Dhanoulti (Mussoorie, India)

Dhanaulti, located amidst thick, virgin forests of deodar, rhododendron and oak has an atmosphere of perfect peace & tranquility. The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely weather and fabulous view of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday. Dhanaulti is away from the crowd, busy market places and pollution. The green meadows, towering trees, breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, make Dhanaulti an enviable hideaway. Dhanaulti, a dreamy, misty mountain retreat in the Garhwal Hills, makes a wonderful holiday getaway, just 24 km away from Mussoorie, on Mussoorie - Chamba road, at 2,250 m above the sea level. It comes as a pleasant surprise for the weekend travelers, who find it more peaceful and more relaxing. It's a different experience altogether.

Sightseeing:

Ranikhet is an ideal spot for Trekking. Located on the Mussoorie-Chamba track, Dhanaulti is the launching point for numerous treks into the snow-capped Himalayas, especially to the Tehri region of Garhwal. The most popular treks are through the dense alpine forests that take you to Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri, the sacred three of the holy Devi Darshan triangle. The temple of Surkanda Devi, 10 km from Dhanaulti is perched high on a mountain and there is a 2 km uphill trek from the tiny village of Kaddu Khal to get here. Prime Attractions in Dhanaulti Hills Dhanaulti is a small hill station. The town provides a panoramic view of the lush green hilly environs. Travelers can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place by taking a walk around. Today, the Dhanaulti is very rich in tourist spots. A nature lover's paradise, the famous hill resort of Dhanaulti offers a lot of sites to visit. Few of them are:

Dashavatar Temple:
Dashavatar Temple, this fine Gupta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the earliest known Panchyatan temple in north India. The terraced basement above the high plinth is decorated with sculpted panels. The figures of Ganga and Yamuna adorn the carved doorway leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Three large carved panels along the side-walls - the Gajendramoksha panel, the Nar Narayan Tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu, depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology. Only the lower portion remains, of the spire, which was the most important part of the temple.

Chanderi:
Chanderi, this town, famous for its gossamer-like sarees, also has fine examples of Rajput and Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal Fort dominates the skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak Mahal, the Badal mahal, Victory Arch, Jama Masjid and ancient Jain temples.

Jain Temples:
Jain Temples, these 31 Jain temples were built much after the Vishnu Temple, but are no less remarkable. They are situated inside the fort of Kanali on the hills, overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain centre from the 6th to the 17th century. The temples abound in panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, votive pillars, votive tablets, Jain images visible from all sides and pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures.

Matatila Dam:
Matatila Dam, this is an ideal picnic spot developed by the Irrigation Department. Water-sports and a garden on the lines of the Vrindavan gardens are added attractions.

Talbehat:
Talbehat, 31 km south of Lalitpur, Talbehat is situated on the Jhansi-Sagar National Highway. It derived its name from Tal (Lake) and Behat (village), in the language of Gonds, the original settlers at the site. In 1618, Bharat Shah, the king of Bar and Chanderi built a fine fort with the famous Narsingh temple inside.

And the other, excursions from Dhanaulti Hills are:

Mussoorie:
Mussoorie 24 kms. From Dhanaulti, popularly known as 'The Queen of the Hills. Places of interest: The Mall, Kemty Falls, Mussoorie lake, Gun Hill, Jharipani Fall, etc.

Surkhanda Devi:
Surkhanda Devi, the famous temple is at the of a hill, at a distance of 9 kms. from Dhanaulti, at an altitude of 3,050 mtrs. Above the sea l evel, it's a center of great religious importance. Every year a fair is held on Ganga Dussehra (June), when thousands of pilgrims congregate to pay their obeisance. A picturesque trekking path takes you to the temple complex.

Chamba:
Chamba, The town of Chamba is just 31 km from Dhanaulti, at a height of 1,676 m. provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and the bhagirathi river. It's also in the midst of an apple growing region. The serpentine road passes through breathtakingmountain ranges and fruit laden orchards. Government and Private accommodations are available in the town.

New Tehri:
New Tehri, the new township is built around a mountain miracle, the massive dam, that has been built on the Bhagirathi River. New Tehri town is a spectacular achievement as Asia's most comprehensive resettlement exercise. It's fast developing into a tourist destination.

Best Time to Visit: In Summer - April to June, In Winter - November to February.

How to reach:
Dhanaulti Hills can be easily accessed through air or road.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (82 kms).
By Rail: Closest railhead is 66 km away, also at Dehradun.
By Road: Well connected to Dehradun (60 kms.), Delhi (325 kms.) & Rishikesh (107 kms.)

So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in Dhanaulti with us.