Discover Surkanda Devi Temple in Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand

Surkanda Devi Temple is a well-known shrine located near Kaddukhal, about 24 km from the town of Chamba and 35 km from Mussoorie.

Surkanda Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Surkanda Devi, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped as a protective deity by the locals.

The Surkanda Devi Temple height from sea level is approximately 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) on top of a hill called Surkanda Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and the valleys below.

Surkanda Devi Temple Trek Distance

Dhanaulti to Surkanda Devi Temple distance is 2.5-kilometer by moderate trek from the nearest road. The trail passes through beautiful forests, meadows, and rocky areas. People visit this temple for pilgrimage or to enjoy nature’s beauty. The temple is a small shrine made of stone and wood, where the idol of Goddess Surkanda Devi is worshipped with flowers and offerings.

Suggested Read:  Rishikesh to Dhanaulti: A Day Trip Back in Time
Dhanulti Snowfall
Dhanulti Snowfall

What to wear

Visitors should dress modestly, remove footwear before entering the temple, and follow the customs and guidelines. It’s essential to carry enough water, snacks, and warm clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable at higher altitudes.

Practical Tips for the Trek

  1. Wear comfortable trekking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
  2. Carry enough water and light snacks for the journey.
  3. Begin the trek early in the morning to avoid harsh sunlight and crowded trails.
  4. Be respectful of the temple’s customs and traditions during your visit.

Surkanda Devi Temperature

Visiting the Surkanda Devi Temple during the winter is a wonderful experience. The chilly weather adds a refreshing touch to the air, making the trek even more enjoyable. The snow-capped mountains offer a breathtaking sight that captivates visitors.

Surkanda Devi Ropeway
Surkanda Devi Ropeway

Dhanaulti to Rishikesh Distance

The distance between Dhanaulti and Rishikesh is around 82 kilometers (51 miles) via the Mussoorie-Chamba Road. The road journey takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route offers beautiful views of mountains, forests, and rivers.

Surkanda Devi Temple History

Once upon a time, Goddess Sati Devi’s father, Daksha Prajapathi, organized a grand Yagna (sacred ritual) to which the Divine Cosmic Couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati, were not invited. Despite Lord Shiva’s warnings, Goddess Sati decided to attend the holy Yagna at her maternal home, despite her father’s disapproval.

Eco- Park - Dhanaulti Uttarakhand

Eco-Park – Dhanaulti Uttarakhand

Places to Visit near Surkanda Devi Temple

Eco Park

A peaceful park with an extraordinary view from the hilltop where you can relax and enjoy nature. Therefore, visit this Eco-park when you visit Dhanaulti.

Adventure Park

A beautiful park covered with lush green and clouds. Therefore, if you are traveling from then make a trip to this park which gives you a fresh and relaxing moment with nature.

How to Reach Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple can be reached by a scenic 2.5 km uphill trek from Kaddukhal, the nearest town. Kaddukhal is accessible by motorable roads and is located 35 km from Mussoorie and 24 km from Chamba.

By Road:
Kaddukhal, the closest town to the temple, is 40 km from Mussoorie. Visitors can hire a taxi or take shared cabs from Mussoorie. There are also buses that travel from Mussoorie to Chamba via Kaddukhal, though they run less frequently. Mussoorie is well-connected by road to major northern cities, including Delhi.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Dehradun, situated 67 km away in the valley. From Dehradun, visitors can book a taxi directly to Surkanda Devi via Mussoorie.

By Air:
The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located 100 km from Surkanda Devi Temple. The airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights, and taxis to Surkanda Devi are readily available from there.

 

Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

Comments are closed.