There is something unique about setting off to explore underexplored places in the hills. To get away from the bustling city life and settle in the hills for some time is a luxury all of us deserve. Luckily, India is home to many such lesser-known places in the hills, one of them being the quaint hill station of Chakrata.
This hill station in the state of Uttarakhand is a treat for travelers looking to escape the ordinary. Idyllic landscapes, calming weather, and an abundance of flora and fauna – Chakrata is a destination in the hills that’s perfect for everyone.
Chakrata: How To Reach, Weather, Top Places To Visit, And More
How To Reach Chakrata
Air Route
The nearest airport to Chakrata is the Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun about 116 kilometers (km) away and it’s a journey of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
There are regular flights from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, etc to Jolly Grant Airport. From the airport, you can book a cab to take you to Chakrata via the Vikasnagar-Chakrata route.
Rail Route
Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Chakrata if you prefer to travel by train. There are long-distance trains that run regularly from major cities like Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Howrah, as well as New Delhi to Chakrata.
From the railway station, you can get cabs to take you to Chakrata and this is a distance of about 91 km; an approximately 2 hour 50 minute-journey.
Road Route
Traveling by road to Chakrata is generally a better and convenient option as there are buses and taxis available from Dehradun and New Delhi.
You can easily find direct buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi to Chakrata. However, remember that this journey will be a long one as the Delhi to Chakrata distance is about 314 km and takes about 7 hours.
On the other hand, there are regular buses and taxis from Dehradun as well. From Dehradun to Chakrata, it takes about 2 hours 50 minutes as you cover a distance of about 91 km.
Alternatively, you can self-drive or rent a cab to reach Chakrata. The roads here are well connected and offer stunning views of the Himalayan landscapes.
Chakrata Weather: Best Time To Visit Chakrata
Summer Season
The summer season is the perfect time to visit Chakrata. Between March and June, Chakarata experiences pleasant weather where temperatures lie between 10°C and 30°C.
Roads are mostly open and the landscape dons a blanket of green. This is the season when you’ll get to experience clear-blue skies and pleasant weather to enjoy Chakrata in its charm.
Monsoon Season
The monsoon season is not the most ideal season to visit Chakrata. This is because the region receives heavy downpour in the months of July to October.
While the region in the monsoon season turns into a paradise, it is also the season when landslides are more frequent. Landslides can disrupt traffic and block roads, causing inconvenience, so we recommend keeping a tab on local weather updates if visiting Chakrata in this season.
Winter Season
While the summer season is the best time to visit Chakrata, winter season is also a decent enough season to visit Chakrata. If you like colder temperatures and the snow, you must visit Chakrata in the months of November to February.
This is when temperatures can drop below 0°C, transforming Chakrata into a winter wonderland.
Places To Stay At Chakrata
Chakrata offers plenty of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a backpacker, or willing to splurge for a luxurious stay, here are some accommodation options in Chakrata:
The Hosteller Chakrata
This property is just perfect for budget backpackers wanting to explore Chakrata. Here, you can find spacious dorms with multi-bed arrangements, so you’ll get to meet plenty of fellow travelers like you.
Plus, the property is equipped with most modern amenities like WiFi, dedicated workspaces, a restaurant, garden, and paid shuttle.
Price per night: INR 741 onwards on Booking.com
Panchvatika Eco Stay
This homestay in Chakrata is the one for you if you wish to have a mountain-view stay here. The property overlooks some of the most gorgeous landscapes Chakrata has to offer.
Plus, it has spacious rooms equipped with luxurious amenities like hot water, comfortable beds, and terrace views – perfect for family travelers.
Price per night: INR 1799 per night pn Booking.com
Driftters Tent
Perfect for glamping enthusiasts and travelers looking for a unique stay in Chakrata. The tent is equipped with modern amenities such as WiFi, kitchen, and a dedicated workspace.
If you’ve always dreamt of staying in a tent up in the hills, Drifters Tent is the perfect place to stay in Chakrata.
Price per night: INR 3195 on Airbnb
Kanasar Home Stay
This homestay in Kanasar is the perfect place for budget travelers as well as family travelers. With amenities like free parking, an on-site hairdresser/beautician and close proximity to local tourist attractions, Kanasar Home Stay is a great accommodation on a budget.
Price per night: INR 1580 on Booking.com
Jungle Safari Luxury Camp
If you’re looking for a lavish stay in the mountains, Jungle Safari Luxury Camp is the perfect choice for you. Here you’ll get to stay in luxurious air-conditioned tents with a community fireplace, indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as buffet breakfasts.
Price per night: INR 8500 onwards on Booking.com
Places To Visit In And Around Chakrata
Tiger Falls
Chakrata is famous for its iconic Tiger Falls – a waterfall about 18 km away from the hill station. The Tiger Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Uttarakhand, falling from a steep height of 300 ft.
You must lead through a short trek to get to the waterfall and trust us, the views at the end of the trek will take your breath away.
Tiger Falls is perfect for family picnics or a day-out with friends. This waterfall, with its cascading waters and picturesque views makes for a great half-day trip from Chakrata.
Chilmiri Top
Known for being the highest point in Chakrata, Chilmiri Top offers majestic views of the Himalayan ranges that allow you to see the peaks of Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch.
This point is only 3 km away from the town, so it makes for an easy walk or a short drive. Chilmiri Top is the place to go to get 360-degree views of the Himalayan landscape and the ideal spot for watching sunsets or sunrises.
Kanasar
Located just 25 km away from Chakrata, Kanasar is an unexplored gem for camping enthusiasts. The village is home to some of the largest deodar trees in Asia – in fact, one of them measures over 6 feet in circumference.
The thick envelope of deodar trees, misty terrain, and lush green meadows makes Kanasar look like a village straight out of a fairytale.
And if you visit it during winter, you’ll be delighted with the pristine white snow landscape. This makes Kanasar a great place to explore in both summer and winter.
Mahasu Devta Temple
Mahasu Devta Temple is a historic temple located in the quaint village of Hanol. The temple deity, Mahasu Devta, is held in great regard by the locals.
Mahasu Devta Temple is a masterclass in architecture as you’ll find intricate carvings that highlight Himachali craftsmanship and grandeur.
In the temple complex, you’ll find a pair of enormous rocks named Bheem ke Kanche. According to Hindu mythology, Bheem, the strongest of the Pandavas, used to play marbles with these rocks.
As you can see, the Mahasu Devta Temple is the perfect choice, offering a unique blend of spirituality, folklore, and history.
Lakhamandal Temple
This temple is located about 2 hour-drive away from Chakrata and has its fair share of local folklore based in the Hindu mythology.
Lakhamandal finds its connection to the Hindu epic of Mahabharata as it is believed that the Pandavas took refuge in the temple during their exile.
Moreover, it is believed that some of the shivalingams here possess unique spiritual powers. In fact, many locals believe that one of the shivalingams here reflects your image back at you – adding a sense of mystery to this temple!
Summing Up
An underexplored gem sitting amidst the Himalayas – Chakrata deserves to be on your bucket list!
With panoramic views of the Himalayas, lush green meadows, towering deodar forests, and plenty of tourist attractions, it makes for a great place to unwind from the noise of the outside world.
So, when are you planning to visit this hill station in Uttarakhand?
FAQs
Which Month Is Best To Visit Chakrata?
The summer months of March to June are the best to visit Chakrata. During this period, the weather is quite pleasant, most roads and tourist sites are open to the public, and you’ll get accommodation at reasonable prices.
How Many Days Are Enough For Chakrata?
2 to 3 days are enough to explore Chakrata. You can add an additional day if you’re also visiting other destinations around Chakrata.
What To Wear In Chakrata?
What to wear in Chakrata depends on the season you’re going in. If you’re going in the winters, we recommend packing enough winter-appropriate clothes. If you’re visiting Chakrata in the monsoon, make sure to carry heavy duty shoes, raincoats, umbrellas, and other monsoon gear. For summers in Chakrata, we recommend packing light, but do carry shawls, blankets, or jackets, as nights can get cold even in summers.
