View of the Himalaya from Chakrata
Why Visit
Chakrata, known earlier as Jaunsar Bawar, is a quaint little hill station and cantonment area situated between the Yamuna and Tons rivers. Located in Dehradun district at an elevation of 2,270 meters, Chakrata has a spectacular view of the mighty Himalayas. To the east of Chakrata, lies the famous Mussoorie and to the west lies kaleidoscopic Kinnaur.
Chakrata is an ideal spot for nature lovers, bird watchers, and adventure seekers who are keen to explore the Jaunsar landscape and learn more about the local culture. One can also go for trekking, village walks, jungle walks, skiing (in winters), and camping. An interesting fact about Chakrata is that he literacy rate is 75% which is more than then national average. Foreigners have restricted access to the military cantonment of Chakrata and must obtain a permit from the Commandant 22 Force c/o 56 APO.
Chakrata countryside
What to Know
- During the colonial period, Chakrata was the furthest one could access in the upper Himalayas via a motorable road and hence it emerged as a major trading town.
- In the foothills of Chakrata, Kalsi contains remnants of the Ashoka period as evident from a Pillar Rock edict made up of quartz is 10ft in length and 8ft in breadth, built in 450 B.C.
- Polyandry was followed for quite some time as per Jaunsari customs and traditions. It is said the custom has been followed since the Mahabharata period.
- Temple architecture in the area is quite unique; typically with two stories, the ground floor is generally used for storage place and the first floor housing the deity.
- Temples of Lakhamandal are said to date back to the Mahabharata period where the famous Lakshagrah episode happened.
- Heun Tsang, a Chinese traveller visited Chakrata in 635 A.D.
- There are numerous places of interest in and around Chakrata, such as Tigerfall, Deoban, Kanasar, Mundal, and Chilmiri Neck.
Duration of stay: a 3 night 4 day is recommended.
Stay options: from Rs 300 per person onwards. Visit RTNE for details.
Colonial Hotel in Chakrata
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun from which a bus or taxi is required to reach Chakrata.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun where bus and taxies connect to Chakrata. If coming from New Delhi, the Jan Shatabdi Express (2055) to Dehradun is the best option.
By Road: Chakrata is 92 km from Dehradun via Kalsi and 335 km from Delhi.
The road to Chakrata
What to Note
- There is no petrol pump in Chakrata; the nearest petrol pump is at Vikas Nagar, 50 KM before Chakrata.
- If driving, be prepared with snacks in case of road closures due to land slides or traffic jams due to inclement weather.
- Chakrata can get cold, especially in the winter, so bring woolens.
For more information on Chakrata, please visit RTNE.
