A Practical Guide: How to Reach Dhanaulti from Delhi

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How to Reach Dhanaulti from Delhi

Located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Dhanaulti is a serene hill station that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Known for its lush deodar forests, mist-covered valleys, and majestic views of snow-capped peaks,It has become a popular getaway for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Located about 325 kilometers from Delhi, it is an easily accessible destination for a weekend retreat or a short vacation.

This practical guide will help you navigate the best routes and transportation options to reach Dhanaulti from Delhi, along with tips and suggestions to make your journey hassle-free.

Why Visit Dhanaulti?

Before diving into the travel options, here’s why It is worth visiting:

  1. Peaceful Atmosphere: Unlike its bustling neighbors, Mussoorie or Dehradun, Dhanaulti remains untouched by mass tourism, offering solitude and calm.
  2. Nature and Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by dense forests of deodar, rhododendron, and oak, Its offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  3. Adventure and Sightseeing: With options for trekking, camping, and exploring attractions like Eco Park, Surkanda Devi Temple, and Apple Orchards, Its appeals to adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
  4. Accessibility: It’s close enough to Delhi for a short trip, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Best Ways to Reach Dhanaulti from Delhi

Dhanaulti is well-connected to Delhi by road, and the journey takes you through scenic hills and forests. While there are no direct trains or flights to There, the nearby towns of Dehradun and Mussoorie serve as convenient transit points.

1. By Road: The Most Popular Option

Traveling by road is the most convenient and scenic way to reach Dhanaulti from Delhi. The journey is approximately 325 km and takes 8-10 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Best Routes:

Route 1:

  • Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Narendranagar → Dhanaulti
  • Distance: 325 km
  • Highlights: This route passes through Haridwar and Rishikesh, allowing you to stop for sightseeing or a meal break.

Route 2:

  • Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Dhanaulti
  • Distance: 325 km
  • Highlights: This route goes via Mussoorie, where you can take a short break to enjoy the “Queen of Hills”.

Uttarakhand Travel Packages:

How to Travel by Road:

  1. Self-Drive or Private Vehicle:
    • Driving to Here is a popular choice for those who enjoy scenic road trips.
    • The roads are well-maintained, but they become narrower as you approach There, so drive carefully, especially during the monsoon or winter.

    Travel Tip: Start early in the morning from Delhi to avoid city traffic and reach Here by late afternoon.

  2. Cab or Taxi:
    • Private cabs are available from Delhi and can be booked via online platforms like Ola Outstation, Uber, or local taxi services.
    • Cost: ₹6,000-₹8,000 (round trip).
  3. Bus:
    • Several Uttarakhand State Transport and private buses operate from Delhi to Dehradun or Mussoorie. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Dhanaulti.
    • Delhi to Dehradun/Mussoorie Bus Options:
      • ISBT Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar Terminal operate daily buses to Dehradun (both regular and Volvo).
      • Duration: 6-7 hours.
      • Cost: ₹700-₹1,200 (Volvo).

    Dehradun/Mussoorie to Dhanaulti:

    • From Dehradun, hire a taxi (₹2,000-₹3,000) or take a local bus to There (₹100-₹150).
    • From Mussoorie, It is only 35 km and takes about 1-1.5 hours by taxi or local bus.

2. By Train: For Budget-Friendly Travelers

While there is no direct train to Dhanaulti, you can take a train to Dehradun, the nearest railway station, which is about 60 km from There.

Best Trains from Delhi to Dehradun:

  • Dehradun Shatabdi Express: Fast and comfortable, takes around 6 hours.
  • Nanda Devi Express: A popular overnight train, takes around 6.5 hours.
  • Mussoorie Express: Budget-friendly, but slower, taking 8-9 hours.

Dehradun to Dhanaulti:

  • From Dehradun Railway Station, you can hire a private taxi (₹2,500-₹3,500) or take a local bus to Here.
  • Duration: 2-3 hours.

Travel Tip: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially during weekends and holiday seasons, as these trains are quite popular.

3. By Air: For the Fastest Journey

The nearest airport to Dhanaulti is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, located about 80 km away.

Flights from Delhi to Dehradun:

  • Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate daily flights between Delhi and Dehradun.
  • Duration: 1 hour.
  • Cost: ₹2,500-₹5,000 (one-way, depending on the season and availability).

Dehradun to Dhanaulti:

  • From Jolly Grant Airport, hire a taxi (₹2,500-₹3,500) or take a local bus to Dhanaulti.
  • Duration: 2-3 hours by road.

Best Stops Along the Way

If you’re traveling by road, consider taking breaks at these scenic and cultural spots:

  1. Haridwar: Witness the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri or enjoy a riverside lunch.
  2. Rishikesh: Stop for adventure activities like rafting or visit the iconic Laxman Jhula.
  3. Mussoorie: Take a quick detour to explore Kempty Falls, Mall Road, or Gun Hill Point.

Travel Tip: Plan your journey with extra buffer time if you intend to explore these destinations.

Local Transportation in Dhanaulti

Once you reach Dhanaulti, getting around is straightforward:

  • Taxis: Hire local taxis for sightseeing, though they might be slightly expensive due to limited availability.
  • Walking: Most attractions in here like Eco Park and Apple Orchards, are within walking distance of the main town.
  • Buses: Local buses operate between Its and nearby towns like Mussoorie and Dehradun.

Accommodation in Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts and eco-lodges:

Luxury Stays in Dhanaulti

  • Dhanaulti Woods Eco Camp: Perfect for nature lovers.
  • The Green Valley Resort: Offers stunning Himalayan views and comfortable amenities.

Mid-Range Options

  • Apple Orchard Resort: Known for its cozy rooms and scenic surroundings.
  • Hotel Drive Inn: Affordable with all basic amenities.

Budget Stays in Dhanaulti

  • Homestays: Stay with locals to experience authentic Uttarakhand hospitality.
  • Campsites: Several campsites near This offer budget-friendly tent stays.

Travel Tip: Book your stay in advance during the peak season (April to June and December to February).

Things to Do in Dhanaulti

Once you’ve reached Dhanaulti, here are some must-visit attractions and activities to enjoy:

  1. Eco Park: A beautiful park surrounded by dense deodar and cedar trees. Perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
  2. Surkanda Devi Temple: A revered Hindu shrine located at 2,757 meters, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. It requires a short trek of about 2 km.
  3. Apple Orchards: Visit the local orchards to learn about apple farming and savor fresh produce.
  4. Adventure Activities: Try ziplining, camping, and trekking in the surrounding hills.
  5. Snow Activities (Winter): During December-February, enjoy snow trekking and play in the snow-covered meadows.

Travel Tips for Dhanaulti

  1. Weather: Carry warm clothing, even in summer, as evenings can be chilly. For winter trips, pack heavy woolens and snow boots.
  2. Road Conditions: Be cautious while driving during the monsoon (July-September) or winter (December-February), as roads may be slippery.
  3. Cash: Carry sufficient cash as there are limited ATMs in Dhanaulti.
  4. Buffer Time: Always keep extra time in your itinerary to account for road or weather-related delays.

Conclusion

Reaching Dhanaulti from Delhi is an exciting journey that takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand. Whether you choose to travel by road, rail, or air, the destination is well worth the effort. Once in Dhanaulti, you’ll be rewarded with serene natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and a much-needed respite from urban chaos.

So, plan your trip, pack your bags, and embark on a memorable journey to the tranquil hill station of Dhanaulti!

Further Reading:

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