Bhadraj Forest and Temple Trek

Bhadraj Forest and temple is also known as the milkman’s trail in Mussourie. It is beauty in its entire splendor. Bhadraj Forest and temple trek is a trek of moderate level. It can be completed in one or at the most two days. The feature which makes this trek unique and extra- ordinary is that there is a bizarre contrast between the northern slopes which are thickly forested and the southern slopes having grasslands which are completely exposed. It seems as if a straight line is drawn down the dividing ridge. Though a little weird, the contrasting shades of green give a beautiful scene. Here, the geological and climatic factors are beautifully knitted together.

Ideal season to visit Bhadraj Forest and temple :It is in the month of April or post-monsoon season.

Location of Bhadraj Forest and temple : It is located to the west of the western end of Mussourie.

Trekking in Bhadraj Forest and temple

1. Mussourie- Cloud's End via Benog Tibba
2. Distance: 12 kms.
3. Time: 5 hours
4. Level: Easy

You can start your first day's walk from Mussourie from Everest estate and an ascent of Benog Tibba. After three hour's time from there and back from Cloud's End, the night can be comfortably spent at Cloud's End Resort. This Resort also provides facilities for camping.

1. Dudhli - Bhadraj Temple - Dudhli
2. Distance: 16kms.
3. Time: 8 hours
4. Level: Moderate

From Cloud's End, if you want to escape the long toil to Bhadraj Balaram Temple, then take a taxi which will drop you to the Dudhli village which is at a distance of 4 kms. you can also opt for gypsy.

From Dudhli pass through a ridge to the west up to the crest at Bhadraj which is a lengthy and strenuous ascent as long as 8 kms. Going up the bald ridge must be avoided. The bald ridge separates the face of the range which is completely treeless and lies to the south. Instead follow the better and winding path which is just inside the forest which covers the northern slopes.

Both the slopes which are to north and to south, fall steeply. The forest grows denser as you climb higher and higher. This is the reason why bird life is not as active as in the older woods. When you pass a forest bungalow, the present thick flora becomes very explanative itself.

You ascend from Dudhli to the temple in three hours and by afternoon you have enjoyed a picnic. You happily tread to the descent to Dudhli and back to Cloud's End. If you can manage to catch a milk delivery jeep, you can make going to Bhadraj and coming back to Mussourie in one day itself. Thus you can complete a 36 kms. round trip within no time.

You move down from Mussourie in order to reach back to your destination. On the way back you think of nothing else but the wonderful experience which you had during the Bhadraj forest and temple trek. As the bus or car which you have boarded moves down through the layers of the Mountain, you capture the scenic beauty in your eyes and camera.