Caves and Waterfalls in Chakrata: A secluded Wonder

Known for it’s beautiful caves and cascading waterfalls, Chakrata is essentially a spot for those with a taste for adrenaline and adventure. Hills, anywhere in the world are nature’s paradox of mystery and beauty and call for exploration beyond the usual. Chakrata is one such place tucked away near the sleepy town of Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Here’s how you can plan your trip around Chakrata to wade across the beautiful naturally preserved caves and rappel around the waterfalls.

1. Cave Exploration in Chakrata

Cave Exploration in chakrata (source)

Chakrata is bountiful in natural beauty and one of the best places in India for spelunking i.e. cave exploration. There are a lot of caves spread over the entire region. Most of them are formed out of the limestone rocks and have stunning stalagmite and stalactite formations. The cave sites are present near Tiger Falls in Chakrata and in nearby areas of Budher (30km from Chakrata) and Sahiya (14km from Chakrata). Budher Caves, located at 30km from Chakrata, are also known as Miola Caves after a German national who is credited with discovering them. The cave system is 150m long and according to local legends was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata period.

Ideal for the adventure junkies, these caves are not to be missed and give you tales for a lifetime. Some of them are waterlogged, inhabited by bats and a little tricky. So it is advised to explore these caves on a guided tour with proper gear. Have Fun!

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2. Rappelling at Tiger Falls in Chakrata

Waterfalls in Chakrata offbeat India Adventure

Tiger Falls (source)

Much like the whole of Chakrata, the Tiger Falls are tucked away in the daunting mountains and accessibility is an issue during some months a year. However, all travellers to Chakrata are in awe of these falls that stand at a magnificent height of a thousand feet and not visible to the eye unless seen from at least 50 meters distance, since the mountains conceal them so well. The climb down and the stairs back up are worth the pain and the ache in the legs. Since there are not many who know about this beauty, commercialisation and pollution is negligible. For the more adventures, rappelling across the falls is a must do!

3. Exploring Deoban

Deoban View Point by Anindo Gupta (Panoramio)

Lying in the lap of Himalayas and with a perfect view of the range as well, Deoban is one of the spots that’s not to be missed while travelling to Chakrata. With the choice to either trek to the top or take your vehicle, Deoban is the spot from where the widest possible panoramic view of the Himalayas is visible from. One of the most iconic spots in Deoban is the Vyas Shikhar, from where Sage Vyas is said to have written the Mahabharata and the best spot to view the Himalayas from. Flanked by deodar trees on all sides and home to all sorts of migratory birds and animals, Deoban is a wildlife and nature enthusiast’s dream come true.

4. Chilmiri Neck

Chilmiri Neck (source)

For those who want an up close look at the Himalayan peaks of Swargarohini and Rohini Peaks and the Banderpoonch, Chilmiri Neck, just about 5 kms from Chakrata, is the spot you need to be at, if butterfly and bird watching are your thing. Don’t be scared if too much silence here intimidates you, it is only the perfect weekend getaway if a panoramic view of dense forests and frosty mountain peaks is your idea of a quiet vacation.

5. Kalsi, Chakrata

Feast your eyes while walking in Chakrata (source)

One of the most important spots in the Indian history, Kalsi is the spot where the warrior king Ashoka erected rock edicts symbolizing his surrender to the Buddhist faith. Under the expert care of the National Archaeological Department, these edicts have been beautifully preserved and still stand tall. One of the most beautiful ones is the one constructed completely out of quartz, about 10 feet in height and 8 feet in width. A must visit if history and its living proofs excite you.

A campsite in Chakrata (source)

Apart from all these prime locations for tourist interest in Chakrata, there is plenty of adventure sports options. For those interested in offbeat options like exploring caves and forests, they can head to Kanasar, about 28 kms from Chakrata. Kimona Falls, about 2 kms away is a popular spot for rappelling.