Chakrata A Mountain Sojourn ​​​​​​​

Been there, Doon that? Take a two-hour ride from the capital of Uttarakhand and you can find yourself in a serene place, surrounded by abundant natural beauty and far from the tourist throngs of Dehradun.

- Priya Bal​​​​​​​a

Chakrata, once a British cantonment, is a still unspoiled spot in Dehradun district, and a hill retreat that draws adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for somewhere off the beaten path.

Situated at an altitude of 7,000plus feet, scenic Chakrata is bound by the Tons and Yamuna rivers which flow on either side of it. The mighty Himalaya tower above it. The quiet hill station is known for the opportunities it offers to trek and climb high mountains and for the gorgeous views from various vantage points. Chakrata also gets its away-from-it-all air because there are few hotels and eateries here. Be prepared to choose from a limited number of hotels and to eat mainly from road-side stalls and tea shops. If that sounds like roughing it out, that’s what the Chakrata getaway is all about.

During a short break in Chakrata you can breathe in the fresh mountain air, go for quiet strolls or take on challenging trekking trails, ascending to high mountain points like Deoban, known for the breathtaking views it offers, and Chilmiri, perfect for taking in many-hued sunsets. The place abounds with wildlife and Deoban is a great destination for avid bird-watchers.