Dhanaulti: On Nature's Trail

chillibreeze writer — Radhika Das

Need an editable PowerPoint map of India

>> Read more

When you have seen it all. When you have none to track. When you have walked a while, and need to take a break…digress to this little place where life is just a furlong away!

For those of you looking for a peaceful, sylvan retreat and some tranquil moments far, far away from the madding crowds, make a quick escape to Dhanaulti – a quaint hideaway offering some great pony treks and camps amidst deodar- and pine-clad slopes with a picture perfect view of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Come summer and all you want to do is pack those bags, don some travel gear and race to hit the mountain trails. Only this time, it’s not any run-of-the-mill spot beautifully packaged and picturesquely presented to satiate the nature-hungry tourist in you. Just off the beaten track and away from the marauding hordes of tourists that throng its more popular neighbor—Mussoorie—is Dhanaulti.

A tourist spot with a difference

As the tourist brochure of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) describes it, “Where tall green deodars stand confident, where cool breezes bring serenity, where Himalayas look down majestically…that is Dhanaulti.” That and more. Those of you taking the much traveled pathway to the Queen of the Hills, this is one diversion you wouldn’t want to miss. Neatly tucked away between the laps and folds of the Garhwal Himalayas, Dhanaulti is great for some traditional Garhwal hospitality and horseback riding, of course.

Situated on the Mussoorie-Tehri road to Chamba (Uttar Pradesh), a distance of some 26 km from Mussoorie, this idyllic retreat is reached in no time as the car eats away the miles in just about 90 minutes. The passage, at a height of 7,000 feet, offers an unending vista of snow-capped peaks in the north and moody rivers flowing though green valleys to the south.

Horse Riding – a big attraction

On entering Dhanaulti, the caressing whispers of tall deodars greet you, as do the shouts of the dozen or so ‘ponywalas’ urging you to enjoy the sights on horseback. Considering that the numerous narrow winding tracks befit only the nimble footed this is an option we definitely recommend you to take at your own risk! Though some of the twisted and steep tracks do pose a challenge, once you have mastered the art of keeping your backside firmly on the saddle, the ride is quite delightful. A short trot through the wooded slopes brings you to View Point – a vast span of space with a breathtaking view of the Doon Valley and the mystic Himalayas. Trek a bit higher and the Surkhanda Devi temple beckons you to its blissfully calm environs.

The rich farm produce of Dhanaulti

A major potion of Dhanaulti consists of state-owned agricultural land, the produce largely consisting of peas, potatoes, and apples. The apple orchards spread across an entire mountain range is worth a visit. The highlight however, is the natural mineral spring that gushes out from a deep crevice in the mountains. With the local folk firmly believing in its curative powers, the spring, which flows perennially, attracts many a devout visitor from the surrounding villages.

The best way to explore Dhanaulti’s treasures is on horseback, or biking, or for those of you who prefer to have their feet firmly planted on the ground, by foot. And for those of you looking to commune with nature, take a trek or amble through the thickly wooded forests or simply camp out underneath the canopy of stars. Whatever your choice—make sure you saddle up quick before the snow steals the show.

Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.

Chillibreeze writers can write travel articles about any destination in India or abroad. Contact us for your content requirements.

Out of 5 “chilies”, our editorial team gave this article...

 

---

—About our writer: Radhika writes for Chillibreeze

>> Read more articles written by Chillibreeze writers:

1. Articles related to Content and Outsourcing
2. NRI and Expat Articles
3. Potpourri
4. Travel Writing
5. Book Reviews and Interviews