Dhanaulti is Mussoorie’s quieter upper neighbour – a 2,300 m forest belt of deodar ridges, eco-parks and camp sites, 30–60 km beyond Mussoorie on the Chamba road. Its claim to fame for planners: better snow odds than Mussoorie and thinner crowds, at the cost of fewer restaurants.
Quick facts
| Altitude | ~2,300 m |
| From Delhi | ~320 km (8 hrs) |
| Best months | March–June, late December–February |
| Ideal stay | 2–3 days |
| Known for | Eco Park, snow odds, deodar forests, camping |
What to do
- Eco Park – the forest park with canopy walks and adventure add-ons.
- Snow weekends – the 2,300 m belt catches falls that miss Mussoorie (snowfall calendar).
- Surkanda Devi temple – a short trek from Kaddukhal, with wide valley views.
- Camping and forest stays – the Kanatal–Dhanaulti belt is the state’s easiest camp country (Kanatal).
How to reach
Dehradun railhead (~60 km via Mussoorie road); drive from Delhi in 8 hours. It chains naturally with Mussoorie in one itinerary (4-day plan).
Best time and practicalities
March–June for weather; late December–February for snow play with realistic odds (snow guide). Restaurant choice is limited – pick stays with good kitchens.
