Chakrata is an offbeat Himalayan hill station known for its serene pine forests, hidden waterfalls, and pollution‑free atmosphere, ideal for slow, nature‑centric travel. It offers a quieter alternative to crowded hill towns, attracting trekkers, birders, and weekenders seeking peace and mountain views.
Tourism in Chakrata
Tourism in Chakrata revolves around forest walks, trekking, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints rather than malls or heavy commercialization. Visitors come for Tiger Falls, Deoban’s cedar forests, camping, village walks in Jaunsar region, and winter snowfall, making it a favourite for nature and adventure lovers.
Location
Chakrata lies in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, between the Tons and Yamuna rivers, at an altitude of about 2,100 metres (around 7,000 feet). It is roughly 90–100 km from Dehradun, surrounded by conifer, rhododendron, and oak forests with clear views of the higher Himalayan ranges.
History
Chakrata stands in the Jaunsar‑Bawar region, home to the indigenous Jaunsari community with distinct customs and architecture. The British established Chakrata as a cantonment town in the 1860s; it remained an important military base and is still a restricted cantonment area in parts today.
Fairs and Festivals
Local life in and around Chakrata follows the vibrant Jaunsari cultural calendar, with folk dances, music, and community fairs tied to agricultural and religious cycles. Major Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra are celebrated with regional rituals, while village melas showcase traditional dress, cuisine, and crafts.
How to reach
Chakrata is primarily a road‑trip destination, reached by driving or taking a taxi from Dehradun (about 87–98 km). The nearest railway station is Dehradun (around 95–100 km) and the closest airport is Jolly Grant, about 120–130 km away; from both points travellers continue by road into the hills.
Tourist attractions
- Tiger Falls: One of Uttarakhand’s tallest direct waterfalls, reached by a scenic forest trek, ideal for picnics and summer visits.
- Deoban: High forested ridge offering sweeping Himalayan views and superb birdwatching amid dense deodar forests.
- Chilmiri Neck: Highest peak near Chakrata with deodar forests and clear views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and other peaks.
- Kanasar: Beautiful cedar forest and meadow popular for camping and day outings.
- Kalsi & Ashokan Rock Edict: Historic site with 3rd‑century BCE rock edict of Emperor Ashoka on the way from Dehradun to Chakrata.
- Lakhamandal: Ancient Shiva temple complex associated with Mahabharata legends, a significant archaeological and pilgrimage site.
Cuisine of Chakrata
Food in Chakrata is simple Garhwali mountain fare served in homestays and small dhabas: dishes like mandua ki roti (finger‑millet bread), bhatt ki churkani (black soybean curry), jhangore ki kheer (millet pudding), and aloo ke gutke (spiced potatoes). Local produce, ghee, and seasonal greens feature heavily, with hearty meals tailored to the cool climate of this high‑altitude hill station.
