Chakrata is the cantonment hill station most tourists have never heard of – a 2,118 m army town beyond Dehradun with Tiger Falls, deodar forests and Kanasar’s meadows, and one hard caveat: it is an access-restricted cantonment near the border – foreign nationals generally cannot enter (verify current rules before planning).
Quick facts
| Altitude | ~2,118 m |
| From Delhi | ~320 km (8–9 hrs) |
| Best months | March–June, September–November |
| Ideal stay | 2–3 days |
| Known for | Tiger Falls, Deoban forests, restriction for foreigners |
What to do
- Tiger Falls – a 50 m fall in forest, a short walk from the road; best after the monsoon.
- Deoban – the deodar forest ridge with a forest rest house and long views.
- Kanasar – meadow-and-cedar country on the Chakrata–Tuini road.
- Budher caves and Moila top – for the adventurous, with local guidance.
How to reach
Dehradun railhead (~90 km via Vikasnagar); the last stretches are narrow forest roads – daylight driving only (hill-driving guide).
Best time and practicalities
March–June and September–November. Indian travellers need valid ID at entry points; foreigners should not plan Chakrata – pick Mukteshwar or Munsiyari instead. Basic hotels only; carry cash.
