Surkanda Devi Temple is a popular hilltop temple located near Dhanaulti in Uttarakhand. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the head (or sir) of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. Known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking Himalayan views, this mandir attracts both devotees and travelers throughout the year. Whether you are planning a spiritual visit or a weekend trip from Dehradun, know everything before planning your visit, including the Surkanda Devi Temple trek, ropeway, distance and other practical tips.
Quick Summary: Surkanda Devi Temple, Uttarakhand
| Information | Details |
| Location | Kaddukhal, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand |
| Nearest Town | Dhanaulti |
| Distance from Dehradun | Approx. 45 km |
| Trek Distance | 1.5- 2 km |
| Trek Time | 30-45 min |
| Altitude | 2,756 metres (9,042 ft) |
| Famous For | Shakti Peeth & Himalayan Views |
| Trek Starts From | Kaddukhal |
Where is Surkanda Devi Temple Located?
Surkanda Devi Temple is located near Kaddukhal, close to Dhanaulti, in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district. It lies on the Mussoorie-Chamba Road, surrounded by forests and mountain views. Situated at an altitude of 2,756 metres (9,042 feet), the temple is a popular pilgrimage site and a favourite stop for travelers exploring Mussoorie and Dhanaulti. Kaddukhal is the base point where visitors park their vehicle and start the trek.
Surkanda Devi Distance from Dehradun, Mussoorie & Dhanaulti
Surkanda Mandir is well connected by road and is easily accessible from Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti.
- Dehradun to Surkanda Devi Temple: Around 65 km (2.30-3 hrs)
- Mussoorie to Surkanda Devi Temple: Around 30 km (1.30-2 hrs)
- Dhanaulti to Surkanda Devi Temple: Around 7 km (15-20 minutes)
Surkanda Devi Trek
The Surkanda Devi Temple trek starts from Kaddukhal and is around 1.5-2 km long. The trek is a beginner-friendly that usually takes 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on your pace.
The route is mostly uphill but not very difficult. There are no long staircases to climb, and most of the trail is a rough stone path with a few well-paved sections. Wearing comfortable shoes will make the walk easier.
There are benches at a few sections where you can stop and rest if needed. Monkeys are also commonly seen along the trail, so it is best not to carry food in your hands or feed them.
To make experience more enjoyable, start the trek early in the morning when the the weather is usually cooler and the trail is less crowded. You will have a better chance of enjoying the beautiful Himalayan views along the way.
If you don’t want to trek or are travelling with senior citizens or young children, you can take the ropeway to Surkanda Devi Temple.
Surkanda Devi Temple Ropeway
From Kaddukhal base, you need to climb a few steps to reach the Surkanda Devi Temple ropeway station. It takes few minutes to reach the top, making it a convenient option for senior citizens, children, and anyone who does not want to walk.
Ticket counter and boarding area can get crowded, so you may have to wait in a queue.
Ropeway Ticket & Timings
- Two-way ropeway ticket is ₹225 per person (includes all applicable taxes)
- Ropeway tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counter. Since operating hours may vary due to weather or maintenance, it’s a good idea to check the timings before planning your visit.
- The ropeway operates between morning and evening, but the exact timings may change depending on the season & weather conditions
Surkanda Devi Temple Timings & Entry Fee
Surkanda Temple remains open throughout the year. The temple generally opens early in the morning and remains open until the evening. Due to weather conditions, timings may vary.
- Summer (Apr-Oct): 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Winter (Nov-Mar): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
For the latest timings, please check the Official website before your visit.
Surkanda Devi Temple Aarti Timings
Morning and evening aarti are held daily at Surkanda Devi Temple. The exact timings are not fixed. It depends on season and may change during festivals or special occasions.
- Morning Aarti: Usually held between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM (right around sunrise).
- Evening Aarti: Usually held between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM (right around sunset).
Note: The temple has not published any official aarti schedule. If you plan to attend the aarti, it is best to confirm the timings locally.
Reaching Surkanda Devi Mandir Premises
Darshan at Surkanda Devi Temple
- After reaching the top, you will enter the Temple premises, surrounded by a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
- The main temple dedicated to Surkanda Mata is the primary place of worship, where devotees join a queue to seek her blessings. Many devotees offer a coconut (nariyal) along with prasad as part of their prayers.
- Surrounding the main temple, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Kali and other Hindu deities where devotees offer prayers after the main darshan.
During weekends, Navratri, and other festivals, the temple usually gets crowded. If you prefer a peaceful darshan, try to reach early in the morning.
Himalayan Views & Photography
After completing the darshan, visitors spend time around the temple, admire the mountain views and take photographs from the viewpoints. The breathtaking view from the top is one of the main highlights of visiting Surkanda Devi Temple. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant Himalayan peaks. The peaceful atmosphere, cool mountain breeze, and beautiful views make it worth staying a little longer before returning.
Food Options Around Temple
Before heading back, you can take a short break at the small eateries and local shops outside the temple. Enjoy a hot cup of tea or have a meal while relaxing for a while after the trek and darshan. Spend a few peaceful moments enjoying the mountain views before the return.
How to Reach Surkanda Mata Temple?
Surkanda Devi Temple can be easily reached from from Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti. You first need to reach Kaddukhal, the base point of the temple.
- By Car or Bike: From Dehradun, take Rajpur Road towards Mussoorie, continue via Library Chowk, and follow the Mussoorie-Chamba Road to reach Kaddukhal.
- By Bus or Taxi: Buses and shared taxis are available from Dehradun to Mussoorie. From Mussoorie, you can hire a local taxi or shared vehicle to Kaddukhal.
- From Dhanaulti: If you are coming from Dhanaulti, it is just a short drive away on the same road.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station (65 km from Kaddukhal). It is well connected by road. From station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus towards Mussoorie.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (85-90 km from Kaddukhal). Taxis are easily available from the airport.
From Kaddukhal, trek around 2 km to the temple or use the ropeway.
Festivals Celebrated at Surkanda Devi Temple
The major festivals celebrated at Surkanda Devi Temple are Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri and Ganga Dussehra. Thousands of devotees visit the temple for darshan and seek blessings of Surkanda Mata during this time, and atmosphere becomes vibrant with special prayers and religious celebrations.
Among these, Ganga Dussehra is one of the biggest celebrations, as the annual Surkanda Devi Mela is held during this time. This is one of the best times to visit the temple with special prayers, local stalls, and a festive atmosphere all around.
What is the Best Time to Visit Surkanda Devi Temple?
The best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple is from March to June and October to November, when the weather is pleasant and peaks are clearly visible from the top.
If you want to experience snowfall around the temple, visit during winters (December to February). The surrounding mountains and trees gets covered in snow, making the views even more beautiful.
For devotees, Navratri is considered one of the most auspicious times to visit. During this period, temple can get crowded with longer waiting times for darshan.
Note: Avoid July-August (monsoon) due to slippery trail conditions, landslide risk, and possible ropeway closures.
Things to Know Before Visiting Surkanda Devi Temple
- Reach early in the morning, later the temple and ropeway area can get crowded. Reaching early helps getting parking easily, shorter queues, and a more peaceful darshan.
- Wear comfortable shoes for trek as the trail has rough sections and some uneven patches.
- Don’t take shortcuts on the trek to save time, as some sections can be steep and slippery. Follow the marked trail for a safer walk.
- Carry water and snacks before starting the trek. Shops are available at Kaddukhal and temple top, but not along the trek route.
- Be careful from monkeys, they are commonly seen on the trek. Avoid carrying food openly and do not feed them.
- Use washroom at the base before starting the trek as no washrooms are available on the trek route.
- Carry some cash with you as some shops and prasad stalls may not always have digital payment options.
- Weather changes quickly: Being at a hilltop, the weather can change suddenly. Carry a light jacket, especially during mornings and winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Surkanda Devi Temple in Uttarakhand?
Surkanda Devi Temple is located near Dhanaulti, in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district. It lies on the scenic Mussoorie-Chamba Road.
What is the distance of Surkanda Devi from Dehradun?
Surkanda Devi Temple is around 65 km from Dehradun. The journey takes around 2.5-3 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
How to reach Surkanda Devi Temple from Dehradun?
From Dehradun you can reach Surkanda Devi Temple by car, taxi or bus via Mussoorie Road. It takes 2.5-3 hours to reach Kaddukhal, the base of Surkanda Trek. From Kaddukhal, trek is around 2 km or take the ropeway to reach the temple.
How to reach Surkanda temple from Mussoorie?
You can go by car, taxi, or shared vehicle via the Mussoorie-Chamba Road. To reach the temple either trek or take ropeway (cable car) from Kaddukhal.
Is ropeway open throughout the year?
Yes, ropeway generally operates throughout the year but could be temporarily closed due to bad weather or maintenance work.
What is the Surkanda Devi Temple height?
Surkanda Devi Temple is situated at an altitude of 2,756 metres (9,042 feet) above sea level.
Is Surkanda Devi Temple trek difficult?
The trek to Surkanda Devi Temple is not difficult. It is considered easy to moderate and is suitable for beginners. It is around 1.5-2 km long and usually takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the breaks. People with basic fitness can complete it comfortably.
Is photography allowed in Surkanda Temple?
Yes, photography is allowed around the temple premises and viewpoints. However, photography inside the main Surkanda Mata shrine is not allowed. Please follow the temple guidelines during your visit.
Is parking available at Surkanda Devi Temple?
Yes, parking is available near Kaddukhal. During weekends, holidays, and festivals, the parking area can get crowded, so it is better to reach early.
When is Surkanda Devi Temple most crowded?
The temple is usually most crowded during Navratri, Ganga Dussehra, weekends, and public holidays. If you prefer a peaceful darshan with shorter queues, try to visit early in the morning on a weekday.
How much time is required to Visit Surkanda Devi mandir?
Around 3-4 hours are enough for a visit to Surkanda Devi Temple, including the trek/ropeway ride, darshan, and some time to enjoy views from the top.
