Dhanaulti is a small hill station on the Mussoorie-Chamba road. A perfect weekend getaway, Dhanaulti is a popular winter destination perched at an altitude of 2286 meters, offering a majestic view of the mighty Himalayas. It is very close to other popular hill stations like Kanatal, Tehri and Chamba.
Known for its deodar and oak forests, the hill station is flocked by tourists during the snowfall season. It is located just 59 km from Mussoorie and the travel time between the two hill stations is nearly 2.5 hours. The journey from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti is an experience as the route passes through the towering mountains in the region.
Dhanaulti is not as famous as Mussoorie, but it is slowly emerging as the new favourite mountain destination for tourists. For those looking to beat the crowd of Mussoorie and enjoy the privacy amid the hills, Dhanaulti could be one option. With Mussoorie attracting more and more crowds every year, Dhanaulti has emerged as the new favourite of nature lovers.
How To Reach?
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can hire a direct taxi from Dehradun for Dhanaulti or reach Mussoorie first and hire a taxi from there. Dehradun is just 86 km from Dhanaulti.
For those travelling via railway, they can reach Dehradun railway station from anywhere in the country and take a taxi from there for Dhanaulti.
Travelling by road is also an option with direct buses from places like Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Nainital for Dhanaulti. You can also travel in your personal vehicle if you are comfortable driving/riding in the mountains.
There are a lot of resorts and homestays in Dhanaulti where you can book a stay at affordable prices. However, the most enjoyable thing to do in Dhanaulti is staying in camps amid the mountains.
Also Read, Kausani: The Uncharted Serenity in Uttarakhand
Places To Visit in Dhanaulti
Deogarh Fort:
Dating back to the 16th century, Deogarh Fort is an architectural marvel that earns its beauty from the intricate carvings on the walls and the rustic colour. One of the top tourist attractions in the hill town, the fort holds great historic significance. It also has spiritual importance, as the fort has several Jain temples within its vicinity. Deogarh Fort is open for visitors between 8 am and 5 pm and the entry fee is Rs. 25.
Eco Park:
Dhanaulti hasn’t been commercialised like Mussoorie and hence the untouched beauty of nature attracts visitors the most. Nature walks and bird watching are among the top things to do in Eco Park. The Eco Park in Dhanaulti has a very rich flora that includes the Deodar, Oak and Rhododendron trees. A perfect spot for clicking pictures, Eco Park offers stunning views of sunset and sunrise. You can also indulge in activities like Flying Fox and Burma bridge in the Eco Park. It is open for visitors from early morning till 6 pm.
Tehri Dam:
There are limited spots to visit in Dhanaulti and Tehri Dam is one of them. In a place that boasts of nature’s beautiful creations, this dam results from sheer hard work and raw human talent. Surrounded by towering and lush green mountains, this dam in New Tehri is a perfect place for picnics. Offering stunning views, Tehri Dam is a great place to click jaw-dropping pictures. Entry at the dam is free of cost.
Kanatal Adventure Camp:
In a place full of natural attractions, Kanatal Camp is the sole refuge for adventure junkies. On the Mussoorie-Chamba road, the camp has top class facilities including attached bathrooms, and the food provided is delicious as well. It is a popular spot for activities like rock climbing, valley crossing, trekking, zig zag, Mowgli walks and bonfires. The entry charges are Rs. 1,300 onwards per person.
