I had the blessing of visiting Surkanda Devi Temple during my last trip to Mussoorie and Dhanaulti — and let me tell you, it was one of the most peaceful and spiritually uplifting experiences of my life. The mist-covered forests, the crisp mountain air, and the chants of “Jai Mata Di” echoing through the hills made it feel like I had entered another world.
Nestled at a height of around 2,700 meters, Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India. It’s located near Kaddukhal village, about 24 km from Mussoorie and 8 km from Dhanaulti, in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati, and legend says her head fell at this very spot when Lord Shiva was carrying her body through the skies.
Whether you’re going for darshan, the spiritual view, or the beautiful trek — here’s everything you need to know for your 2025 trip, especially about the Surkanda Devi Ropeway which has made the journey so much easier now!
Surkanda Devi Ropeway Timings 2025
Gone are the days when everyone had to trek 1.5–2 km uphill to reach the temple. The Surkanda Devi Ropeway, launched recently, is a blessing, especially for elderly devotees and families with kids.
| Season | Ropeway Start | Last Ride Up | Last Ride Down |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Mar–June) | 8:00 AM | 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
🗓️ Days Open: All days (weather permitting)
🌧️ Note: In case of dense fog, rain, or high winds, ropeway service may be paused for safety reasons.
Surkanda Devi Ropeway Ticket Price (Approx.)
| Category | One-Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | ₹110 | ₹170 |
| Children (5–12 yrs) | ₹60 | ₹100 |
| Below 5 years | Free | Free |
💡 Tickets are available only on the spot. No online booking as of now, but the queue moves fast.
🧓 Senior citizens and specially-abled persons are usually given priority — just speak to the ropeway counter staff.
Surkanda Devi Temple Darshan Timings 2025
Once you reach the top via ropeway (or trek if you prefer), the darshan is open nearly all day.
| Temple Opens | Temple Closes |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
🪔 Aarti Timings:
-
Morning Aarti: 6:30 AM
-
Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM (before sunset)
On special days like Navratri, Ganga Dussehra, and Amavasya, the temple is open longer, and the aarti gets really special — with drums, bells, and lots of shringar for the Goddess.
Best Time to Visit
Personally, I recommend visiting either early morning (before 9 AM) or around 4 PM — the crowd is thinner, and you get peaceful darshan. Also, the views of the Garhwal Himalayas are breathtaking during these hours!
🌸 Ideal Season:
-
March to June: Pleasant weather and clear skies
-
September to November: Post-monsoon greenery and less rush
🚫 Avoid monsoon (July–August) if possible — slippery paths and ropeway closures are common.
Dress Code & Devotee Tips
There’s no strict dress code, but since it’s a sacred Shaktipeeth and located at a chilly height:
✅ Tips:
-
Wear modest, traditional clothes if possible
-
Carry a light sweater or shawl (even in summer)
-
Good walking shoes if you plan to trek
-
Don’t forget a water bottle and some prasad!
🛑 Avoid: Shorts, loud music, plastic bags — it’s a peaceful, spiritual zone.
How to Reach Surkanda Devi Temple
The temple is located at Kaddukhal, on the road between Dhanaulti and Chamba, Uttarakhand.
🚙 By Road:
-
From Mussoorie: ~24 km (1–1.5 hrs)
-
From Dhanaulti: ~8 km
-
From Dehradun: ~70 km
🚆 By Train:
-
Nearest Station: Dehradun Railway Station (approx. 65 km)
✈️ By Air:
-
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 90 km)
🚌 Shared taxis, local jeeps, or private cabs are available from Mussoorie or Dhanaulti to Kaddukhal.
Important Festival Dates – 2025
Surkanda Devi Temple sees huge crowds during certain holy days. If you’re planning your trip around them, reach early!
| Festival | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Ganga Dussehra | June 4, 2025 |
| Chaitra Navratri | March 30–April 7, 2025 |
| Ashwin Navratri | September 22–October 2, 2025 |
| Amavasya Days | Monthly – special poojas held |
✨ On Ganga Dussehra, thousands of devotees take part in the annual Surkanda Devi Mela, with colorful stalls, folk music, and lots of local food.
FAQs – Surkanda Devi Temple Ropeway
• What are the ropeway timings for Surkanda Devi in 2025?
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter.
• Is the ropeway open every day?
Yes, but it may be paused in bad weather.
• Can I book ropeway tickets online?
No, only offline booking at the ropeway counter.
• Is the trek still open if I don’t want to take the ropeway?
Yes! The 1.5 km uphill trek is open for all pilgrims.
• What is the darshan timing of Surkanda Devi Temple?
6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
• How far is it from Mussoorie or Dhanaulti?
~24 km from Mussoorie and 8 km from Dhanaulti.
If you’re searching for a spiritual mountain escape — where devotion meets divine views — Surkanda Devi Temple is truly worth the trip. Whether you go by ropeway or take the old trekking path, the blessings and beauty will stay with you for a long time.
Jai Maa Surkanda! 🌸🛕