Unlocking Chakrata: Your Complete Guide to Discovering a Hidden Gem
Chakrata is a cantonment town and also a sub district/tehsil, in Dehradun district[1] in the state of Uttarakhand, India
It lies between the Tons and Yamuna rivers, at an elevation of 2118 m, 98 km from the state capital, Dehradun. Chakrata was originally a cantonment of the British Indian Army. To the west lies Himachal Pradesh, and to the east are Mussoorie (73 km) and Tehri Garhwal.
History
The area is known as Jaunsar-Bawar,
In 1901, Chakrata Tehsil was part of the Dehradun district, of United Provinces, with a collective population of 51,101, which consisted of the towns of Chakrata (population 1250) and Kalsi, with a population of 760, which is most known for the rock edict of the Mauryan king Ashoka 2nd century BC, first discovered by John Forest, in 1860.
The Intersection of History and Mythology
Located a short distance from the town and in the hills, a splendid house made almost entirely of deodar wood was constructed in 1888 for the Divisional Forest Officer of Chakrata. Over the years, it served as a residence for successive English DFOs who found the climate and surroundings of Chakrata akin to the British weather. Remarkably, this house, exuding timeless beauty, still stands tall even after nearly 130 years. Within its compound lies a massive tree, planted in 1887, a year before the bungalow’s construction.
This two-story residence continues to serve as the official bungalow of the DFO Chakrata, now occupied by native officers from the Indian Forest Service. However, it has recently seen reduced occupancy due to a collection of intriguing tales associated with this otherwise exquisite bungalow. Most of these stories revolve around a diligent British IFS officer who served here extensively, making the house his home. Legend has it that the spirit of this officer lingers within the house, giving rise to numerous accounts of Gora Saheb’s ghost wandering through the premises at night. Some even claim to have witnessed the apparition of the officer diligently working at his wooden desk, Illumina.
The cantonment
A cantonment of British Indian Army, was established in 1869 [4] by Colonel Hume of the 55th Regiment, British Indian Army,[5] and the troops and officers first occupied the cantonment in April 1869.
Chakrata is an access-restricted military cantonment, and foreigners face severe restrictions in visiting. Notably, it is the permanent garrison of the secretive and elite Special Frontier Force, also known as ‘Establishment 22’ (called “Two-Two”), the only ethnic Tibetan unit of the Indian Army, which was raised after the Sino-India War of 1962. Weapons and survival training is also imparted by other intelligence services in Chakrata, in support of Indian foreign policy goals, especially pertaining to other countries in the Indian Subcontinent.
Chakrata, Uttarakhand, beckons with its unique charm—an off-the-beaten-path gem waiting to be explored! Nestled in the Himalayas, it boasts the distinction of being the first place to embrace the season’s initial snowfall. It’s a true haven for bird lovers and an unforgettable destination for those seeking the road less travelled.
Read on to learn about this magical hill station tucked away from the mainstream crowd. Find out about the topography, popular attractions, weather in Chakrata and more – all of which come together to offer an unforgettable stay for all those who visit.
Why is Chakrata Worth Visiting?
Cradled between the Tons and Yamuna rivers, Chakrata is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand, where rolling hills are adorned with vibrant green foliage as far as the eye can see!
A diverse ensemble of snow-capped peaks stands tall in the distant landscape, including the formidable Kharamba peak. You’ll also encounter pristine streams winding and carving their paths through the terrain and lush forests adorned with rhododendrons and conifers that make Chakrata, Uttarakhand, worth visiting.
Some of the Best Places to Visit in Chakrata
Chakrata is a playground for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From trekking to taking in the beauty of the Himalayan mountains, here are some of the best places to visit in Chakrata while you’re here:
1. Moila Top
Moila Top, nestled in the scenic hills of Chakrata, is a mesmerising vantage point offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan landscapes. The picturesque destination mirrors the charm of a Kashmiri meadow. You’ll find horses leisurely strolling through the lush grasslands while the skies seem almost within reach, creating a serene and idyllic landscape.
2. Tiger Falls
A 6 kms trek away from the town, Tiger Falls is one of the highest falls in the state and makes for a gorgeous view. Falling from a height of 312 feet, the crystal clear water creates a refreshing pool at the bottom too. The trek to Tiger falls is exciting, albeit a little difficult, but we promise it’s worth it.