Hidden amidst the verdant folds of the Garhwal Himalayas, Chakrata is a serene retreat far from the madding crowd. Navigate through this guide to discover the myriad things to do in Chakrata, from witnessing majestic waterfalls to exploring ancient caves. Revel in the untouched splendor of this tranquil haven, where nature and culture weave a tale of timeless beauty in Uttarakhand’s picturesque landscapes. Given the hilly terrain around Chakrata, it is highly recommended to book an Innova cab from Dehradun to explore this quaint little hill station comfortably.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Chakrata
Places to visit in Chakrata
The exquisite natural landscape and history of the place offer a host of attractions for you to see and explore. Check out these popular tourist places in Chakrata for a fun trip –
- Tiger Falls – The highest falls of Chakrata and one of the highest of Uttarakhand, this natural cascade sits at 312 ft. Nestled within woods of pine and cedar, this locale is best for picnics and day treks. Entry Fee- Free
- Deoban – Sitting at 7500+ ft, Deoban is a picturesque restricted forest area on the hills surrounded by dense woods of deodar. This spot is also known for birdwatching in late winter and spring. Entry Fee– NA
- Chilmiri Neck – This is a popular sunset point, a few miles from the main town, known for gorgeous views of the setting sun. Entry Fee– NA
- Ram Tal Horticultural Garden – A local farm with a pond and varieties of climbers, conifers, lichen, ferns, rhododendrons, apples, plums, and other fruiting and flowering trees, perfect for picnics and nature walks. Entry Fee– Free
- Budher Caves – Also known as Miola caves, the Budher Caves is a network of naturally-formed limestone caves, highlighted by stalactite and stalagmite formations, popular for spelunking. Entry Fee– Free
- Bairat Khai Pass – This high mountain pass, sitting at 6500+ feet, offers 180-degree views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Visit during winters or just before spring for the best experience.
Places to visit nearby
Apart from your basic Chakrata sightseeing, you can also visit other scenic locales nearby. Check out these nearby hill stations.
- Kanasar – A quaint hill station near Chakrata, ideal for nature walks, rock climbing, waterfall rappelling, river rafting, and other outdoor adventures. Entry Fee– INR 1000 onward
- Mussoorie – An old colonial town and Dehradun’s sister town, Mussoorie is famous for Kempty Waterfall, Sir George Everest Mansion, Christ Church, Lal Tibba, and more. Entry Fee– NA
- Dehradun – The state capital, known for the history, art, culture, and beauty of Garhwal Himalayas. Visit the Mindrolling Monastery, Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park, Har Ki Dun Valley, and Mall Road. Entry Fee- NA
- Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary – One of the oldest wildlife conservatories of Himachal Pradesh, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Himalayan fauna like leopards, samber, spotted deer, barking deer, jackal, hare, jungle cat, palm civet, porcupine, blue jay, black partridge, drongo, etc. Entry Fee– Free
- Lakhamandal Temple – An ancient temple complex located at 100KM from Chakrata, this temple is dedicated to Shiva and has a connection to the Pandavas from the time of Mahabharata. Entry Fee– NA
Places to eat in Chakrata
Sample the local flavours at these top-rated eateries in Chakrata –
- Mehtta Restaurant and Fast Food
- Devna Restaurant
- Oxygen Café and Restaurant
- Chandna’s The Food Court
- Hot Bite Grill Restaurant
How to Plan a Trip to Chakrata
You can also plan your personalized trip by selecting the mode of transport, the route, and more. Let us help you with the travel options to Chakrata for a better idea –
How to Reach Chakrata
By Train
There is no direct rail connectivity in Chakrata. The nearest railway station is in Dehradun, about 87KM away. Dehradun Railway Station is well-connected to the rest of the state and nearby major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Shimla, Kalka etc. and other metros of India. From Dehradun, you can book a local taxi, rent a car or take the local bus to travel to Chakrata.
By Road
Chakrata is well-connected to the rest of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and other major neighbouring cities and towns via the Dehradun-Rishikesh National Highway and SH 1. There are regular state-run and private buses from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Kalka, Herbertpur, Ambala etc. to Chakrata. The best way to travel to Chakrata is to book a taxi service in Chakrata or rent an outstation car and do a road trip.
By Flight
There is no flight service in Chakrata. The nearest airport is in Dehradun, at Jolly Grant Airport, about 113KM away. You can take a flight from any major city/town in India to Dehradun and from there you can get an airport taxi to reach Chakrata by road.
Best time to Visit Chakrata
Chakrata sits on the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas and thus, experiences classic mountain weather. Summers and spring months, between March and May, make for the best period to explore this quaint and charming hill station. This is the time when nature is in its full glory and you can also explore the outdoors without any difficulty. Alternatively, you can also travel in peak winter, during snowfall for winter sports and experience the snow-clad Himalayan retreat. However, always check for snowfall time before travelling, since it varies every year.
About Chakrata
Nestled within the hills of Uttarakhand, on the westernmost border, is the cantonment town of Chakrata. The scenic Himalayan mountains, replete with the beauty of conifers, rhododendrons and oak trees, looming over the hills, is a sensory delight for every traveller. The breathtaking views, the serene atmosphere, and the pleasant climate make Chakrata a charming and quaint hill retreat.
With our Chakrata travel guide, you can discover this cosy mountain retreat on your way and experience an offbeat mountain destination.
Location
Chakrata is located in the Dehradun district, about 98KM from the state capital, Dehradun, and 73KM from Mussoorie, and Tehri Garhwal on the east. The cantonment town lies on the westernmost corner of Uttarakhand, on the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Weather
The weather of Chakrata can be defined as typically mountain weather. The summers are warm but pleasant while winters are chilly and cold, with occasional snowfall. The time from spring to summer sees the most foliage and fresh greenery in the region with orchards and flowering plants in full bloom. The monsoon period is also beautiful but the upper reaches of the mountain often flood in heavy rains.
History
Chakrata became prominent during the colonial days, established as a cantonment zone for the British Indian Army, in 1869. The area is known as Jaunsar – Bawar, which includes Chakrata and some neighbouring villages. In 1901, the district of Chakrata, including the main town, and Kalsi were taken under the administration of the United Provinces (present-day UP, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand).
Geography
Chakrata is tucked in the lush valleys of the Garhwal Himalayas, between the Tons and Yamuna Rivers. The town sits at an altitude of 7000 feet, with the highest point of elevation at Kharamba Peak, at 10000 feet. Because of less commercial intervention, Chakrata is still rich in its biodiversity. The forests of the regions are home to some rare and endangered species of mountain flora and fauna, with red rhododendrons, rare varieties of deodar/cedar, and pines, and if you are lucky, you could spot wildlife like panthers, spotted deer, wild fowls.
Interesting Facts
Besides the visiting places in Chakrata, a few fun facts make this hill station interesting –
- During the time of Ashoka in the 2nd century BC, one of those nearby villages of Kalsi became the site for one of the major rock edicts set up by Ashoka during his propagation of dhamma. This edict was discovered in 1860.
- Chakrata serves as the permanent garrison of the elite and discreet Special Frontier Force (Establishment 22), which is the only ethnic Tibetan unit of the Indian army.
Hotels and Resorts in Chakrata
Check out these best-rated places to stay in Chakrata –
- Munaals Nest
- Kanasar Eco Lodge
- Dopaar by the Brook
- Snow View Heritage Resort
- Tiger Fall Eco Resort
- Sawai Danda Resort
- Uttarayan
Witness the beauty of Chakrata by booking a car rental to take you to all these places with a local driver. Install the Savaari cab booking app for offers and discounts on outstation rentals.
Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by V Subhadra
