Chakrata is a relatively unknown hill station in the state of Uttarakhand which charms tourists with its beauty of nature, history and adventure. Located in the lap of the great Himalayas Chakrata is a paradise for the people who love nature and adventure.
Being surrounded by thick forests, clear waterfalls, ancient caves and a calm environment, there is no other place in Uttarakhand like this. Here you will find the ultimate list of things to do in Chakrata with useful recommendations to enhance your experience.
List of the Top 11 Activities to Experience in Chakrata Hill Station, Uttarakhand:
1. Hike to Tiger Falls
Another famous site of Chakrata is the Tiger Falls which is a natural waterfall about 5 km away from the main town. Tiger Falls trek passes through deodar trees and is a good way to get into the bosom of nature. When you get to the falls, there is a waterfall where water flows over a cliff into a pool which is a perfect place for a picnic or swimming.
Highlights: A beautiful place for nature photography and having a picnic in the middle of a green setting.
Tip: It is best to leave early in the morning to avoid being surrounded by many people and to really enjoy the peace of the park.
2. Explore Budher Caves
If the tourists are interested in a little adventurous tour, they should not miss the Budher Caves. These limestone caves are situated about 30 kilometres from Chakrata and are famous for having stalactites and stalagmites.
Some believe that these caves were constructed by Pandavas of the great Indian epic Mahabharata, which makes the exploration even more historically charged. The path to the caves is as exciting as the caves themselves are; you will be walking through narrow passages with mysterious rocks around.
Highlights: With historical connotations, people can go for an adventurous caving experience.
Tip: Strong footwear should be worn and a flashlight carried as the caves may be dark.
3. Camping at Kanasar
If you are a lover of camping then Kanasar is gifted with one of the best camping sites in Chakrata. As this place is located near dense forests and open meadows it can be a great place to set up tents, watch the stars and have a bonfire under the sky of the Himalayas. Kanasar also has some of the oldest deodar trees and as such the place has a beautiful natural setting.
Highlights: Perfect for camping, barbeque, watching stars and other natural features.
Tip: One should book the camping packages in advance, especially during the holiday season.
Chakrata Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Chakrata Trip Itinerary
4. Bird Watching at Deoban
Deoban is a bird watcher’s delight. Slightly elevated from the rest of the area and covered with thick forests, Deoban is also a favourite place for birds, many of which are migratory.
The place is still preserved in its natural state, and this gives bird watchers and anyone interested in the outdoors a good chance to see birds in their natural environment.
Highlights: A bird watcher paradise with different types of birds.
Tip: Always have binoculars and a bird guide for more fun while bird-watching.
5. Enjoy Sunset Views from Chilmiri Neck
Chilmiri Neck is one of the highest points in Chakrata and to experience a panoramic view and a mesmerizing sunset you can take a small trek to Chilmiri Neck.
From here you can have potentially stunning views of the valleys and the Himalayas mountain ranges. The best thing to look out for here is the sunset which is very colorful and perfect for photo shoots.
Highlights: Beautiful sunsets with the best vantage point of the valley.
Tip: It is recommended that you get there an hour before the sun sets to get a good location.
6. Rock Climbing in Deoban
Deoban is not only a bird-watching site but also a perfect place for rock climbing. It is ideal for all sorts of climbers, new or professional since it is surrounded by forest and the rocks offer a thrilling experience. For first-timers, there are guided sessions that will enable the client to have a safe and fun time in the sport.
Highlights: Adventure rock climbing in a beautiful forest environment.
Tip: Always make sure that your climbing instructor provides safety gear.
7. Horse Riding to Forest Check Post
Yet another adventurous thing to do in Chakrata is the horse riding through the tracks. The road to the Forest Check Post provides the most excellent view of the pine forest and the valleys. It is fun for both the new riders and the experienced ones as it affords the opportunity to explore such natural sceneries on horseback.
Highlights: Enjoy horseback riding through the trails and pine forest.
Tip: Get horseback riding trips from local hotels or tourist guides to get the best experience.
8. Skiing at Mundali
For those who have planned a winter tour to Chakrata, it will not be a bad idea to go for skiing at Mundali which is just a drive away from Chakrata. Mundali is a perfect place to visit in winter for skiing along with snow-clad mountains to feast your eyes on. From a beginner to an advanced-level skier, skiing in Mundali is going to be an exciting experience for sure.
Highlights: Fascinating winter activities on the snowy backgrounds.
Tip: Find out the prevailing weather conditions and the state of the roads before planning your skiing trip.
9. Picnic at Ram Tal Garden
If you want to spend your leisure time with your family or friends then Ram Tal Garden is ideal for you. This garden is very beautiful and it has well-traced paths and beautiful greenery all around the garden. It is a perfect spot for a family picnic – always a good chance to relax surrounded by stunning nature.
Highlights: A park best suited for a quiet time and for having a picnic with friends and family.
Tip: Bring your food and beverages with you because there are few places to buy food in the area.
10. Visit Lakhamandal Temple
Lakhamandal Temple is a perfect place for history and culture lovers to visit. This is an old temple said to be linked with the characters in Mahabharata and is well known for its well-carved stones and quiet surroundings. The temple is an important archaeological landmark that has historical and cultural value for the area.
Highlights: Historical temple with great artistic work of stone and holds historical importance.
Tip: Do not wear any inappropriate attire when visiting religious centres of the country.
11. Participate in Local Festivals
It is not only about nature and the adrenaline but there is a great opportunity to see the local people and their colourful life. Some of the festivals are celebrated throughout the year such as Maroj and Jatra where music, dance, and local food are performed. These festivals give one a chance to immerse in the cultural diversity of the area.
Highlights: Folk songs, dancing and celebrations.
Tip: For a more enriching cultural experience, you should schedule your trip around these festivals.
Practical Tips for Visiting Chakrata
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Chakrata is from March to June and October to December because of favourable weather for outdoor activities.
Getting There: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun which is 90 km away and the nearest railhead is Dehradun Railways Station. Auto rickshaws and buses are also there to help you travel to Chakrata from these points.
Accommodation: Chakrata has cheap hotels and guest houses, mid-range hotels, and homestays, for tourists to choose from. This is particularly important when you want to get the best deals during the high travel seasons.
Local Cuisine: Do not skip eating local delicacies such as aloo ke gutke (fried potatoes with spices) and bhatt ki churkani (black bean curry) to mention but a few since they are unique to the region of Uttarakhand.
Safety Tips: The recommendations for the treks are: always carry water and snacks with you. Get to inform someone in case you are trekking alone. Wear several clothes because the temperature changes frequently.
Conclusion
It is not just a pretty place to visit, but a beautiful place to explore in Chakrata. No matter whether you are trekking through the deodar tree line, visiting caves like Budher, or enjoying the local lifestyle, Chakrata offers an experience that is quite unlike any other. Pristine scenery, adventure and relaxation, Chakrata is the place for those who want to spend their holidays in the lap of nature away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. When planning your travel to this quiet destination, Tusk Travel will help you plan for a smooth travel experience.
Additional Reading:
- Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Chakrata
- Places to See in Uttarakhand this October
- Uttarakhand Destinations to Visit in November
- Tourist Places to See in Uttarakhand in December
- Uttarakhand Tour in January for Best Places
- Places to See in Uttarakhand in February
- Uttarakhand in March Visit in Famous Places
