Surkanda Devi Temple.
Dhanaulti's main draws are the Eco Park and Camp Thangdhar; Surkanda is 9km away with a steep approach that filters out casual visitors.WHY NOBODY KNOWS
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas — Hindu mythology places the head of Sati here when Shiva carried her body across the subcontinent. The temple sits at 2,750m on a peak above Kaddukhal village; a clear morning gives 360 degrees of Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Chaukhamba and (on rare days) Nanda Devi. A short ropeway now runs alongside the 1.5km trail for those who can't climb. Best: Apr-Jun and Sep-Nov; clearest views in Oct-Nov. Snow possible Dec-Feb. Ganga Dussehra mela in May-Jun draws crowds.. Reach: 9km from Dhanaulti / 35km from Mussoorie via Kaddukhal village. From Kaddukhal, 1.5km steep trek (45 mins) or the 502m ropeway (10-15 mins).. Tip: Ropeway tickets ~Rs 175-200 round-trip; runs roughly 8am-5pm. Trek path has stalls for tea and prashad. Closed-toe shoes — the stone is uneven. Stash heavy bags at Kaddukhal parking. Avoid mid-day Sundays and during Navratri for crowds..
