Nestled amidst lush conifers, flaming red rhododendrons, towering oaks and the mighty snowy Himalayan ranges, Chakrata is one of Uttarakhand's veritable treasures. Situated about 88 km from Dehradun and perched at a height of about 7,000 m above sea level, Chakrata served as the summer retreat for high ranking officials of the East India Company during the British Raj.
Chakrata, with its laid-back yet pleasant ambiance, offers a sweeping view of the Yamuna Valley below. There are a few quaint tree-lined paths that visitors can explore. For those looking for snowy adventure, the Kharamba Peak awaits. At around 10,000 m above sea level, it is one of the highest of its kind in the area. Visitors can also partake in skiing in Chakrata's northern slopes.
This hilly town is a haven for nature lovers, wildlife photographers and ornithologists alike, as its forests boast diverse fauna ranging from wild fowls, spotted deer and panthers. Chakrata is also home to several species of medicinal plants. Bird watchers can head to the Deoban area (about 13 km from Chakrata). Lying at an elevation of approximately 9,400 m, the Deoban area boasts thick deodar cover and uninterrupted views of the Himalayan ranges. Another popular tourist attraction of Chakrata is Tiger Falls. Located about five km from the town, this waterfall drops from a height of over 300 m into a rocky pool.
Surrounded by high mountains, with the Yamuna river flowing by, the ancient Lakhamandal temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located around 30 km from Chakrata, the main attraction of the temple is the graphite Shiva lingam that shines when water is poured on it. A very interesting tale says that Lakhamandal was the place where the Lakshagriha (house of lac)was built by the Kauravas for their cousins, the Pandavas as recorded in the epic Mahabharata.
About 12 km from Chakrata (at the Chakrata-Mussoorie road) lies the stunning Ram Tall (or Ramtal) Horticultural Garden. This green paradise, nestled amidst a lush forest cover, is home to several species of birds, including the turtle dove, the black-headed jay and the grey treepie among others, making this garden an ideal spot for birdwatching.
The scenic beauty of the Tiger falls (about 20 km from Chakrata) is as enchanting as the short and easy trek (of about 5 km) that visitors have to undertake on a path lined with rhododendrons and oak trees. Also called Keraao Pachad and Kailu Pachad in the local languages, this waterfall is surrounded by thick forests and touted to be one of the highest of its kind in India. The water cascades down a height of 312 ft (approximately).