Dhanaulti, Tehri Garhwal
Dhanaulti is a beautiful hill station located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of about 2,250 meters (7,500 ft) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Dhanaulti is known for its serene environment, pleasant weather, and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions in Dhanaulti is the Eco Park, which is situated amidst tall deodar trees. The park has beautiful gardens, walking trails and a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. Tourists can enjoy picnics, nature walks and photography in this serene environment.
Dhanaulti enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, which makes it an ideal place to visit. Summers are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F). Winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping below the freezing point and snowfall in the region, adding to its allure.
Historical background of Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti, though a popular tourist destination today, has a minor historical background of its own. It is primarily a hill station that has gained fame in recent years due to its natural beauty and pleasant climate. However, the region in which Dhanaulti is located, the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, has a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Tehri Garhwal region has a long history dating back to ancient times. It was ruled by various dynasties and kingdoms, including the Katyuri Dynasty, the Gorkha Kingdom, and the Garhwal Kingdom. The Garhwal region was part of the Kumaon Kingdom until the 18th century when it emerged as an independent princely state.
During the colonial period, the British East India Company established its presence in the region. The Garhwal kingdom, under the leadership of Raja Sudarshan Shah, entered into a treaty with the British in 1815, making it a protectorate. British influence strengthened in the region and Tehri Garhwal became part of the British Raj.
Popular activities and attractions to do in Dhanaulti
There are many exciting things to do in Dhanaulti. Here are some popular activities and attractions in the area:
Eco Park: Visit the Eco Park situated amidst lush green forests and enjoy a peaceful walk amidst nature. The park offers beautiful views of the Himalayas and has picnic spots where you can relax and enjoy a meal.
Adventure Sports: Indulge in various adventure activities like trekking, camping, rappelling and rock climbing. There are many trekking trails in this area that lead to stunning views and beautiful places.
Apple Orchards: Visit nearby apple orchards during harvest (usually in August-September) and enjoy apple picking. Being surrounded by the vibrant colors of the gardens and tasting the fresh fruits is a delightful experience.
Adventure Park: Explore Adventure Park in Dhanaulti, which offers activities like zip-lining, sky walking, and rappelling. It is an excellent place for adrenaline junkies looking for thrill and adventure.
Potato Farming: Learn about local farming practices by visiting potato farms in Dhanaulti. You can observe the farming process and even participate in activities such as planting or harvesting potatoes.
Picnic at Aloo Khet: Enjoy a picnic at Aloo Khet, a beautiful place with lush green potato fields. It is a peaceful place to relax and spend quality time with friends and family.
Nature Walks: Take a leisurely walk amidst the natural beauty of Dhanaulti. Explore the surrounding forests, trails and meadows while enjoying the fresh mountain air and panoramic views.
Some popular camping sites near Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti and its surrounding areas offer several camping sites where visitors can enjoy a peaceful and intense experience amidst nature. Here are some popular camping sites near Dhanaulti:
Camp Thangadhar: Nestled amidst deodar and deodar forests, Camp Thangadhar offers a serene camping experience. The camp offers tents, bonfire facilities and various adventure activities like trekking and nature walks.
Kanatal Camp: Kanatal situated near Dhanaulti is known for its beautiful camping sites. Many campsites in Kanatal offer tents, bonfires, outdoor activities, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Camp O Royal: Set in the lush greenery of Dhanaulti, Camp O Royal offers comfortable tents, bonfires and adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling. The campsite provides a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.
Mussoorie Adventure Camp: Located near Mussoorie, which is close to Dhanaulti, Mussoorie Adventure Camp provides camping facilities with tents, bonfire and outdoor activities like trekking and nature walks. The campsite offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Read also - Swimming and picnic spots in Dehradun
Camp Carnival: Located in Kanatal, Camp Carnival is known for its picturesque location and offers well-furnished tents, bonfires, adventure activities and spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Dhanaulti Adventure Camp: This campsite is situated amidst the deodar forests of Dhanaulti and offers comfortable tents, bonfires and adventure activities like trekking and bird watching. The campsite provides a peaceful environment for nature lovers.
Famous Temples in and around Dhanaulti
There are many temples near Dhanaulti which are famous for their religious and cultural importance. Here are some notable temples nearby:
Kunjapuri Temple: Located at Narendra Nagar, about 70 km from Dhanaulti, Kunjapuri Temple is a revered temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is situated at an altitude of about 1,676 meters (5,499 ft) and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks including the holy peaks of Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Chandrabadni Temple: Chandrabadni Temple, located in Tehri Garhwal, about 60 km from Dhanaulti, is an important pilgrimage site. It is dedicated to Goddess Chandrabadni, a form of Goddess Sati. The temple is situated atop a hill and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Surkhanda Devi Temple: Not to be confused with Surkhanda Devi Temple, Surkhanda Devi Temple is another revered temple near Dhanaulti. It is located in Tehri Garhwal and is dedicated to Goddess Sati. The temple is situated at an altitude of about 2,757 meters (9,045 ft) and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Transport to reach Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti can be reached by various means of transport. Here are the most common ways to reach Dhanaulti:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Dhanaulti is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 82 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhanaulti. The drive from Dehradun to Dhanaulti takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
by train:
The nearest railway station to Dhanaulti is Dehradun Railway Station, which is well connected to major cities of India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhanaulti. The road journey from Dehradun to Dhanaulti takes around 2 to 3 hours.
by road:
Dhanaulti is well connected by road, and you can easily reach there by bus or private vehicle. This hill station is situated on the Mussoorie-Chamba road, which is part of National Highway 709B. It is about 25 km from Mussoorie and about 60 km from Dehradun. Many private and state-owned buses run between Dhanaulti and major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh.
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