Kunjapuri Temple is one of the easiest and most rewarding hilltop temples to visit from Dehradun and Rishikesh. Perched at about 1,600 metres above Narendra Nagar, this shrine of Goddess Kunjapuri Devi is one of the revered Shakti Peeths of Uttarakhand, and it is famous for sunrise views over the snow peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya and the Bhagirathi valley. Here is our complete, step-by-step guide to getting there and what to expect.

Kunjapuri Temple near Rishikesh with saffron flags
The white shikhara of Kunjapuri Devi Temple

Kunjapuri Temple at a Glance

  • Deity: Goddess Kunjapuri Devi, a form of Goddess Durga
  • Altitude: about 1,600 m (the Uttarakhand Tourism board at the top reads 1,573 m)
  • Location: above Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand
  • Distance: about 25 km by road from Rishikesh and around 70 km from Dehradun
  • Steps: around 300 steps from the parking area to the shrine
  • Best time: October to March for clear Himalayan views; go early for the sunrise
  • Busiest days: Navratri, when thousands of devotees visit

The Legend of Kunjapuri Devi

According to the information board at the temple, Kunjapuri is one of the Siddha Peeths established in the region by Jagadguru Shankaracharya. Legend says that when Goddess Sati gave up her life in the yajna of her father Daksha, Lord Shiva carried her body back towards Kailash. Wherever parts of her body fell, a Shakti Peeth arose. The upper half of Sati’s body is believed to have fallen here, and the temple of Kunjapuri Devi stands at that spot. Together with Surkanda Devi and Chandrabadni, Kunjapuri forms a sacred triangle of Shakti Peeths in Tehri district.

How to Reach Kunjapuri Temple: Step by Step

Step 1: Dehradun to Rishikesh (about 45 km)

Drive or take a bus from Dehradun to Rishikesh via Doiwala. The road is wide and easy, and the drive takes about an hour.

Forest road to Kunjapuri Temple via Narendra Nagar
The forest road climbing towards Narendra Nagar

Step 2: Rishikesh to Narendra Nagar

From Rishikesh, take the Rishikesh–Chamba highway (towards New Tehri) and climb up to Narendra Nagar. The road winds through sal and pine forest with views back over the Ganga valley.

Bridge on the way to Kunjapuri Temple
Crossing a river bed on the drive up

Step 3: Turn off for Kunjapuri at Hindolakhal

Beyond Narendra Nagar, look for the Kunjapuri road turning off the highway near Hindolakhal. Follow it up to the temple parking area. The last stretch is a narrow hill road with sharp bends, so drive slowly and use your horn on blind corners.

Step 4: Park, buy prasad and climb the steps

At the base you will find parking and small shops selling prasad, chunri and flowers for the goddess. From here, around 300 steps lead up to the shrine. Take them slowly and stop on the way to enjoy the views.

Marigold garlands at the Kunjapuri Devi temple gate
Marigold garlands at the temple gate

Other ways to get there

  • Taxi: shared and private taxis run from Rishikesh; a private cab is the easiest option for the sunrise.
  • Trek: a forest trail of about 5 km climbs from Hindolakhal village to the temple, and longer sunrise treks start from the Tapovan side of Rishikesh.
  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
  • Nearest railway station: Rishikesh.
Uttarakhand Tourism board showing Kunjapuri Temple altitude
The Uttarakhand Tourism board at the top: 1,573 m

What You Will See at the Top

The temple courtyard opens onto a ridge with a sweeping view in almost every direction. On clear mornings you can see the snow-covered peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya on one side, and the Bhagirathi valley and the plains around Rishikesh and Haridwar on the other. Red and gold flags of the goddess flutter along the railing, and benches along the edge make it a lovely place to sit after darshan.

View of the Garhwal hills from Kunjapuri Temple
The view over the Garhwal hills from the temple

Travel Tips for Kunjapuri Temple

  • Leave Rishikesh by about 5 am if you want to catch the sunrise from the top.
  • Carry a light jacket; mornings on the ridge are cold even in spring.
  • Carry water and a few snacks, and keep some cash for prasad and parking.
  • Avoid the monsoon months if you can, when the hill road and trail can be slippery.
  • Combine your trip with other hilltop shrines near Dehradun, such as Matogi Shiva Temple and Bhadraj Temple.
Flags of Kunjapuri Devi above the Bhagirathi valley
Flags of the goddess above the valley

What to Carry for Kunjapuri Temple

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Kunjapuri Temple: Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Kunjapuri Temple from Rishikesh?

Kunjapuri Temple is about 25 km by road from Rishikesh, via Narendra Nagar and Hindolakhal. The drive takes around an hour.

How far is Kunjapuri Temple from Dehradun?

It is around 70 km from Dehradun via Rishikesh, a drive of about two to two and a half hours.

How many steps are there at Kunjapuri Temple?

There are around 300 steps from the parking area to the shrine.

Why is Kunjapuri Temple famous?

Kunjapuri is a revered Shakti Peeth where the upper half of Goddess Sati’s body is believed to have fallen. It is also famous for sunrise views of the Himalayan snow peaks.

What is the best time to visit Kunjapuri Temple?

October to March offers the clearest skies. Go early in the morning for the sunrise, and expect large crowds during Navratri.

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