Chakrata is a small cantonment town/ city located in
the Dehradun district, in Uttarakhand. Located between the Tons and
Yamuna rivers, it is located at an altitude of 5,500 to 6,500 feet above
sea level and 92 kms from Dehradun. Chakrata, originally was the
cantontment of the British Indian Army. Towards the west of Chakrata
lies Himachal Pradesh while it is graced by Mussoorie towards the east.
Earlier, Chakrata was known as Jaunsar bawar, which is a village
located near-by belonging to the Jaunsari tribe which still has its
presence in the villages surrounding Chakrata. This place was
established in the year 1856 by Col. Hume of the 55th Regiment of the
British Indian Army. However, it was not before April, 1869 that the
troops and officers of the British Indian Army started to occupy the
cantonment.
Back in the year 1901, Chakrata was a part of the Dehradun district, of
the then United Province, with a population of just about 50,000 people.
Chakrata is a military cantonment that is out of bounds for foreign
tourists. It also acts as the permanent garrison to the secret Special
Frontier Force.
Chakrata is surrounded by beautiful conifers, rhodendron and oak
forests. A key attraction near Chakrata is the beautiful waterfall, the
Tiger Fall. Another prominent place worth visiting, situated just a
stone's throw away from Chakrata is Deoban which offers a panoramic view
of the Himalayas that stretches from Kinnaur to Garhwal and Kumaon
region of the state.
Not only this, Chakrata also has a number of temples like the temple
dedicated to Lord Mahasu, Radina, Thaina, Indroli, Lakhwar and
Lakhamandal. These temples are all situated on the banks of River
Yamuna. Of special mention here is the ancient Shiva temple, which finds
its existence back to the legend of Mahabharata.
