Pilgrims visiting or planning to visit the Surkanda Devi Temple in Uttarakhand are happy with the recently inaugurated ropeway which has now made the two-kilometer path to the hilltop temple unnecessary.
Dhanauti, a tourist destination in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is about 60 km by road from Mussoorie. About seven km away from here is the highly revered Surakanda Devi temple located on the top of a hill. According to the locals, it is a ‘Siddhapeeth' dedicated to the incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is well known for its architecture and also as a view point. Located at 2,700 meters, it offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan snow peaks and surrounding forests on a clear day.
For so long the car would drive to Kaddu Khal village from where the visitors had to walk to the temple. A ropeway has recently been constructed from Kaddu canal to Chura for the convenience of the visitors. The two-hour trek is now a 10-minute ride down the ropeway. Ticket prices have started at Rs 177 per head.
According to media reports, the number of visitors to the temple has already increased since the ropeway was opened. However, nature lovers are concerned that the short and scenic mountain trail may become unnecessary as more and more people take the ropeway.
The ropeway was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on May 1 this year.
