The Mussoorie to Surkanda Devi Temple trip takes you to a hilltop shrine near Kaddukhal in Tehri Garhwal, with a final uphill approach from the motor road. Surkanda Devi Temple is a possible day trip from three-star hotel rooms in Mussoorie.
- Location: Surkanda peak, near Kaddukhal.
- Road approach: Surkanda is about 8 km from Dhanolti on the Mussoorie–Chamba motor road.
- Final approach: Walk about 2–2.5 km uphill, or take the ropeway from Kaddukhal.
- Ropeway: The ride takes 5 minutes; hours vary by season and weather.
Where is Surkanda Devi Temple relative to Mussoorie?
Surkanda Devi Temple stands on Surkanda peak in Tehri Garhwal district, near Kaddukhal. The peak is 2,750 m high, and Surkanda is about 8 km from Dhanolti on the Mussoorie–Chamba motor road.
The temple is surrounded by dense forest, with views that can extend toward Dehradun, Rishikesh, Chandrabadni, Pratapnagar and Chakrata. Local belief holds that Sati’s head fell at this site; the name developed from “sirkhanda” to “Surkanda.”
Dhanolti is a useful point to orient your road plan: it lies along the same motor road as the temple approach. If you’re building a longer outing, the Dhanolti day-trip route from Mussoorie covers that nearby destination separately.
How do you get from Mussoorie to Surkanda Devi Temple?
Drive toward Dhanolti on the Mussoorie–Chamba motor road, then leave the road at Kadu Khal for the temple approach. Motor roads connect the temple area with Narendra Nagar, about 61 km away, and Tehri, about 41 km away.
Buses and cabs are available from major cities across the Garhwal region. Jolly Grant Airport, about 94 km away, is the closest airport; cabs and taxis can be hired for Surkanda and neighboring areas. Dehradun railway station is 66 km from Surkanda. For another leg of a wider itinerary, see the guide to Mussoorie to Dehradun routes and transport.
From Kaddukhal, you can continue on foot or use the ropeway. The road and approach involve hill terrain, so allow time for the final climb rather than planning only around the drive.
How do you reach the temple from Kaddukhal?
From Kaddukhal, the temple is reached by an uphill walk or by ropeway to a point near the summit. The walking approach is about 2–2.5 km.
Walk from Kaddukhal
Leave the Mussoorie–Chamba road at Kadu Khal and climb about 2.5 km on foot to the temple. The uphill route offers a direct approach, but the walk is a meaningful part of the visit; plan for the climb as well as time at the shrine.
Take the ropeway
The ropeway runs 502 m from Kaddukhal toward the temple and takes 5 minutes. It reaches near the temple summit, not directly to the entrance, so you should expect to continue on foot after the ride.
The operator describes the ropeway as accessible for elderly visitors, children and differently-abled pilgrims, but does not detail specific accessibility facilities. Check directly with the operator if you need information about access for your circumstances.
What should you check before setting out?
Check current temple and ropeway arrangements before leaving, especially if you’re relying on the cable car or planning around its seasonal schedule.
Temple hours are 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The ropeway operates from 7:00 AM–6:00 PM from April through October and 8:00 AM–5:00 PM from November through March, with possible weather-related changes. A round-trip ticket costs ₹225 per person, inclusive of GST; carry valid ID and show the e-ticket at the counter.
The ropeway base is at Kaddukhal, Danaulti, Tehri Garhwal, UK-249145, and contact hours are 7:00 AM–5:00 PM. The annual Ganga Dussehra festival is celebrated between May and June, when pilgrims gather at the temple and an annual fair is held. If your visit depends on ropeway hours, ticket details or festival arrangements, check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Is Surkanda Devi Temple a day trip from Mussoorie?
The road approach runs via the Mussoorie–Chamba motor road. Include time for the uphill approach from Kaddukhal.
How long is the walk to Surkanda Devi Temple?
The uphill approach is about 2–2.5 km. The ropeway reduces the amount of walking but does not go directly to the temple entrance.
Does the ropeway operate in all weather?
The operator notes that operating times may vary with weather. Check its current information before setting out if you plan to use the ropeway.
Is there a festival at Surkanda Devi Temple?
An annual fair takes place during Ganga Dussehra, celebrated between May and June. The festival attracts pilgrims to the temple.