Surkanda Devi Temple is a Shakti Peeth on a 2,756 m ridge above Kaddukhal, just past Dhanaulti in Tehri Garhwal. It is one of the highest temples you can reach in a day from Dehradun, and on a clear morning the view runs all the way to the snow peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya. We drove up in November 2026 with our Labrador Yolo. Here is everything you need: the route from Dehradun, the ropeway and trek, ticket prices, the legend, the best time to go and what to carry.
Surkanda Devi Temple at a Glance
- Location: Above Kaddukhal village, near Dhanaulti, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: About 2,756 m (9,042 ft)
- Distance from Dehradun: About 66 km via Mussoorie (2.5 to 3 hours by car, per Google Maps)
- Distance from Dhanaulti: About 8 km to Kaddukhal
- Way up: 1.5 km steep trek, or the Surkanda Devi ropeway (about 800 m, 5 to 7 minutes)
- Ropeway fare: About ₹110 one way, ₹220 return (Adult); cash only
- Best time: March to June and September to November
- Known for: One of the 51 Shakti Peeths; views of Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Chaukhamba and the Kedarnath peaks
The Legend of Surkanda Devi
Surkanda Devi is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. When Goddess Sati gave up her life at her father Daksha’s yajna, Lord Shiva carried her body across the Himalaya, and wherever a part of her body fell, a Shakti Peeth arose. At this ridge it is believed that her head (Sir) fell, which is why the place came to be called Sir-khanda and, over time, Surkanda. Together with Kunjapuri and Chandrabadni, Surkanda Devi forms a sacred triangle of Shakti Peeths in Tehri Garhwal. Read about the second of the three in our Kunjapuri Temple guide.
How to Reach Surkanda Devi Temple from Dehradun
The whole drive is about 66 km from the Clock Tower in Dehradun, and Google Maps puts it at 2.5 to 3 hours. Mountain traffic around Mussoorie on weekends can add an hour, so start early.
Step 1: Dehradun to Mussoorie
Take the Mussoorie road out of Dehradun. It climbs quickly through hairpin bends with wide views over the Doon valley. Keep your speed low on the curves; the speed limits on these hill roads are strict for a reason. Along the way you will pass a small waterfall right next to the road.
Step 2: Mussoorie to Dhanaulti via Suwakholi
From Mussoorie, follow the signs towards Suwakholi. At the junction marked Mussoorie and Kempty to the left and Dhanaulti and Chamba to the right, keep right for Dhanaulti. The road runs along the ridge with valley views, and there are small viewpoint cafes along the way for a tea break.
Step 3: Dhanaulti to Kaddukhal
Dhanaulti is the last big stop for tea, food and parking. Surkanda Devi is about 8 km further on, at Kaddukhal, where the trek and the ropeway both start. There is parking near the ropeway base station on the main road.
Other ways to get there
- Nearest railway station: Dehradun (about 70 km)
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 90 km)
- Taxi: Shared and private taxis run from Dehradun and Mussoorie to Dhanaulti and Kaddukhal.
Ropeway or Trek: Two Ways Up from Kaddukhal
From Kaddukhal you can walk or ride up to the temple.
- Trek: About 1.5 km of steep uphill path. Allow 45 minutes to an hour at an easy pace, and wear proper shoes.
- Ropeway: About 800 m long, a 5 to 7 minute ride from the base station at Kaddukhal to the top.
Surkanda Devi ropeway ticket price and timings
- Adult: About ₹110 one way, ₹220 return
- Child (5 to 12 years): About ₹60 one way, ₹120 return; under 5 free
- Payment: Cash only at the Kaddukhal counter; there is no ATM near the base station
- Summer timings (April to September): About 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Winter timings (October to March): About 8 AM to 5 PM
- Note: The ropeway stops in fog, snow or high wind, and fares can change. Confirm at the counter on the day.
What You Will See at the Top
The temple sits on the very top of the ridge, and on a clear day the view opens up in every direction. You can see the snow peaks of Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Chaukhamba and the Kedarnath range, with the Doon valley on one side and the hills of Tehri on the other. Mornings are usually the clearest.
Best Time to Visit Surkanda Devi
- March to June: Pleasant days and clear mornings. The best season for most visitors.
- September to November: Fresh green hills after the monsoon and crisp mountain views.
- Winter (December to February): Snow is possible on the ridge and the road. Beautiful, but check conditions first.
- Monsoon (July and August): Landslides and fog are common; avoid if you can.
- Crowds: Navratri and the Ganga Dussehra fair (May to June) bring very large crowds, as do weekends.
Travel Tips for Surkanda Devi Temple
- Start early. Clouds often roll in after midday and hide the view.
- Carry enough cash for the ropeway, food and parking.
- Weekends and festival days mean long queues at the ropeway; arrive before 10 AM.
- Drive slowly on the hairpins and give way to uphill traffic.
- If you are travelling with a dog like our Yolo, carry water and a lead, and keep breaks short and shaded.
What to Carry for Surkanda Devi
- A warm layer, even in summer; it is windy at 2,756 m
- Cash for the ropeway and food
- Water and a light snack
- Good walking shoes for the trek
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Bonus Stop: Mahakaleshwar Mandir, Masrana
On the drive back we stopped at the small Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir at Masrana just as the sun went down. The hills turn pink and the valley lights start to come on. It is a lovely, quiet place to end the day.
Watch: Our Trip to Surkanda Devi Temple
The full drive from Dehradun with Yolo, the ropeway at Kaddukhal, the view and our sunset stop at Masrana, with all the key facts on screen.
Surkanda Devi Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Surkanda Devi Temple?
Surkanda Devi Temple is on a ridge above Kaddukhal village near Dhanaulti, in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, at about 2,756 m.
How far is Surkanda Devi from Dehradun?
About 66 km by road from the Clock Tower in Dehradun, via Mussoorie, Suwakholi and Dhanaulti. The drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
How far is Surkanda Devi from Dhanaulti?
About 8 km by road from Dhanaulti to Kaddukhal, where the trek and ropeway start.
What is the Surkanda Devi ropeway ticket price?
About ₹110 one way and ₹220 return for adults, and about ₹60 one way for children aged 5 to 12. Payment is cash only at the Kaddukhal counter.
How long is the Surkanda Devi trek?
About 1.5 km of steep uphill path from Kaddukhal. Most people take 45 minutes to an hour.
Why is Surkanda Devi a Shakti Peeth?
It is believed that the head (Sir) of Goddess Sati fell here, which gave the place the name Sir-khanda, later Surkanda. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths.
Which mountains can you see from Surkanda Devi?
On a clear day you can see Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Chaukhamba and the Kedarnath peaks.
What is the best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple?
March to June and September to November. Winters can bring snow, and Navratri and the Ganga Dussehra fair are the busiest times.
More guides you may like
- Kunjapuri Temple Rishikesh: Shakti Peeth Legend, Sunrise Point & How to Reach
- Matogi Shiv Temple, Vikasnagar: Location, Route from Dehradun & 9 Shiva Lingas
- Bhadraj Temple Mussoorie: Which God, Trek & Route Guide
- Places to Visit Near Dehradun: Temples, Treks & Day Trips
Ropeway fares and timings were checked in November 2026 from published sources and can change. Please confirm locally before you travel.
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