Ruchira talks about a quaint getaway, Chakrata, 90kms from Dehradun. A Different Truths exclusive.                                         

Years ago, when the wife of a family friend had mentioned Chakrata as an ideal tourist destination I had not the foggiest idea as to what the place was all about. Coincidentally, about five years ago when we had virtually run out of destination ideas, that I suddenly recalled the words of the blessed lady, now long gone.

To cut a long story short, my family of three headed to Chakrata, located in Uttarakhand. An overnight bus journey took us to Dehradun; from there we bundled into a cab to cover the 90 kms distance to the proposed destination.

On the plain this distance can be covered in no time; but up in the mountains it’s a different ball game. So it took us close to three hours and more to arrive in Chakrata. The first glimpse of the place was amazing.

Forget about the township, the place is an upgraded hamlet

Forget about the township, the place is an upgraded hamlet with a limited number of private houses, most of them converted into hotels and lodges for varying prices!   Interestingly an army cantonment exists nearby! No wonder the place appears neat and tidy

Chakrata is located 7000 ft above sea level and overlooks the valley through which the river Yamuna flows quietly.  The area was discovered and developed into a summer retreat by the officials of erstwhile East India Company, who were perpetually in quest of cool, hilly places to escape the torrid summer heat.

Verdant, undulating slopes – profusely dotted with coniferous trees – seemed to merge with the sprawling horizon looming in the distance

At the lodge where we put up, the room allotted to us was a renovated garret with a quaint sloping roof. However, the view from the windows was breathtaking! Verdant, undulating slopes – profusely dotted with coniferous trees – seemed to merge with the sprawling horizon looming in the distance, a balmy breeze ruffling the tree leaves on which sunbeams danced. It was picture perfect!

After a simple lunch at the lodge dished up by an efficient chef – please note there are no restaurants in Chakrata–we set out on foot to discover the place in depth. Chakrata is a veritable paradise for those tourists who love to walk on endlessly for miles.

You find narrow serpentine pathways and metaled roads fringed by towering hillsides draped in mosses, algae and lichens, with roses and other flowers growing wild.

A picturesque ambience. Strangely enough you won’t find even a single gas station in Chakrata.

A picturesque ambience. Strangely enough you won’t find even a single gas station in Chakrata. So it is advisable to fully load your car tanks enough to last a weekend, before heading up there.

For the elderly or those not game for ambling there are stony mossy ledges at short distances, where they can rest awhile before resuming their rambling.  While thus resting, you could click photographs of panoramic vistas unfurling before you.

For the bold and adventurous Chakrata offers ample opportunities for trekking, skiing and bird watching.

For the bold and adventurous Chakrata offers ample opportunities for trekking (to the 10,000 ft. high Kharamba peak nearby), skiing and bird watching.

Lest I forget to mention there are few ruins of ancient temples near Chakrata. The caves in the nearby hillsides are a good option. If you have time enough, a visit to the cantonment would be worthwhile.

Photos from the Internet