Chakrata
About the city
The local populace may complain on occasion that they cannot get the same opportunities to cater to tourism as their cousins in Mussoorie nearby, but the army here is a lot more careful of who (and how many) it opens its doors to, and for very good reason. Chakrata is home to a branch of the army's Special Forces and the rugged Himalayan countryside is an ideal training ground for all kinds of terribly exciting sounding commando courses.Chakrata is laid back and slow. It's almost as if time stands still in its narrow bazaar and teashops, where groups of elderly Jaunsaris discuss politics over endless cups of sugary tea. Chakrata is ideal for those who want to do nothing more than relax in the mountain sunshine or, at most, tackle one of the many treks around the area. This area's charm lies in its unspoilt Himalayan beauty. The town has a magnificent view of the greater Himalayas and everything around is delightfully green deodar, Himalayan oak and rhododendron cover the hills. The only built-up area, and there's very little of it, consists of some of the prettiest colonial army buildings, green- and red-roofed gables complete with rambling roses and wisteria. The town is built all along a ridge with a tiny bazaar in the centre. A Mall that makes a perfect, forested ramble connects the entire length. Jaunsar, as the area surrounding Chakrata is called, is as beautiful as it is interesting. The local Jaunsaris have rather interesting matrimonial customs polygamy and polyandry are practised and the usual Hindu festivals are celebrated with some bizarre local adaptations, with buffalo sacrifices giving certain festivals a particularly gory touch. Apart from the army establishments, Chakrata has little else to recommend it but the natural beauty of its surroundings. There are some forest department buildings that are of interest, in particular the DFO's residence, a beautiful example of colonial architecture.
However, don't get lulled into believing that there's absolutely nothing to do in Chakrata. The walks are beautiful the Tiger Falls, at 312 ft the second highest in India, is a pleasant 5-km walk away, just one of the many walks around. Take in the views of the Bandar Poonch Massif and the Swarga and Rohini peaks, among others, from Chilmiri Neck. If you are the type who can't stay still, there are plenty of day trips. Short drives in any direction will bring you to terrific Jaunsari locations.