Chakrata Near Kalsi

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Chakrata is a tiny hill town positioned around 95 kms from Dehradun, the capital of Uttaranchal, India. Perched at an altitude of about 7000 feet, the place is a mesmerizing tourist destination. Sited amidst oak, rhododendrons and coniferous trees, Chakrata, an untainted, calm and serene town, far away from the multitude and effluence, is a restricted area for foreign nationals most probably because the army has a training centre for its intelligence units. Also, the Indian Army trains forces from Tibet here. The place is spread across two hills- Chakrata and Kailana and is graced by Himachal Pradesh in its west while the Queen of hill station, Mussorie lies towards its east.

Chakrata was established by Colonel Hume of the 55th regiment in 1856 and the place was recognized as the cantonment of British Army but it was only in 1869 that the troops marched in the region. While walking, tourists may come across the imperial army edifices with red roofed gables and sprawling lawns in the front.

A quaint little hill station, situated between the two rivers- Tons and Yamuna, Chakrata is an ultimate place for naturalists, ornithologists, environmentalists, adventure lovers, conservationists and general public alike. Apart from diversity in flora and fauna and fascinating landscape, the place is a heaven for trekkers and skiers. There are several high peaks situated in the region which are used by people for skiing in the months of Nov.-April.

Chakrata was formerly known as Jaunsar Bawar region, a small village located nearby, still having its foothold in the region. The jausari tribe, known to be existent from the Mahabharata era, even now inhabits the area and they still follow some of the traditions and mores like polygamy and polyandry which were prevalent in that era. The weather of Chakrata remains pleasant throughout the year and one can easily wander during the day; the best time to visit the place is during the months of April-June & September-November, i.e. its better to avoid the rainy season since it becomes really humid. Summer temperatures range from 15-30 degree Celsius while during winters it is really cold and the temperature ranges from -5 to10 degree Celsius.

Known for its unsurpassed and unparallel beauty, the place has lot to offer in terms of tourism. Several tourist attractions adorn the town and quite a few can be accessed with little effort. A short review of few tourist attractions is given as follows:

1. Tiger Fall- The main attraction of the town, this beautiful waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in India, falling from a height of about 312 ft.
2. Ram Tal Horticulture Garden- Due to its advantageous location in a pictorial setting and presence of apple orchards and a natural pond make it an idyllic site for an excursion.
3. Deoban- Perched at an altitude of 3000 mts & located about 16 kms from Chakrata in an undulating terrain; Deoban is an enigmatic spot which offers charismatic and mesmerizing vistas of the Himalayas.
4. Chilmiri neck- Situated at the crest in Chakrata, Chilmiri peak is the place where the quarters and dining mess of army personnel is located. From here, several Himalayan peaks such as Rohini peak, Swarga peak and Banderpoonch are clearly noticeable.
5. Lakhamandal- Positioned about 35 kms away from Chakrata at the banks of River Yamuna; this is the place where the anti-heroes, Kaurvas, of the epic Mahabharata made a shellac house to burn the Pandavas.

Chakrata is a beautiful place near Kalsi and visitors planning their trips in this region must not miss it out.