Things to Do in Dhanaulti – A Simple and Complete Travel Guide

Dhanaulti is one of those places where you feel calm the moment you reach. It sits in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and stays quiet even in peak season. The roads are lined with tall deodar and pine trees, the air feels fresh, and the view of the hills is wide and peaceful. Many travellers come here when they want a break from busy hill stations like Mussoorie. If you are planning a trip and want to know the best things to do in Dhanaulti, this guide will help you plan your days without any confusion.

Dhanaulti is about nature, simple walks, short treks, clean air, and slow travel. But it also has adventure parks, beautiful farms, orchards, temples, day trips, and food experiences that make the trip more interesting. Below is a detailed but easy-to-read list of all the things you can enjoy in and around Dhanaulti.

Eco Park – The Main Attraction of Dhanaulti

Eco Park is the first place most people visit. It has two sections called Amber and Dhara, and both are managed by the forest department. The entry fee is small, and the area inside is filled with tall trees that are hundreds of years old. If you like nature, you can walk peacefully on the trails and listen to the sound of birds and wind.

Some small adventure activities like Burma Bridge and zip-lining are available inside. These are simple and safe, so kids can also enjoy them. The children’s play area is also made using natural materials like tree logs and wooden slides. You can spend one to two hours here without rushing.

The best time to visit Eco Park is early morning when the sun is soft and there are fewer people. The light looks golden between the trees, and this is a good time for photos. The park also has a small temple and colourful flags around it, which add to the quiet charm of the place.

Surkanda Devi Temple Trek – A Beautiful Hilltop Walk

The Surkanda Devi Temple trek is one of the most rewarding things to do in Dhanaulti. The temple is at the top of a hill, and you have to trek around 2 to 3 km from Kaddukhal. The path is mostly paved and goes uphill the entire way, so it may feel tiring, but the view at the top makes it worth it.

Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the famous Shakti Peethas, and many local people walk here often. From the top, you can see long stretches of the Himalayas, including several known peaks on clear days. The wind is cool even in summer, and the area feels peaceful.

If you visit during the annual fair in May or June, you can see local music, food stalls, and small cultural activities. The trek is best done early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight.

Adventure Activities at Dhanaulti Adventure Park

If you are looking for some thrill, the Dhanaulti Adventure Park is a good place to visit. It offers a variety of activities, and you can choose what you like. The popular ones include zip-lining, sky walk, sky bridge, rope course, and valley crossing. These activities are done under supervision, so they are safe for beginners.

The park also has rock climbing, rappelling, and sometimes ATV rides depending on the season. In recent years, night zip-lining with lights has also started, which feels different from the usual daytime experience. This place is ideal if you are travelling with family or friends and want some adventure for a few hours.

Potato Farm (Aloo Khet) – A Simple and Fun Village Experience

Many people skip the Potato Farm, but it is actually one of the most unique things to do in Dhanaulti. Located slightly outside the main town, these large fields are jointly managed and used for farming potatoes. You can walk around the fields, take photos, and if the season is right, you can also join the farmers in harvesting.

This is usually allowed between August and October. The farmers guide you, and they even let you take home a few kilos of potatoes for a small amount. Some farms also serve simple local meals like aloo gutke, bhang ki chutney, and mandua roti. The area also has a beautiful backdrop of hills, which makes it good for photography.

Stay Inside Apple Orchards – A Calm and Cozy Experience

In the last few years, several stays in Dhanaulti have become popular because they are located inside apple orchards. During the fruiting season, the trees stay full of apples, and the view looks beautiful. Guests can walk around the orchard, learn about apple farming, and even take part in apple plucking.

Many resorts offer small activities like cooking sessions, bonfires, or local singing nights. This makes the stay more personal and warm. The best time for apple orchard stays is from July to September. If you prefer quiet places, these stays are perfect.

Sunrise and Sunset Points in Dhanaulti

Watching the sunrise and sunset is one of the simplest but most peaceful things to do in Dhanaulti. Because the town sits on a ridge, you can see wide views in both directions.

Popular spots include:

• The area near the Eco Park, which is good for sunrise
• Thangdhar viewpoint, around 12 km away, which is less crowded
• Ranichauri, which gives a beautiful golden light over the Doon valley during sunset

These places do not require any entry fee. Just reach a little early, sit quietly, and enjoy the natural colours in the sky.

Day Trip to Tehri Lake – Water Sports and Lakeside Views

Tehri Lake is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Dhanaulti and is one of the biggest attractions in the region. It is formed near the Tehri Dam, which is one of the tallest dams in Asia. The lake area has many water sports like jet skiing, boating, banana rides, and bumper rides.

The calm blue lake looks beautiful, and you can take long boat rides if you want a relaxed experience. For people who like unique stays, there are floating huts where you can spend the night right on the lake. This makes it a good day trip from Dhanaulti.

Below is a quick table for Tehri Lake activities:

Activity	Approx. Duration	Approx. Price
Jet Ski	10–15 minutes	₹800–₹1200
Banana Ride	10 minutes	₹400–₹600
Speed Boat	10–20 minutes	₹600–₹1000
Floating Hut Stay	Per Night	₹6000–₹9000

Tehri Lake is good for both families and groups, and you can easily spend half a day here.

Kanatal Adventure Camp – A Popular Add-On to Dhanaulti

Kanatal is a small area close to Dhanaulti, and many travellers cover both places during their trip. Kanatal is known for its camping sites where you can stay in tents, enjoy campfires, and try adventure activities like flying fox, paintball, rope courses, and valley crossing.

During winter, some camps also create small snow parks if natural snowfall is not enough. These camps are great for people who enjoy outdoor stays and want a break from regular hotels.

Snowfall in Dhanaulti (Dec to Feb)

Winter is one of the best times to visit if you want to see snow. Dhanaulti gets snowfall several times between December and February. Snow depth can go up to 2–3 feet in peak winter. The temperature stays low, so it is important to carry warm clothes like gloves, thermals, woolen caps, and proper shoes.

Recently, some places near Dhanaulti have created igloo stays during snow season. These are safe and warm inside, and they give a different experience for couples and families.

Offbeat Treks Around Dhanaulti

If you like walking in nature, Dhanaulti offers a few short offbeat treks:

Nag Tibba Base Trek

You can reach the base by a short drive and then trek for 4 km to the campsite. It is one of the simplest Himalayan treks and can be done in a weekend.

Mundoli Bugyal Trek

This trek is known for its open green meadows. It looks best in May and June when the flowers start blooming.

Khait Parao Trek

This is a peaceful trail that passes through rhododendron forests. It is ideal in April.

These treks are not very crowded and give a true nature experience.

Local Food to Try in Dhanaulti

Food is a big part of any trip, and Dhanaulti has some simple but tasty options. Many small cafés and dhabas serve fresh, hot meals.

Some popular things to try are:

• Pahadi Maggi with cheese
• Siddu
• Mandua (finger millet) roti
• Local momos
• Aloo gutke
• Bhang ki chutney (seasonal)

There are also cafés that offer good views along with food, especially near the Eco Park and on the road towards Kanatal.

Best Photography Spots in Dhanaulti

People who enjoy photography will find many natural spots here.
Some of the best ones include:

• The curved road near the deodar tunnel, two km before Dhanaulti
• Eco Park skywalk area
• Surkanda Devi ridge
• Apple orchards during flowering season
• The clear view towards the Himalayas on sunny days

Morning and late afternoon are the best times for lighting.

How Many Days You Need in Dhanaulti

A simple 2-night, 3-day plan is enough to cover most things in Dhanaulti. Below is a quick sample plan:

Day 1

Eco Park
Adventure Park
Sunset point

Day 2

Surkanda Devi trek
Potato Farm
Orchard stay experience

Day 3

Day trip to Tehri Lake or visit Kanatal

You can extend your stay in winter if you want to enjoy snowfall.

How to Reach Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is well connected by road.

• From Dehradun: Around 60 km
• From Delhi: Around 300 km
• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport
• Nearest railway station: Dehradun railway station

Shared cabs are available from Mussoorie at a reasonable price.

Best Time to Visit Dhanaulti

The best time depends on what you want:

• March to June: Pleasant weather, flowers, good for walks
• July to September: Green surroundings, apples, light rain
• October to November: Clear skies, mountain views
• December to February: Snow and cold weather

Each season has something different to offer.

FAQs – Things to Do in Dhanaulti

Is Dhanaulti worth visiting?

Yes, it is ideal if you want a peaceful trip with nature, simple walks, and clear views.

Is Dhanaulti better than Mussoorie?

Both are nice, but Dhanaulti is less crowded and quieter.

Can beginners do the Surkanda Devi trek?

Yes, beginners can do it slowly. The path is paved and safe.

Does Dhanaulti get snow?

Yes, it gets snowfall in winter, usually from late December to February.

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