Overlooking the low-lying Himalayan foothills, the Surkanda Devi Temple calls to both the devotionally driven and fans of nature. It's a sacred spot situated midway between Mussoorie and Dhanaulti, two traveler-loved hills in Uttarakhand's Tehri zone. Sited atop Kaddukhal village's hill, it's a short 10-km hop from Kanatal and 37 km away from Mussoorie. The temple site is perched at an impressive high of 9,041 feet.
Dedicated to Goddess Sati, worshippers revere Surkanda Devi Temple as a Shakti Peetha. Legend says when Lord Shiva carried Sati's corpse after she self-immolated, her head fell at this sacred spot. "Surkanda" translates to "Sati's head", hence the temple's name and significance.
The temple attracts scores of devotees throughout the year. But, the peak seasons are during Navratri in October and the Ganga Dussehra festival in June. People offer special prayers at that time.
Reaching Surkanda Devi Temple
You can reach Surkanda Devi Temple either by your vehicle or using public transport. Here are the detailed directions:
By Road
Dehradun and Dhanolti have a steady service of buses in the morning. Dhanolti's bus station, which is only 2 km away from a temple, is the closest bus station and if you are driving your own car, then Surkanda Devi Temple is a 65 km journey from Dehradun. Count on around 2 hours for the drive.
By Train
Dehradun is the nearest railway station. It is located 63 km from the temple. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Dhanolti from Dehradun.
By Air
The nearest airport to the temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, a distance of 88 km. Road links between Dhanolti and Dehradun are pretty good.
Ropeway at Surkanda Devi
In 2022, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a ropeway service to ease the climb up to the temple. This has made reaching Surkanda Devi Temple much more convenient for devotees.
502 m long ropeway transports people to the temple in just 10-15 minutes. It's able to handle 500 pilgrims every hour.
The two-way ticket for the Surkanda Devi ropeway costs ₹205 per person. The ride offers scenic views of the lush forests and valleys beneath.
Trekking Route and Difficulty
Want to hike to Surkanda Devi Temple, Dhanaulti? You'll start at Kaddukhal base. This upward path is 2.5 km long. Should take you about 1.5 to 2 hours. You'll climb 850 m. It's worth it!
The well-defined trail has concrete steps at places. The ascent is steep at parts but the temple route is not difficult for beginners. You can take rest stops to admire the panoramic valley views along the way.
Do carry water and snacks as there are no shops after the midway point. Also, wear good trekking shoes as the path can get slippery during rains.
Temple Architecture & Legends
The temple architecture is simple yet captivating. The white facade and small sanctorum with the Devi idol grab your attention. They do so after the uphill trek.
According to legends, Surkanda Mata Temple originated when Lord Shiva was wandering India. He was with Devi Sati's corpse after her death. They say her head fell at this spot, which led to the construction of the temple.
The Goddess is adorned with silk garments and silver crowns. There is also an idol of Lord Hanuman on the premises.
During special occasions, devotees adorn the temple walls. They use colorful cloth decorations and flowers.
Best Time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple is at a high altitude. So, its weather is pleasant all year.
Summer (March - June) is ideal to see the hillsides blooming with rhododendrons. Ganga Dussehra festival is also celebrated during summer. Carry light woolens.
Monsoons (July - September) turn the temple surroundings lush green. But, the trails get slippery. Carry rain protection gear.
Winters (October - February) offer chilly weather with lows of 2°C. Snow covers the temple. This makes the trek harder. We recommend heavy woolens.
Avoid the afternoon period in summer when it can get a bit warm. Mornings and evenings are pleasant.
Temple Timings and Visiting Duration
The timings of Surkanda Devi Temple are:
- 5 AM to 7 PM in summer
- 7 AM to 5 PM in winter
You will need around 3 hours at the temple including the trek up and down. For sightseeing around Dhanolti and Kanatal, keep aside a full day.
Staying overnight is not allowed at the temple. Accommodation is easily available at Dhanolti and Kanatal.
Food Options near Surkanda Devi
There are only a couple of small shops selling snacks and drinks midway through the trek. Carry your own food and water for the trek.
At Dhanolti and Kanatal, you can find nice cafes. They offer Indian and continental food. Some popular options are Hill View Cafe, Sherwood Cafe, and Baithak Restaurant.
Places to Visit near Surkanda Devi
Here are some amazing places to see near the temple:
Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is just 22 km away. Dhanaulti is a quaint hill station. It has dense rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and wide views of the Himalayas.
Kanatal
The Surkanda Devi trek start point is 8 km away from Kanatal. Imagine fields of bright green, surrounded by pine trees. These spots are great for setting up a tent, having a picnic, or taking a stroll.
Mussoorie
The famous Queen of Hills needs no introduction! Enjoy the vibrant cafes, bungee jumping, boating, and the scenic Gun Hill ropeway here. For those willing to enjoy a peaceful and memorable stay in a beautiful Resort in Mussoorie, Larisa Resort is the best choice.
Landour
Explore old churches and Colonial architecture. You can also visit cafes in this cantonment town. It is just 35 km from temple. The views from Lal Tibba are unmissable.
Escape the hot Indian summer. Go to the spiritual Surkanda Devi Temple for a refreshing Himalayan holiday!
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