- Location: Tehri district, Uttarakhand
- Distance from Mussoorie: 25 km
- Altitude: 2,286 meters
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
- Highlights:
- Less crowded, peaceful hill station
- Views of snow-capped Himalayas, oak and rhododendron forests
- Popular for trekking, hiking, and horse/pony rides
- Nearby Attractions:
- Barehipani & Joranda Falls
- Dashavatar Temple (Lord Vishnu)
- Deogarh Fort
- Matatila Dam (picnic spot)
- Famous For: Apple orchards, agriculture (peas, potatoes)
- Access: Nearest railhead – Dehradun (60 km), Airport – Jolly Grant (80 km)
Dhanaulti, a virgin hill station, is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. Positioned just 25 km away from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Chamba road, Dhanaulti is an ideal holiday destination for tired city dwellers. But unlike Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is less crowded and more peaceful. Located amidst impenetrable forests of oak, deodar, and multihued rhododendrons, Dhanaulti possesses the perfect ambiance of tranquility and serenity. Offering magnificent vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas, Dhanaulti is known for its fresh, salubrious environs, rolling meadows, peaceful setting, and breathtakingly beautiful locales.
Perched at an astounding elevation of 2,286 meters above sea level, Dhanaulti is a lesser-explored, unspoiled hill station. As one nears Dhanaulti, one encounters a strikingly beautiful countryside and nature in its pristine form. The place is perfect for leisurely strolls up the wooded slopes or lazing around in verdant meadows. Dhanaulti invites you to embark on exhilarating hikes, horseback riding, or pony rides alongside fruit orchards and watercourses emerging from small hills. Considered a treasure trove of picturesque splendor and a paradise for nature lovers, Dhanaulti offers you an experience of a lifetime. Dhanaulti, being a major agricultural area, also has several government-owned farms where peas, apples, and potatoes are grown. The sprawling apple orchards are a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth.
Dhanaulti, a serene hamlet bordered by tall trees, luxuriant valleys, and towering mountains, is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the refreshing elixir of nature. Set amidst a misty, dreamy landscape, the hill station of Dhanaulti looks like a colorful canvas created by divinity itself. Apart from walking through the wilderness, there are several options for adventure seekers, including trekking, hiking, camping, and mountaineering. Once you reach the place, you are welcomed by the husky calls of the ‘Tangawalas’ offering horseback rides. Sitting on a horse may be a challenge for those who have never ridden before, but once you get accustomed to it, horse riding can be quite enjoyable. Alternatively, one can ride a pony, which is smaller in size and more comfortable to sit on.
An important center of worship in Dhanaulti is the Dashavatar Temple, built by the Gupta dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is known for his ten avatars. Another place of historical significance is the Deogarh Fort, built in the 16th century near Pratapgarh. It is one of the 52 Garhs (forts) of the state. Deogarh Fort has several decorated palaces and beautiful Jain temples. Inside the fort, there are about 31 Jain temples, which were built between the 6th and 17th centuries. The place served as an important Jain center during this period, and the temples are adorned with panels depicting scenes from Jain folklore.
Matatila Dam is an idyllic picnic spot developed by the irrigation department. The presence of a magnificent garden and the availability of water sports in the region make it even more sought after. Dhanaulti, with its exquisite beauty, is an ideal retreat for a vacation.
