Best Places to Visit in Dhanaulti for a Peaceful Hill Escape

Dhanaulti is the kind of place that slips under the radar but gives memories of a lifetime. Sitting quietly in the Garhwal Himalayas, about 24 km from Mussoorie, this hill town offers a slower, gentler alternative to busier hill stations. The forests here are thick with deodar, oak, and rhododendron, the air feels crisp, and the views open up to snow peaks when the sky is clear.

If you enjoy long walks, mountains, and the chance to explore places that are not crowded, Dhanaulti is a rewarding stop. Here is a simple guide to the best things to do and places to visit in Dhanaulti.

Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Dhanaulti

1. Eco Park – Amber and Dhara

The twin parks of Amber and Dhara are Dhanaulti’s highlights, managed by the Forest Department. These green pockets are perfect for strolls under tall deodars. Wooden benches are tucked into quiet corners, while open patches give glimpses of the Himalayan ranges on clear days. Families come here for picnics, but the parks remain peaceful enough to enjoy a stroll with your loved ones.

2. Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple is just 8 km from Dhanaulti. The temple is an important Shakti Peeth. Visitors need to complete a short but steep trek through pine forests. The trek comes with more than one rewarding sight – you can also see the Bandarpunch and Kedarnath peaks from the temple courtyard.

3. Apple Orchards and Potato Farms

Dhanaulti is dotted with apple orchards and the well-known Potato Farm, also called Aloo Khet. Walking through neat rows of apple trees or simply watching the fields spread across the slopes makes you one with nature. Sunsets here are wide and open with breathtaking views of the Garhwal hills.

4. Adventure Park

The Dhanaulti Adventure Park adds variety to the trip, plus families love it. Here, you can zipline across valleys, try rappelling, balance on a sky bridge, or camp under the stars. The location itself is scenic. It’s a reminder that the hills can be both peaceful and playful, depending on how you choose to spend your day.

5. Forest Trails

Dhanaulti is surrounded by forests and hills. Trails weave through pine, oak, and rhododendron, where you’ll hear more bird calls than human voices. In spring, rhododendrons burst into red clusters, adding unexpected colour to the greenery. Enjoy the stillness and natural rhythm of the mountains as you walk these trails.

6. Day Excursions to Kanatal and Chamba

If you have an extra day, make short trips to Kanatal and Chamba. Kanatal is known for camping sites and serene meadows, while Chamba overlooks the Bhagirathi valley with sweeping views of the Tehri Dam. Both are less commercial than Mussoorie and add depth to a Dhanaulti holiday. The drives themselves, winding along pine-covered ridges, are part of the experience.

How to Plan a Dhanaulti Getaway

A 2- to 3-day trip is best, giving you enough time to explore ecoparks, forest trails, and nearby villages.

Getting there:

• By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 82 km away.

• By train: Dehradun Railway Station, 60 km away.

• By road: Connected by taxis and buses from Mussoorie and Dehradun.

Travel tips:

• Visit between March and June or September and November for pleasant weather and from December to February for snow.

• Stay in a cottage or boutique property to experience local hospitality

• Camping sites has locals renting out camp gear

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