7 Must-Visit Places in Chakrata

Situated at an elevation of approximately 7000 metres above sea level, Chakrata is a scenic hill station in Uttarakhand. Dotted with lush green conifers, beautiful rhododendrons, and towering oaks, this laid-back yet charming town is a paradise for nature lovers. Located at a small distance of 50 kilometres from Dehradun, this town offers a sweeping view of Yamuna Valley and the majestic Himalayan mountain ranges. Due to its abundance of natural beauty, Chakrata is undoubtedly one of the best tourist places near Dehradun.

Boasting a rich and diverse fauna, it is frequented by wildlife photographers and ornithologists. Some of the common wildlife species that can be spotted in the surrounding forest area include wild fowl, spotted deer, and panthers. Other than this, this region is also home to several different medicinal plants. In short, this idyllic town ticks all the boxes for being a nature retreat and enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year.

Best Places to Visit in Chakrata

Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Chakrata Hill Station:

• Lakhamandal Temple
• Ram Tal Horticulture Garden
• Chilmiri Neck
• Mundali
• Budher Caves
• Tiger Falls
• Deoban

Lakhamandal Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lakhamandal Temple is one of the best places to visit in Chakrata. This ancient temple is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from the main town. The main attraction is the Shivaling, which has been made using graphite and shines every time water is poured on it. There is a popular legend from the epic Mahabharata that says Lakhamandal is the place where the Kauravas built a house made of lacquer. Also known as Lakshagriha, this palace was actually to kill their cousins, the Pandavas. However, they managed to successfully escape through an underground tunnel. Other than its religious significance, this place is also popular among nature lovers. Surrounded by towering mountains and the Yamuna River flowing by, the Lakhamandal Temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the area.

Ram Tal Horticulture Garden

This is another addition to the list of major tourist places in Chakrata. With an abundance of greenery and a small pond in its centre, this small garden is a popular picnic spot in the town. It is located on Mussoorie Road, at a small distance of 12 kilometres from the main town. The scenic Ram Tal Horticulture Garden is also famous for being home to a diverse flora and fauna. Here, you can find rare bird species like the Oriental Turtle Dove and the Black-Headed Jay. The monsoon season is considered the best time for visiting such places in Chakrata. This is when you’ll get to see greenery all around.

Chilmiri Neck

Located approximately 5 kilometres away from Chakrata, Chilmiri Neck is among the major tourist attractions. This place is the starting point for a number of trekking routes in the region. Some popular ones are the Tiger Falls trek and the Kansar trek. Other than this, Chilmiri Neck also serves as a popular vantage point near Chakrata. This place offers absolutely stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. So, if you are planning a day picnic where you can enjoy natural vistas, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Chakrata. Since the weather remains pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 25°C, you can come here at any time of the year.

Mundali

Located at an altitude of around 7,000 feet, Mundali is a picturesque hill station near Chakrata. Apart from being popular for its natural beauty, this town is also famous as the adventure hub of that region. If you want to indulge in any kind of adventure sport, Mundali is a must-visit place for you. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including skiing, trekking, camping, and mountain biking. In addition to this, Mundali is also known for its diverse flora and fauna. The dense forests surrounding this area are home to wildlife species such as Himalayan black bears and barking deer. Although Mundali is one of the year-round tourist places in Chakrata, the best time for skiing is from November to March. For other adventure activities, you can come here between April to June and September to November as well.

Tiger Falls

Tiger Falls is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places to visit in Chakrata. This 50-metre-high waterfall also serves as a popular picnic spot for tourists as well as locals. Here, several small streams of water cascade down a cliff, only to form a large pool at the bottom. Since the water is clean and refreshing, you can take a dip in the pool. Although this waterfall is accessible by road, some people choose to come here via trek. The trekking route has a moderate level of difficulty and can be easily completed in 4-5 hours. The trekking trail passes through dense forests, and the views you get throughout the trek are simply amazing. So, if you’re planning to spend a day amidst nature and want to try some adventure at the same time, Tiger Falls is the best option you have.

Budher Caves

Often referred to as Miola Caves, this is another place that finds a connection to the epic Mahabharat. According to a popular legend, this cave was dug by the Pandavas during their exile period. In today's time, this cave serves as a popular tourist attraction. However, a large part of this cave still remains unexplored as it involves a difficult trek. If you're planning to visit this place on your trip to Chakrata, make sure that you carry water and some snacks with you. There are no food stalls or any other amenities near this cave.

Deoban

Known for offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and surrounding valleys, this is one of the best places for Chakrata tourism. The entire region is covered with deodar trees, which is also the reason behind the name Deoban. This place is hugely popular among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Here, you can indulge in several outdoor activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling. Other than this, you can also plan overnight camping here. Being home to a large number of wildlife and bird species, this place also engages wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

A trip to Dehradun is considered incomplete without visiting Chakrata. With this comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Chakrata, you can easily plan a fun-filled vacation. Or, book an all-inclusive Dehradun tour package from our range and make sure that you cover all the major tourist attractions.