Dhanaulti

Perched amidst majestic virgin canopies of deodar, oak, and rhododendron along the Mussoorie-Chamba ridge at an elevation of 2,286 metres, Dhanaulti is one of Uttarakhand’s most beloved tranquil mountain retreats. Situated just 24 km east of Mussoorie in Tehri Garhwal district, Dhanaulti offers an idyllic antidote to urban noise with its slow pace, crisp resin-scented air, and soothing woodland silence.

A defining jewel of Dhanaulti is the Eco Park complex, divided into two sections named Amber and Dhara. Developed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department in collaboration with local villagers, these protected deodar parks feature cobblestone pathways, wooden gazebos, rustic swings, and skywalk suspension bridges that allow visitors to wander peacefully beneath centuries-old Himalayan cedars.

Just 8 km up the winding hill highway toward Chamba sits Kaddukhal, the base for the sacred Surkanda Devi Temple perched at an altitude of 2,757 metres. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, this Shaktipeeth commands a panoramic 360-degree vista spanning the snow summits of Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba, and Swargarohini. A newly installed aerial ropeway allows pilgrims and travelers to glide to the peak effortlessly.

Nature and agro-tourism thrive at the sprawling Government Potato Farm (Aloo Khet), established during the British era. Spanning undulating terraced slopes, it offers glorious views of sunset-kissed ridges and deep terraced valleys stretching toward the Doon basin.

For adventure enthusiasts, Dhanaulti’s perimeter is dotted with vibrant eco-adventure camps offering zip-lining, rope climbing, mountain biking, and night stargazing around crackling bonfires.

In winter (December to February), Dhanaulti is blanketed in heavy, soft snow, transforming the dark green deodar woods into a glittering fairytale landscape that draws snow lovers from across the country.