Last updated 13 Oct 2026
About Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple is a revered Hindu temple on a hilltop in the Uttarakhand district of Tehri Garhwal, at an altitude of about 2,756 m (9,042 ft). It is dedicated to Goddess Surkanda Devi, a form of the Mother Goddess worshipped as Durga and Parvati, and is one of the Shakti Peeths of the Himalaya. The temple is reached by a short trek of about 2.5–3 km from Kaddukhal at the base of the hill, or by ropeway. From the top, devotees and travellers are rewarded with sweeping views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, forested ridges and the valleys around Dhanaulti, Chamba and Tehri.
Quick facts
Altitude
About 2,756 m (9,042 ft)
Location
Kaddukhal, near Dhanaulti, Tehri Garhwal
Deity
Goddess Surkanda Devi (a form of Durga / Parvati)
Trek
About 2.5–3 km from Kaddukhal; 1–2 hours up
Ropeway
502 m from Kaddukhal, about 10 minutes
Main festivals
Ganga Dussehra and Navratri
Temple timings
Early morning to evening; hours vary by season, confirm locally
Winter
Cold (2–3 °C); snow is possible at the top
Surkanda Devi Temple in Dhanaulti
A hilltop shrine above Dhanaulti Surkanda Devi sits on a ridge above the hill station of Dhanaulti, on the road between Mussoorie and Chamba. Here the goddess is worshipped in her Surkanda form, and devotees believe that a sincere visit fulfils their wishes.
Why travellers love it Pilgrims come for darshan; travellers come for the views. The climb is short, the trail is paved, and on a clear morning the panorama from the temple courtyard stretches across a long line of Garhwal Himalayan peaks.
Mythology of Surkanda Devi Temple
The temple is linked to the legend of Sati, daughter of King Daksha. Insulted when her father excluded Shiva from his great yagna, Sati gave up her life in the sacrificial fire. Grief-stricken, Shiva carried her body across the universe. To end his grief, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to divide Sati's body, and the places where its parts fell became the Shakti Peeths. Surkanda Devi is believed to be the place where Sati's head fell, which is why the shrine holds a special place among devotees of the goddess in Garhwal.
Festivals and fairs
When the hill comes alive
The temple welcomes devotees all year, with two big festival seasons
Ganga Dussehra fair
The biggest event of the year: celebrations over the first ten days of the month of Jyeshtha (around May–June) draw large crowds from nearby villages.
Navratri
Both Navratris are celebrated with special pujas, when the temple is at its busiest after Ganga Dussehra.
Offerings
Devotees commonly offer a red chunri, coconut, flowers, incense and lamps. Prasad is available at the shops on the trail.
Things to do at Surkanda Devi
Activities
More than a temple visit
Trekking
The short, steep climb from Kaddukhal through forest is an easy first Himalayan trek.
Photography
Sunrise and clear post-monsoon days give the best mountain panoramas from the courtyard.
Nature walks
Forest paths around Kaddukhal and Dhanaulti are good for birdwatching and quiet walks.
Religious ceremonies
Join the aarti and pujas at the temple, especially during Ganga Dussehra and Navratri.
Dhanaulti and Mussoorie
Combine the temple with Dhanaulti's forests and a day in Mussoorie, about 34 km away.
Trek or ropeway?
Two ways up from Kaddukhal
| Option | Distance and time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Walk the trail | About 2.5–3 km; 1–2 hours up, about 1 hour down | Paved, fenced path with steps and benches; steep in places |
| Ropeway | 502 m; about 10–15 minutes | Tickets at the counter at Kaddukhal; check current fares and hours on arrival |
| Pony | Along the trail | Available for hire; walking or the ropeway is gentler on the animals |
What you can see from the top: on a clear day the view takes in a long sweep of the Garhwal Himalaya, including peaks around Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, Chaukhamba, Trishul and Nanda Devi, as well as the Doon Valley, Mussoorie, Chamba and New Tehri.
How to reach Surkanda Devi Temple
Getting there
| Mode | Route | Distance / note |
|---|---|---|
| By road | Dehradun or Rishikesh → Mussoorie or Chamba → Kaddukhal, on the Mussoorie–Dhanaulti–Chamba road | Dehradun about 65 km (around 2 hours); Mussoorie about 34 km; Chamba about 10 km |
| By bus | Dehradun → Mussoorie, then a local bus towards Dhanaulti/Chamba | Morning buses from Mussoorie; shared taxis also run |
| By train | Dehradun railway station, then taxi | About 67 km |
| By air | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, then taxi | About 95 km |
| Trekking | Kaddukhal → Surkanda Devi on foot (or ropeway) | About 2.5–3 km |
Best time to visit
Season by season
| Season | What to expect | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| March–June | Pleasant days; Ganga Dussehra crowds in May–June | Go early to beat the heat haze and queues |
| July–September | Monsoon; slippery trail and cloud cover | Check the weather and road status before driving |
| October–November | Clear skies and the sharpest mountain views | Best months for photography |
| December–February | Very cold (around 2–3 °C); snow possible | Carry warm layers and good-grip shoes |
Tips for your visit
Carry at least 2 litres of water; there is no natural water source on the trail
Bring cash: there are no ATMs near Kaddukhal
Pack a warm layer from October to April; it is windy at the top for much of the year
Wear shoes with good grip; you remove them near the temple
The last snack and prasad shops are partway up the trail
Start early for clear views and an easier climb
Nearby places to visit
Explore around Surkanda Devi
Dhanaulti and Tehri Pair the temple with Dhanaulti, Tehri Lake and the Tehri Dam for a relaxed two-day loop from Dehradun or Mussoorie.
Treks near Mussoorie Want a longer walk? Try the Nag Tibba trek, Benog Tibba or George Everest. Heading deeper into the hills? See how to reach Sankri.
A simple day plan
Morning: leave Dehradun or Mussoorie early and drive to Kaddukhal. Walk up (or take the ropeway) for darshan and the views while the sky is clear. Afternoon: lunch and a forest walk at Dhanaulti, then either return via Mussoorie or continue to Chamba and Tehri Lake for the night.
Surkanda Devi Temple: FAQs
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