The Hindu temple, Surkanda Devi situated near Kanatal in Uttarakhand, India. Most of the time in the year this temple is covered with fog. Every year between May and June the famous festival, Ganga Dussehra celebrated here and this is the main attraction of the people. Near about 2756 meters of the altitude, the Surkanda temple is located. We all know about the 51 Shaktipeeth and this is one of the popular Shaktipeeth of India. For trekking lovers this place is perfect but the way of the route is a little difficult and takes 2 hours long. After reaching the place you feel the blessing of God.
- Address: Surkanda Devi Kaddukhal, Saklana Range, Dhanaulti
- Timings:
- 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Summer)
- 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Winter)
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
History
As per Hindu mythology, the place takes a major role that is connected with the feelings of many people. Sati, who is the daughter of Daksha and the wife of Lord Shiva. Daksha was very unhappy with the decision of Sati that is to marry Lord Shiva and that’s why he didn’t invite them to his house for Yajna. For this Sati burn herself into a fire and left her body. After that Shiva took her body and started Tandav (when Lord Shiva starting Tandav that means the whole world destroyed). So, stopping Lord Shiva is very important and that time Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to destroy Sati’s body. That time Sati’s body was divided into 51 parts and fell all over the region; from then that places are known as a Shakti Peeths.
How to Reach
- By Trekking: Many visitors chose trekking to reach the temple for them, we would suggest going to the nearest town Kaddukhal. From there only 2 km to reach your destination.
- By Cab: From Mussoorie, Kaddukhal is 40kms, you can hire a taxi or cab. Major cities of the northern part well connected to the Mussoorie.
- By Bus: Buses also available here but very less amount; from Mussoorie to Chamba via Kaddukhal.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant that which is situated 100km from Surkanda Devi Temple. Daily flights available here to the major city Delhi. From the airport, a taxi is easily available to reach the temple.
Tourist attraction
Dashavatar Temple
In North India, Panchayatan Temple is known to be the Dashavatar Temple. In the time of the Gupta Empire, it was built with masonry brick to the memory of Lord Vishnu. Here also foot print images show such as Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganga, and Yamuna many more gods and goddesses. Locally this temple is known as a Sagar math that means “the temple on the tank”.
Dhanaulti Eco Park
It is a house of deodar trees that developed by the Divisional Forest Officer. It is a twin park; names are Amber and Dhara. To the main market of Dhanaulti, it takes 4 mins to reach the park. Per person, you have to pay Rs.20/- to explore the park. Nature lovers come here to enjoy the beauty and it is an amazing picnic spot to spend with your family.
Potato Farm
It is a vast land where many and many potatoes cultivate and huge potatoes supplied from here to many places. From the main market of Dhanaulti, it 1km and takes only 4 mins. Visitors come here to explore the cultivation of potatoes with free of cost. Between 8.00 am to 6 pm visit here. Another attraction is horse riding; here this is also available to go around the park.
Dhanaulti Adventure Park
On the Apple Orchard Road, this park is situated. Here you can trek to Surkanda Devi and Top Niba, horse riding, rappelling, and highest and longest zip line tours available. To enjoy all this, you come to the spot between 9.30 am to 6 pm.
FAQs
When is the best times for a visit?
You can visit anytime to this temple but if you want to participate in their festival then between May and June would be the best time to visit the temple.
Where is Surkanda Devi Kaddukhal situated?
From Dhanaulti, it’s around 6.7 km and if you want to enjoy nature then go for trekking that is almost 2km from Kaddukhal.
This place is worth a visit?
Among 51 Shakti Peeth, it is one of them. So, it worth a visit. For trekking lovers this place is perfect but the route is a little difficult and takes 2 hours long. After reaching the place you feel the blessing of God.
- Also Read: Popular Devi Temples to Visit in Uttarakhand
