✅ 1. Surkanda Devi Temple
Main attraction: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Altitude: ~2,757 meters (9,045 feet)
Highlights: Scenic 1.5 km trek from Kaddukhal, spiritual ambiance, and stunning Himalayan views.
Best for: Pilgrims, trekkers, photographers, and sunrise/sunset watchers.
✅ 2. Dhanaulti (8 km away)
A peaceful hill station known for its serene landscapes and eco-tourism.
Places to see:
Eco Park (Amber & Dhara zones for forest walks)
Potato Farm (Aloo Khet) – panoramic views & photo spots.
Best for: Families, couples, nature lovers.
✅ 3. Kanatal (12–15 km)
A quiet hamlet surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards.
Activities: Camping, jungle safaris, valley crossings, and star-gazing.
Best for: Adventure seekers and offbeat travelers.
✅ 4. Tehri Lake & Dam (40–50 km)
One of the tallest dams in the world, with a massive reservoir.
Activities: Jet skiing, kayaking, banana rides, speed boating.
Best for: Water sports lovers and scenic road trip enthusiasts.
✅ 5. Mussoorie (33–35 km)
The iconic hill station known as the “Queen of the Hills.”
Attractions: Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Camel’s Back Road.
Best for: Day trips, shopping, and sightseeing.
✅ 6. Chamba (35–40 km)
A quaint town overlooking the Bhagirathi valley.
Known for: Clean air, peaceful vibe, and views of snow-capped peaks.
Best for: Travelers looking for less crowded alternatives.
✅ 7. Kaddukhal Village (Base point for Surkanda trek)
A small village with tea stalls and local food.
Good for: Rest stop, gear rentals, and local interaction.
Cradled atop a forested ridge in the Garhwal Himalayas, Surkanda Devi Temple is a mystical mountaintop shrine that offers both spiritual resonance and natural splendor. Just 8 kilometers from the hill town of Dhanaulti, and around 70 kilometers from Dehradun, this hidden jewel of Uttarakhand sits at an elevation of 2,757 meters, where the air is thin, the skies endlessly wide, and the silence sacred.
Surkanda Devi is more than just a temple—it is a legend brought to life. According to mythology, this is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the head of Goddess Sati fell as Lord Shiva wandered the universe in sorrow. Even today, the temple radiates that ancient energy, drawing pilgrims and trekkers alike to its windswept summit.
To reach it, visitors begin a scenic 1.5 km uphill trek from Kaddukhal, winding through thickets of oak, deodar, and rhododendron. With each step, the noise of the world below fades, replaced by birdsong, temple bells, and crisp mountain breezes laced with the scent of pine.
At the top, the reward is twofold—divine serenity and jaw-dropping vistas. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Gangotri sparkle in the distance, while the valleys below stretch out in emerald folds. It’s a place where even the clouds pause to rest, draping themselves gently over the temple’s spire.
✅ Day 1: Dehradun / Mussoorie → Dhanaulti → Surkanda Devi Trek
Morning:
Depart early from Dehradun or Mussoorie (recommended by 7:00 AM)
Drive to Dhanaulti (Approx. 60–70 km from Dehradun, ~2.5 hrs)
Optional stop at Eco Park (Amber & Dhara) in Dhanaulti for a quick nature walk
Afternoon:
Continue to Kaddukhal, the base village for Surkanda Devi trek (~8 km from Dhanaulti)
Start the 1.5 km uphill trek to Surkanda Devi Temple
Moderate difficulty, ~45 min–1 hr walk
Enjoy panoramic views and temple darshan
Spend time meditating, exploring, and soaking in the scenery
Evening:
Descend to Kaddukhal and return to Dhanaulti or Kanatal for the night
Check in at a hotel or nature resort
Bonfire, stargazing, or local food experience in the hills
✅ Day 2: Dhanaulti / Kanatal → Optional Sightseeing → Return
Morning:
Wake up early to catch sunrise views over the Himalayas
Breakfast at the hotel
Optional nearby places:
Kanatal (apple orchards, adventure camps)
Tehri Lake (for water sports like boating or jet skiing – if you extend by 1 day)
Chamba (quaint hill town for peaceful strolls and valley views)
Afternoon:
Begin return journey to Dehradun or Rishikesh
Reach by evening
Dehradun ➜ Mussoorie ➜ Dhanaulti ➜ Kaddukhal ➜ Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple is located near Kaddukhal village, about 8 km from Dhanaulti and 75 km from Dehradun, in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
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It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, where the head of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and holds deep religious and mythological importance.
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By Road: Drive or take a taxi to Kaddukhal via Mussoorie or Dhanaulti.
Trek: From Kaddukhal, a 1.5 km uphill trek leads to the temple.
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (75 km)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (95 km)
The trek is moderate – paved but uphill. It takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace. Ponies are available for hire if needed.
Best Season: March to June and September to November
Avoid: July–August (monsoon) – slippery paths and reduced visibility
Winter: December–February – temple remains accessible, but snowfall can make the trek challenging.
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The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though timings may vary during festivals or weather changes.
Yes, the Ganga Dussehra Festival (May–June) is celebrated with great devotion, attracting large numbers of pilgrims.