide variety of processed fruit specialities such as jams and juices are also produced here. Take some of the crisp mountain air back with you in the form of those delicious apples. Aside from serving delectable Garhwali cuisine, the Glasshouse restaurant in Dhanaulti offers stunning views of the surrounding verdant valleys and hills.
It is around 2 kilometres away from the picturesque hill town of Dhanaulti. There are always options for getting about, including public buses and taxis.
Joranda and Barehipani Waterfalls
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The allure of Dhanaulti is further enhanced by the presence of the Joranda and Barehipani Waterfalls. These are completely natural, yet the atmosphere around them is incredibly sterile. Because they are water-based, they are soothing and refreshing, and they produce wonderful visuals. The tremendous elevation from which the waterfall descends makes for an intriguing and spine-tingling sight, and it is one of the most astounding aspects of the vista. The sights in every direction are breathtaking, and there’s also a magnificent natural park not far away from where you are staying that you must not miss.
Both of these waterfalls may be found deep inside Simlipal National Park. There are always options for getting about, including public buses and taxis.
Deogarh Fort
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The construction of the Deogarh Fort began in the year 1500, and the fort’s masonry and artwork are on par with the very greatest examples seen elsewhere in the globe. The paintings scattered around the perimeter are the heart of the show, but there are also groupings of other Jain temples in the surrounding region that are highly well-liked by visitors for the very good reason that they should be.
The Dhanaulti area is home to this famous fort, which is located close to Pratapgarh. You can easily reach this place by hiring a private cab or using public bus service.
Tehri Dam
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The Tehri Dam is a destination that many people like visiting when in Dhanaulti. The location gives maximum tranquillity and peace owing to the breathtaking views it provides, which include beautiful waterways in the front and hills in the background. People often visit this location so that they may spend the day outside or have a picnic in a picturesque environment.
The journey from Dhanaulti towards Tehri Dam takes one hour and four minutes to complete. When travelling by car, the distance from Dhanaulti to Tehri Dam is around 54 kilometres.
Camp Thangdhar
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The Thangdhar Camp, which is located around 14 kilometres away from Dhanaulti’s marketplace, is, without a doubt, the most exciting camping location in the neighbourhood. The camp, which is located at an altitude of around 8,300 feet and is flanked by deodar and pine trees, also generously offers touring services to the tourist spots in close proximity.
You may also visit the adjacent Jain temples, which are architectural wonders of a bygone period and are exquisitely carved with images of Jain deities, if you prefer the company of lost architectural remains of the past. Mountain climbing, snow camping, hiking, and mountain biking are some of the camp-organised activities that you may participate in if you are looking for a rush of excitement. These temples, which are situated inside the Kanali Fort and provide a breathtaking view of the Betwa river, are a well-deserved stop along the route.
Dashavatar Temple
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Dashavatar Temple is situated near Deogarh, about 10 kilometres distant from Dhanaulti. It was once known as the Panchayatan Temple. Lord Vishnu is revered inside this ancient structure, which has its origins in the Gupta Empire. The exterior of the temple not only features great architecture but also contains finely carved panels. In addition to that, the walls contain inscriptions on them that are related to Vaishnava mythology.
Kanatal Adventure Camp
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The Kanatal Adventure Camp is widely regarded as one of the most reputable and enjoyable campgrounds in the region, located at a distance of 15km from Dhanaulti. In addition to providing guests with a wealth of activities such as valley crossing, Burma bridge, jet skiing, paintball, etc., the camp also hosts events such as campfires, buffet dinners, connected washrooms in tents, play areas, and barbecue evenings, etc.
Surkanda Devi Temple
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The Surkanda Temple is a trekker’s heaven and is located around 8 kilometres away from Dhanaulti. To get there, you will first have to walk 2 kilometres from the town of Kaddu Khal. The scenery and the tranquillity at the top make the hard hike worthwhile. This temple is considered to be one of the most important “Shaktipeeth” in all of India since it is associated with the well-known legend of Sati leaping into the sacrificial fire in order to protest her father Daksha’s decision to not invite Lord Shiva to a ritual. According to its literal definition, a Shaktipeeth is a sacred location where the feminine goddess resides for the benefit of those who worship her.
Potato Farm
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The Potato Farm is perfect for those who have an appreciation for the simpler things in life and want to see nature in its purest form. The Potato Farm is also known as the “Aloo Khet” by the local people and is spread out over wide stretches of land that are held by the government as well as some private farmers. You may take a long stroll into the farmland, which is approximately a kilometre away from the primary marketplace and offers beautiful scenery of the Doon valley. Potato Farm is situated at a distance of 2 kilometres from the Dhanaulti Bus Station.
Chanderi Town
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The well-known town of Chanderi is located in close proximity to Dhanaulti and therefore is regarded as one of the most important tourist destinations in the region around Dhanaulti. The structure is a hybrid of Rajputana and Mughal empire styles, and the art will captivate all of your emotions to the utmost extent possible. You just cannot get away from the breathtaking scenery that this location has to offer. It is a legacy of the long-gone Mughal Empire, and the presence of the Victory Arch, Badal Mahal, and Koshak Mahal help to ensure that it remains one of the most popular sites in this area.
Kanatal Adventure Camp
The Kanatal Adventure Camp, situated on the Mussoorie-Chamba road in Dhanaulti, offers a perfect holiday combining adventure, relaxation and comfort. With modern facilities, attached washrooms and delightful cuisine, it has become a highly sought-after tourist destination. Engage in thrilling outdoor activities including rock climbing, valley crossing, bonfires, trekking, zig-zag trails and Mowgli walks. The camp opens daily at 12 PM, and the cost per person is Rs 1,300.
FAQs
How many days would be necessary to explore Dhanaulti fully?
Because there are so many attractions in and around Dhanaulti, you should plan to spend at least two days there if you want to take your time exploring the town and the areas immediately around it.
What is the ideal month to visit Dhanaulti?
The Dhanaulti region is known for its hills and mountains. April, May, and June are the months that are ideal for travel to Dhanaulti. Because this is the high season, you can anticipate a fair amount of foot traffic throughout this period. The months of November to February are characterised by weather that is often mild.
Is it worthwhile to stay in Dhanaulti?
Dhanaulti is the ideal location for a vacation that includes both relaxing and exciting activities. Because it is endowed with mountaintops, snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking vistas, it is a haven for a wide variety of outdoor adventurous activities and sports.
Is there any kind of hiking to be done in Dhanaulti?
Dhanaulti is a popular starting point for a wide variety of exciting hikes in the surrounding area. The journey to Lal Tibba is one of the most well-known treks in this area; at sixty kilometres in length, it is also one of the toughest journeys available in this part of the world. The hike to the Surkanda Devi Temple is a short journey of just three kilometres in length, but it offers visitors a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of the local landscapes.
Is Mussoorie better or Dhanaulti?
Both Mussoorie and Dhanaulti are renowned for providing visitors with one-of-a-kind adventures. Mussoorie is a somewhat active destination that is open all year long and welcomes visitors. On the other hand, Dhanaulti is a spot that few people visit; thus it appeals to those who are looking for a place to relax in quiet seclusion among the beauty of nature.
