Dhanaulti is a hill station that is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The town of Dhanaulti is located in the Tehri Garhwal district, and it is famous among tourists mainly because of its proximity to the other regions of Mussoorie and Chamba. Dhanaulti is located at an altitude of 2286 metres, and this place can be a very ideal setting for your summer vacation if what you’re looking for is a tranquil and serene place where you can connect with nature.
Dhanaulti Climate
The climate in Dhanaulti is a sub tropical climate, and the main seasons that the town faces are those of summer, winter and monsoon. Monsoon in the town of Dhanaulti is characterized by heavy rainfall, and summers are mild. Winters are cold, and you can visit the town of Dhanaulti anytime during summer and winter.
Summers in Dhanaulti are not hot and temperatures during this time are moderate. Tourists flock to Dhanaulti during this time to get away from the heat in the mainland. The maximum temperature during the summer months of April, May and June would be around thirty one degrees (31°C) and the minimum temperature would be around seven degrees (7°C).
Monsoon in Dhanaulti is accompanied by very heavy rainfall. Temperatures fall further during the monsoon months of July, August and September and thus this is not an ideal time to visit Dhanaulti.
Winters in Dhanaulti extend through the months of November, December, January and February. Temperatures during this time are very low, with the maximum temperature ranging around seven degrees (7°C) and the minimum temperature ranging around one degree (1°C). This is also a good time to visit the town of Dhanaulti, and you’ll need to carry winter clothing.
Dhanaulti Tourist Attractions
Barehipani and Joranda Falls :These picturesque falls (Barehipani – 399m and Joranda – 150m) situated in the heart of Simlipal National Park.
Chanderi: This city, famous for its saris as gauze, also has fine examples of Rajput and Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal fort dominates the skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak Taj, Taj Badal, Victory Arch, Jama Masjid and ancient Jain temples.
Dashavatar Temple :This fine Gupta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the oldest known temple in northern India Panchyat. The terraces on the table basement is decorated with sculpted panels. Figures from the Ganges and Yamuna adorn the carved front page leading to the sanctum. Three large carved panels along the sides – Gajendramoksha panel, the Nar Narayan Tapasya and Anantshayi Vishnu, depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology. All that remains is the bottom of the tower, which was the most important part of the temple.
Deogarh :A 16th century magnificent fort near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples.
Jain Temples :These 31 Jain temples were built much after the Temple of Vishnu, but they are less noticeable. They are located inside the fortress of Kanali in the hills overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain center from June 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 figures of a thousand Jain.
Matatila Dam : This is an ideal place to picnic developed by the Irrigation Department. Water sports and a garden on the lines of the Vrindavan gardens are added attractions.
Pradhanpat : Pradhanpat Hill, with its picturesque waterfall, offers a rare scenic beauty.
Talbehat :31 km south of Lalitpur, Talbehat is located on the Jhansi-Sagar road Nacional. It derives its name from Tal (lake) and Behat (village), in the language of Gonds, the first settlers on the site. In 1618, Bharat Shah, the king of Bar and Chanderi, built a fort very well with the famous Narsingh temple inside.
How to reach Dhanaulti
The town of Dhanaulti has direct buses that run to the town from other nearby locations, and this is one mode of transport to Dhanaulti. You can also opt for trains to the nearby railway station or flights to the nearest airport, from where buses or cabs can be taken to Dhanaulti.
Dhanaulti By Train
The railway station in Dehradun is the nearest railway station, and this station has regular trains from all around the country. Shatabdi trains will run from the city of New Delhi to Dehradun, and these can be taken in order to reach the region in a fast manner. Ticket fares will range around Rs 900 for this train. Regular trains will charge around Rs 158 from Delhi to Dehradun for the basic mode of travel. Buses can be taken from Dehradun to Dhanaulti.
Dhanaulti By Bus
Dhanaulti has a major bus station, and many buses run to this place from the cities of Dehradun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee, and Nainital. Buses from major cities like Chandigarh and Delhi will be available to the hill station of Mussoorie, from where buses to Dhanaulti can be easily availed. Bus fares from Delhi will cost around Rs 450 for the basic mode of travel, and air conditioned buses will charge around Rs 625.
Things to do in Dhanaulti
Go horse back riding in the forest or take a pleasant walk among the Deodar tress. Explore Dhanaulti and nearby places on foot by picking any of the incredible trekking trails here. The most popular trails take you to Surkanda Devi,Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri temples. Another magnificent route is the Dhanaulti- Nagtibba trek through the Garhwal Himalayas, past the pretty village of Panthari, past some splendid scenery and interesting flora and fauna. Other exciting treks via Dhanaulti are to Kempty Falls, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri glaciers.
Nearby Places
Mussoorie , the queen of hill stations is 48 km away and has great options for staying, food and shopping.
Chamba valley , 31 kms from Dhanualti is also known as Ravi valley is rather picturesque and presents delightful sights.
New Tehri is 37 Km away and is a recent development. It promises to attract a lot of tourists once its dam is completed. The areas around the lake will be ideal for picnics. Additional water sport facilites are also being developed in the area.
Places to Stay – Dhanaulti
GMVN Tourist Bungalow. Forest Rest House. Dhanaulty Breeze hotel. A couple of guest houses also offer good accommodation.
