Surkanda Devi is one of the most important Devi temples in Garhwal, and also one of the best viewpoints near Dehradun. It sits on a hilltop at around 2,750 metres, above Kaddukhal village near Dhanaulti, with views of snow peaks on a clear day. You can walk up a short, steep trail or take the ropeway.
Here’s everything you need to plan a visit.
Surkanda Devi Temple at a glance
| Location | Above Kaddukhal, near Dhanaulti, on the Mussoorie–Chamba road |
|---|---|
| Height | About 2,750 m |
| From Dhanaulti | About 7 km to Kaddukhal |
| From Mussoorie | About 34 km |
| From Dehradun | About 67 to 70 km |
| Getting up | Ropeway, or a steep trek of about 2 to 3 km |
| Temple timings | Roughly early morning to evening; shorter hours in winter |
| Main festival | Ganga Dussehra (Jyeshtha month); both Navratris |
Why Surkanda Devi is special
Surkanda Devi is regarded as a Shakti Peeth. According to legend, when Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra cut the body of Sati into pieces, her head fell at this spot, and a temple to the goddess was built here. It’s one of the most visited Devi temples in the region, especially during Navratri and the Ganga Dussehra fair.
Even if you’re not here for religious reasons, the location is worth the trip. The temple sits right on top of the hill, and on a clear morning you get wide views of the Himalayan ranges in one direction and the valleys around Dhanaulti and Chamba in the other.
The ropeway
A ropeway from Kaddukhal to the temple area makes the visit much easier for families and older visitors. It’s about 500 metres long and the ride takes around 10 minutes. When it opened, a return ticket cost about ₹177 per person. Fares and timings may have changed, so check at the counter. The ropeway may not run in bad weather.
The trek from Kaddukhal
If you prefer to walk, the trail starts from Kaddukhal on the main road. It’s a steep climb of about 2 to 3 km that takes most people 1 to 1.5 hours. The path is paved in parts, with steps. Ponies are available if you can’t walk the whole way.
In winter, the path can be icy or covered in snow. Wear shoes with a good grip and take it slowly.
How to reach Surkanda Devi
Drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie, then take the Chamba road through Dhanaulti to Kaddukhal. The trek and the ropeway both start here.
- By car or bike: the most practical way. Parking is available at Kaddukhal, but it fills up on festival days.
- By taxi: hire one from Dehradun or Mussoorie and combine it with Dhanaulti in one day.
- By bus: buses towards Chamba stop at Kaddukhal, but they’re infrequent.
See our Dhanaulti guide to plan the rest of the day.
Best time to visit
- March to June: pleasant weather and good for the trek.
- September to November: the clearest views after the monsoon.
- December to February: cold, with snow on many days. Beautiful, but the trail can be slippery. Read our guide to snowfall near Dehradun.
- July and August: monsoon clouds often block the view, and the trail gets slippery.
Tips for your visit
- Go early. Mornings have the clearest views and the shortest queues.
- Carry a warm layer. It’s windy and cold at the top, even in summer.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear at the temple.
- Carry water and some cash for the ropeway, parking and prasad.
- Avoid festival days if you want a quiet visit.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Surkanda Devi Temple?
It’s on a hilltop above Kaddukhal village, near Dhanaulti on the Mussoorie–Chamba road in Tehri Garhwal.
Is there a ropeway to Surkanda Devi?
Yes. A ropeway runs from Kaddukhal to the temple area, about 500 metres long and around 10 minutes per ride.
How long is the trek to Surkanda Devi?
About 2 to 3 km from Kaddukhal, taking 1 to 1.5 hours on a steep path.
How far is Surkanda Devi from Dehradun?
About 67 to 70 km, around 2.5 to 3 hours by road via Mussoorie and Dhanaulti.
Does it snow at Surkanda Devi?
Yes. The temple area often gets snow between December and February.
Last updated: October 2026. Visited recently? Let us know about ropeway timings in the comments.
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