Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti also known as Dhanolti, is a hill station (at an altitude of 2286 m above sea level) and a Constituency of State Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, which lies 24 km from the popular hill station of Mussoorie, and 29 km from Chamba. Dhanaulti is situated at an altitude of 1987 m. and is known for its quiet environment amidst the alpine forests of Deodar, Rhododendron and Oak.
As the tourist brochure of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) describes Dhanaulti as, “Where tall green deodars stand confident, where cool breezes bring serenity, where Himalayas look down majestically…that is Dhanaulti.”
Dhanaulti, a small village, lies along the Tehri road, towards the east of Landour. To add to the beauty of Mussoorie and make your trip worthwhile, Dhanaulti is the destination for the spiritually inclined souls. This is where the Surkhanda Devi shrine is located. The pilgrims and those seeking solace mostly visit Dhanaulti. A rather rough path leads to the village and the beauty of this is the breathtaking view of the Himalayas one can witness.
Dhanaulti in the Garhwal Hills is also considered as the perfect honeymoon hideaway, though it not as popular as Nainital, Mussoorie, Shimla or Manali but it is less crowded and unspoilt like others.
Best time to visit Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a great destination at any time of the year, but avoid the monsoons. You are likely to get marooned because of a landslide or broken road at that time of year! The summer temperatures range from 31° C to 7.5° C and winter temperatures hover between 7° C and 1° C. Carry light woolens for summer and heavy woollens for winter.
Accommodation Hotels in Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a medium-to-low budget holiday option. Accommodation is limited to a few tourist guesthouses, the GMVN tourist bungalow and the Forest Rest House for which you need permission from the Forest Dept. Prices range from Rs 300 to Rs 1500.
Places to visit around Dhanaulti
Chamba: It is 31 kms from Dhanaulti. The town of Chamba , at a height of 1,676 mtrs. Provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and the Bhagirathi river. It is placed in the midst of an apple growing region.
Barehipani and Joranda Falls: Barehipani and Joranda Falls are counted amongst the most popular attractions of Dhanaulti. The height of the former is around 400 m, while the latter comes cascading down from an altitude of 150m.
Deogarh Fort: Deogarh Fort is one of the most popular edifices in the area and dates back to the 16th century. The fort comprises of a number of striking palaces, ornamented with frescoes, and impressive Jain temples.
Chanderi: Chanderi town, located on the hills, is known for having excellent monuments based on Rajput and Sultanate architectural styles. Amongst the most splendid monuments in Chanderi are Koshak Mahal, the Badal mahal, Victory Arch, Jama Masjid and ancient Jain temples.
Sarkunda Devi: Sarkunda Devi Temple is situated at a distance of hardly 9 km from Dhanaulti town. For reaching the Surkanda temple, one has to undertake a trek of around 2 km, however the magnificent views one can see from up there, makes the climb worth it.
Dashavatar Temple: Dashavatar Temple, belonging to the time of the Gupta Empire, is the earliest known Panchyatan temple in North India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple boasts of terraced basement, adorned with skillfully sculpted panels. On the doorway of the sanctum sanctorum, one finds the carvings of Ganga and Yamuna. The side-walls have 3 carved panels depicting Vaishnava mythology.
Pradhanpat: Pradhanpat hill is known for its exquisite beauty and a gushing waterfall, which seems cascading down with all its force.
Jain Temples: There are as many as 31 Jain temples situated inside the Kanali fort, on the Dhanaulti Hills. The place served as a Jain center from the 6th to the 17th century and this is when the temples were built. The temples stands festooned with panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, votive pillars, votive tablets, Jain images and pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures.
Matatila Dam: Matatila Dam is a popular picnic spot situated amidst Dhanaulti hills. The scenic views, lush gardens and water-sports options serve as the major attractions of the dam.
How to reach Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is 25 km from Mussoorie (1hour drive), 60 km from Dehradun ( 3 hour drive) and 325 km from Delhi (10 hour drive). The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 82 km from Dhanaulti and the closest railhead is at Dehradun. From here you can drive up to Dhanaulti, or take a tourist taxi or bus.
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (82 kms).
Nearest railhead is Dehradun, 60 kms.
Information about places to see in Mussoorie
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