CHAKRATA

Area (sq. km): ? Altitude : 7000ft Population : ? STD code : 0135 Distance : 87km from Dehradun, 326 km from Delhi. The dense jungle of tall oak and deodars of Chakrata was established by Colonel Hume and his fellow officers of the 55th British regiment during the year 1880. In order to avoid army check posts and a comparatively narrow road, Chakrata can be reached through a bit longer but wider and picturesque route coming from Mussoorie via Yamuna Bridge and the pristine town of Naagthaat. Inhabiting a handful population of the native Jausaari people, Chakrata is primarily a cantonment where various special training programs of the Indian Army are undertaken. Most of the tough-end commando trainings of the army are synonym with the wilderness and the rugged terrain of Chakrata. The presence of the army has discouraged any commercialization in Chakrata for good and the virgin tranquility of the interior Himalayan region still beckons there. Very few army settlements, which are masterpieces of colonial architecture, are the only construction in the area beside some local Jaunsaari dwellings. A small slumbering market is often seen with people chit-chatting on various issues but can cater to almost all the basic needs while traveling like clothing, batteries, candles, vegetables, chicken and mutton. The central attraction of the serene Chakrata is the Forest Rest House in the wilderness which is one fine colonial building amidst tall deodar and vast lawns. The tariff is quite reasonable provided an advance booking is assured from Kalsi, Dehradun or Mussoorie DFO offices. A vacancy is very hard to find as the Rest House always remain occupy, particularly during the peak summer months. However, there is ample space for camping in the forest where the locals can help in cooking narrating spine chilling folk tales beside the cozy fire. A sound sleep beneath crystal clear night with a much illuminated milky way insures a magnificent panorama of the Mighty Himalayas the next morning. Around Chakrata: Any direction is ideal for a leisurely walk around the cozy little town. However, only Indian nationals are allowed beyond Kalsi and it is a prohibited zone ahead for foreigners. • Tiger falls: The second highest water in the country after the Jog Falls is the Tiger Falls which precipitates from a height of 312 ft. a pleasant 5km walk through the thick deodar, oak and rhododendron forest leads to the Tigers Falls providing awe inspiring views of the mighty Bandarpoonch massif, the Swargarohini peak, Srikantha, Jaonli and other peaks of the great Himalayan wall. • Ram tal: Ram tal is a small horticulture garden with a natural pond 10km away on the Mussoorie road. The pond and the apple orchards are a favorite hangout for picnics. • Deoban: Deoban is situated at a height of 9,400 ft atop the vast meadow that is cleared after a 13km drive through deodar wooded forest. The route which is only a four wheel drive dirt track, traverse through one of the most spine chilling terrains in the entire Himalayan region but the views of the forests and the lofty Himalayas are just rewarding. A fantastic British bungalow stands atop the meadow and is the only night halting shelter, but there is no water and electricity in the bungalow. However, a stream downhill on the other side is there for the adventurous. Besides, there is ample space for camping. • Mundali: The outer stretch of the Deoban meadow slopes down to Mundali (11,000ft) is an ideal ski slope. The jeep drive towards Mundali is a tough one and an expert four wheel driver is recommended for the same. The vast lawns of the meadow serves ideal for a family picnic. • Kanasar: Rated as the best deodar forest with the tallest trees in the entire Asia, Kanasar is 28km from Chakrata on the Tyuni Highway. The drive up to Kanasar is no less then a fantasy which en-routes through virgin forests, waterfalls and exotic wildlife. The lone Forest Rest House is there to get accommodated in for which prior booking has to be ensured from Dehradun or Chakrata Forest Divisions. But for the more adventurous there are a number of thrilling camping sites. • Tyuni: Tyuni is the second prime hub of the Jaunsaar tribal block. Sharing its border with the Sirmour district of the Himachal Pradesh, Tyuni is scenically located aloft the Tons River finding a gateway to the neighboring Himachal Pradesh. The customs, the attire and even the dialect of the native Jaunsaari people is very similar to that of their neighboring Himachali people. • Hanol: the ancient village of Hanol is primarily famous for the temple of Mahasu Devta who is the prime deity of the entire Jaunpur-Jaunsaar region. Known for his furious justice, Mahasu Devta is one incarnation of Lord Shiva who has come all the way from Kashmir to get people rid of evil spirits that haunted the region. The beautiful temple architecture resembles trans-Himalayan style and is still in good shape. The temple complex stand next to the Tons River on the Mussoorie-Mori-Tyuni highway. The temple vicinity is prohibited for foreigners. A Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) guest house near the temple is the ideal place for lodging.