There are some trips that stay with you long after they end— not because everything went perfectly, but because every twist and turn became a story worth remembering. Our short two-day getaway from Delhi to the serene hills of Chakrata turned out to be exactly that: a beautiful mix of smooth highways, painful traffic jams, hidden caves, roaring waterfalls, dramatic weather, bonfires, and unforgettable mountain vibes.

The Journey Begins: Delhi to Dehradun

We left Delhi at around 9 AM, excited for our much-awaited hill escape. This trip had an added attraction — driving on the newly inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. And honestly, the experience for the first few hours was phenomenal.

The drive was incredibly smooth and fast. Wide expressway, continuous drive, and scenic stretches made the journey feel effortless. We covered more than 200 kilometers in under three hours, something that would have sounded impossible on the old route.

But as they say, every smooth journey has its share of chaos.

The last stretch of barely 10 kilometers before Dehradun turned into an absolute nightmare. Massive traffic congestion brought everything to a standstill, and it took us nearly two painful hours to cross that small stretch. After the comfort of the expressway, crawling through endless traffic felt exhausting.

Still, the mountains waiting ahead kept our spirits alive.

Lunch with a View at Mukhiya’s Dhaba

By the time we crossed the jam, hunger had taken over completely. Thankfully, we stopped at the beautifully located Mukhiya’s Dhaba, on the Mussoorie Road, Dehradun, a place that instantly lifted our mood.

Perched amidst lovely hill surroundings, the restaurant offered high mountain views that made the meal even more enjoyable. Cool breeze, greenery all around, and delicious food — it was the perfect start to our mountain adventure.

Food was excellent, but sometimes, it’s not just the food but the setting that makes a meal memorable.

Exploring the Hidden Gem: Gucchu Paani (Robber’s Cave)

Post lunch, we headed towards our first excursion spot — the famous yet still magical Robber’s Cave, locally known as Gucchu Paani.

Hidden between narrow rocky gorges, the cave looked even more dramatic because of the recent rains. The water level had risen to waist height in many sections, making the experience both adventurous and thrilling. The stream, which is usually crystal clear, had turned slightly muddy because of excessive rainfall the previous day.

Walking through the cold flowing water inside the narrow gorge felt surreal. Nature has a strange way of making you forget all exhaustion.

We spent nearly an hour exploring the cave, clicking pictures, soaking in the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the raw beauty of the place.

Into the Hills: Arrival at Chakrata

As evening approached, we finally began our drive towards our final destination — the peaceful hill town of Chakrata.

Nestled amidst dense greenery and quiet mountains, Chakrata instantly felt calmer and colder than the bustling plains below.

We had booked our stay at Ramtal Resorts, a beautiful cottage-themed resort surrounded by lush greenery. One of the highlights of the property was the lovely hilltop meadow called Ramtal Garden, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

We reached quite late at night, and the cold weather greeted us immediately. The chilly mountain air reminded us that we were finally away from Delhi’s chaos.

Morning Clouds & The Roar of Tiger Falls

The next morning began with heavy clouds covering the sky. The sun seemed determined to stay hidden, and the cold had intensified further with rain expected anytime.

Fortunately, the weather cleared slightly after breakfast, allowing us to leave for one of Chakrata’s most iconic attractions — Tiger Falls.

From the base point, we trekked nearly 1.5 kilometers downhill through scenic mountain trails before finally hearing the thunderous roar of the waterfall.

And then we saw it.

A magnificent 50-meter-high waterfall crashing down with unbelievable force. The roaring sound of the water hitting the rocks below is exactly how Tiger Falls got its name.

The sight was mesmerizing.

But watching from a distance wasn’t enough for me.

Unable to resist the temptation, I quickly changed intoshorts and stepped under the waterfall. The force of the water was beyond anything I had imagined. It felt as if someone was pounding my head with a massive hammer. The intensity was so powerful that standing beneath it for even a few seconds became a challenge.

Still, the experience was exhilarating.

Cold water, misty surroundings, roaring falls — it was pure adrenaline mixed with nature’s raw energy.

After spending almost an hour there, shivering yet thrilled, hunger finally called again.

Maggi in the Hills — An Emotion

Nothing tastes better in the mountains than hot Maggi aftergetting drenched in freezing water.

We enjoyed steaming plates of Maggi at a kiosk near the falls before beginning the uphill trek back to the base point where our vehicle was parked.

The climb back definitely felt tougher after all theexcitement, but the views and cool breeze made every step worthwhile.

When Nature Changed Its Mood

As we drove back towards the resort, the weather began changing rapidly again. Dark clouds gathered across the sky, and the atmosphere turned eerie yet beautiful.

And then came the storm.

The moment we stepped into our room at the resort, heavyrain, fierce winds, and a hailstorm struck with full force. The storm was so intense that it shattered an open window of our room.

Hailstones continued pouring for almost half an hour alongwith relentless rain. The temperature dropped drastically, making the weather feel almost wintry.

Wrapped in jackets and shawls and watching the storm outside, there was only one thing that felt right!

Hot pakodas and steaming tea.

Freshly prepared fritters arrived soon, and honestly, nothing complements rainy mountain weather better than hot snacks and tea.

Bonfire Nights & Dancing in the Cold

The resort later arranged a bonfire at night, which became a huge relief as the cold weather had started taking a toll on us — especially since we hadn’t packed enough warm clothes.

Soon, a DJ night began alongside the bonfire.

Music, dancing, snacks, laughter, and the warmth of the fire transformed the freezing evening into one of the most memorable nights of the trip. We danced our hearts out, enjoyed delicious dinner, and forgot completely about the harsh weather around.

Those mountain nights carry a charm the cities can neverrecreate.

A Goodbye Wrapped in Rain Clouds

The next morning, the weather once again looked dramatic. Strong winds, dark clouds, and signs of heavy rain surrounded the hills.

While exploring the resort surroundings, we discovered preparations underway for a local mela being organised at Ramtal Garden in memory of shaheed balidani (martyred) Kesrichand Ji. Thousands of people were expected to gather for this annual fair held on 3rd May, with government ministers also attending the inauguration.

The entire meadow was buzzing with activity and excitement.

Unfortunately, we had to leave after breakfast and wouldmiss witnessing the vibrant mela in full swing.

By around 11 AM, we checked out from the resort and began our downhill drive. Rain accompanied us for nearly an hour, making the mountains look even more magical during our farewell journey.

A Final Food Stop Before Home

Before heading back, we stopped for lunch at Daawat Restaurant & Café Punjabi.

The food was rich, flavourful, and exactly what we needed after the cold and rainy drive. It served as the perfect concluding meal to an unforgettable trip.

Until Next Time, Chakrata

Though it was just a short two-day escape, this journey gave us everything — adventure, chaos, peace, storms, laughter, waterfalls, caves and memories that will stay etched forever.

From smooth expressways and painful traffic jams to roaring waterfalls and magical bonfire nights, Chakrata gave us a little bit of everything.

And perhaps that’s what makes mountain trips so special.

You never return with just photographs and videos.

You return with stories.

And I already know — I’ll be back to this beautiful hilltown someday again.

© Anil Bisht

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