Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the most revered spiritual destinations in Uttarakhand, offering a perfect blend of divine energy and scenic mountain beauty. Located amidst the peaceful hills of the Garhwal region, this ancient shrine stands at an altitude of about 2,700 meters above sea level, making it both a sacred pilgrimage site and a refreshing hilltop retreat.
Dedicated to Goddess Sati, Surkanda Devi Temple is believed to be a powerful Shaktipeeth. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the head of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her body across the universe after her self-immolation. Because of this sacred belief, the temple holds deep spiritual importance for devotees seeking blessings, strength, and inner peace.
The temple is situated near Kaddukhal village, around 24 km from Mussoorie and 8 km from Dhanaulti, making it easily accessible for travelers visiting popular hill stations in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by dense forests and cool mountain air, the atmosphere here feels calm, pure, and deeply spiritual.
In recent years, the Surkanda Devi Ropeway has made the journey to the temple much easier and more enjoyable. The ropeway allows devotees and tourists to reach the shrine without the steep trek, while offering stunning panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas. This modern facility has greatly improved access, especially for elderly pilgrims and families, while enhancing the overall travel experience.
Whether you are a devotee, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, Surkanda Devi Temple promises a peaceful escape where faith meets the unmatched beauty of the mountains.
Surkanda Devi Temple Darshan Timings
Devotees visiting Surkanda Devi Temple in Uttarakhand can enjoy a smooth and peaceful darshan experience, as the temple follows convenient timings throughout the day. Once you reach the hilltop—either by trekking or via the Surkanda Devi Ropeway—you have ample time to offer prayers without any rush.
The daily darshan timings of Surkanda Devi Temple are:
- Temple opens at 6:00 AM
- Temple closes at 7:00 PM
These extended hours allow pilgrims to plan their visit comfortably, whether they prefer early morning worship or evening prayers amid the serene mountain surroundings.
Surkanda Devi Temple Aarti Timings
Aarti at Surkanda Devi Temple is a deeply spiritual experience, filled with devotion and calm energy. The aarti timings are:
- Morning Aarti: 6:30 AM
- Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM (before sunset)
During the aarti, the temple echoes with sacred chants, ringing bells, and devotional hymns, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere. On special occasions and festivals, the temple often remains open for longer hours. The aarti during these times is performed with traditional drums, conch shells, and elaborate shringar of Goddess Sati, making it a memorable experience for devotees.
If you want to experience the temple at its most peaceful, early morning darshan is highly recommended, while evening aarti offers a magical view of the surrounding hills as daylight fades.
Best Time to Visit Surkanda Devi Temple
Choosing the right time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple, Uttarakhand ensures pleasant weather, clear views, and a peaceful darshan experience.
Best seasons to plan your visit:
- March to June
- Pleasant and cool weather
- Clear skies with panoramic Himalayan views
- Ideal for pilgrimage and sightseeing
- September to November
- Fresh post-monsoon greenery
- Fewer tourists and a calmer atmosphere
- Perfect for peaceful darshan and photography
Avoid visiting during:
- July to August (Monsoon Season)
- Slippery trekking paths
- Risk of landslides
- Possible Surkanda Devi Ropeway closures
Pro Tip for devotees:
- Visit before 9:00 AM for a calm, spiritual morning darshan
- Visit around 4:00 PM for soft sunlight and scenic sunset views
Dress Code & Important Tips for Devotees
Although there is no strict dress code at Surkanda Devi Temple, wearing modest clothing is advised to respect the religious atmosphere.
Recommended to wear or carry:
- Modest or traditional clothing
- Light sweater or shawl (weather changes quickly)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Prasad for offering
Please avoid:
- Shorts or revealing clothes
- Loud music or speakers
- Plastic bags (temple area is eco-sensitive)
Following these simple guidelines helps maintain the peaceful and spiritual environment of the temple and ensures a smooth darshan experience.
Surkanda Devi Ropeway Timings 2026
The Surkanda Devi Ropeway has made visiting the temple much easier, especially for senior citizens, families with children, and devotees who want to avoid the steep trek. The ropeway offers a smooth and scenic ride with stunning views of the surrounding Garhwal hills.
Ropeway Operating Timings (Season-wise)
| Season | Ropeway Start Time | Last Ride Up | Last Ride Down |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (March–June) | 8:00 AM | 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Winter (November–February) | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
Days of Operation:
- Open on all days, subject to weather conditions
Important Note:
- Ropeway services may be temporarily suspended during:
- Dense fog
- Heavy rainfall
- Strong winds
To avoid inconvenience, visitors are advised to check local conditions before planning their trip.
Surkanda Devi Ropeway Ticket Prices 2026
The ropeway ticket charges for Surkanda Devi Temple are affordable and suitable for all age groups.
| Category | One-Way Ticket | Round Trip Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | ₹110 | ₹170 |
| Children (5–12 years) | ₹60 | ₹100 |
| Children below 5 years | Free | Free |
Important Ropeway Tips for Visitors
- Senior citizens and differently-abled devotees are usually given priority during boarding
- Tickets are available only at the ropeway counter
- Online booking is not available as of now
- Reach early during peak season to avoid long queues
- Keep cash handy, as digital payment may not always work due to network issues
The Surkanda Devi Ropeway not only saves time and effort but also adds a memorable experience to your temple visit with beautiful mountain views.
How to Reach Surkanda Devi Temple, Uttarakhand
Reaching Surkanda Devi Temple is easy due to good road connectivity from major hill stations and cities in Uttarakhand. The temple is located near Kaddukhal village, which serves as the base point for the Surkanda Devi Ropeway.
By Road
Traveling by road is the most convenient way to reach Surkanda Devi Temple.
- From Mussoorie:
- Distance: approx. 24 km
- Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- From Dhanaulti:
- Distance: approx. 8 km
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes
- From Dehradun:
- Distance: approx. 70 km
- Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours
You can easily hire local taxis, shared jeeps, or private cabs from Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, or Dehradun to reach Kaddukhal, the ropeway base point.
By Train
- Nearest railway station: Dehradun Railway Station
- Distance from temple: approx. 65 km
Dehradun is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Chandigarh. From the railway station, taxis and buses are readily available to reach Kaddukhal.
By Air
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Distance from temple: approx. 90 km
The airport has regular flights from Delhi and other major cities. From Jolly Grant Airport, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Kaddukhal via Dehradun and Mussoorie.
Last Mile Connectivity
- Kaddukhal village is the main access point to the temple
- From Kaddukhal, devotees can:
- Take the Surkanda Devi Ropeway, or
- Trek uphill (for those who prefer walking)
Thanks to multiple travel options, Surkanda Devi Temple is easily accessible for pilgrims, families, and tourists throughout the year.
Important Festivals at Surkanda Devi Temple – 2026
Surkanda Devi Temple in Uttarakhand becomes a vibrant spiritual center during major Hindu festivals in 2026. Visiting the temple on these auspicious days allows devotees to experience special rituals, grand aartis, local traditions, and colorful melas, making the journey both spiritually uplifting and culturally rich.
🌸 Major Festivals & Celebration Dates (2026)
| Festival | Expected Dates – 2026 |
|---|---|
| Chaitra Navratri | March 19 – March 27, 2026 |
| Ganga Dussehra & Surkanda Devi Mela | June 11, 2026 (approx.) |
| Ashwin (Sharad) Navratri | October 9 – October 17, 2026 |
| Amavasya (New Moon) Days | Monthly (special poojas) |
✨ Chaitra Navratri 2026 (Spring Navratri)
- Dates: March 19 to March 27, 2026
Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. During this period, Surkanda Devi Temple witnesses increased footfall as devotees perform daily pujas, fasting rituals, devotional singing, and evening aarti. The atmosphere remains calm, spiritual, and deeply devotional throughout the festival.
🌺 Ganga Dussehra & Surkanda Devi Mela 2026
- Date: June 11, 2026 (as per Hindu Panchang)
Ganga Dussehra is one of the most important festivals at Surkanda Devi Temple. On this day, the annual Surkanda Devi Mela is organized, attracting thousands of pilgrims. The celebration includes:
- Folk music and traditional dance
- Local food and handicraft stalls
- Special prayers and rituals for Goddess Sati
This festival perfectly blends devotion with the cultural spirit of Uttarakhand.
🍁 Ashwin Navratri 2026 (Sharad Navratri)
- Dates: October 9 to October 17, 2026
Ashwin Navratri marks another sacred period for worshipping the divine feminine energy. Devotees observe fasts, attend evening aartis, and offer prayers seeking strength, protection, and prosperity. The temple remains spiritually vibrant throughout these nine days.
🌑 Amavasya Days 2026 (New Moon)
- Occurs: Every month
Each Amavasya holds special religious importance at Surkanda Devi Temple. Devotees perform special poojas and offerings on these days, especially for peace, prosperity, and ancestral blessings.
🪔 Visiting Tips During Festival Days
- Reach the temple early in the morning to avoid heavy crowds
- Plan ropeway rides and transport in advance, especially during Navratri and Ganga Dussehra
- Check weather conditions and temple timings, as mountain weather can change quickly
Visiting Surkanda Devi Temple during festivals in 2026 offers not just divine blessings but also a memorable cultural experience in the serene hills of Uttarakhand.
Frequently Asked Questions – Surkanda Devi Temple Ropeway Timings
Q: What are the Surkanda Devi Ropeway timings in 2026?
The ropeway usually runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter.
Q: Is Surkanda Devi Ropeway open every day?
Yes, it operates daily, but services may stop temporarily due to bad weather.
Q: What is the Surkanda Devi Ropeway ticket price?
Ticket prices start at around ₹110 for adults and ₹60 for children; kids below 5 years can travel free.
Q: Can I book Surkanda Devi Ropeway tickets online?
No, tickets are currently available only at the ropeway counter.
Q: What are the Surkanda Devi Temple darshan timings?
Darshan is generally open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day.
Q: Is trekking still allowed to Surkanda Devi Temple?
Yes, devotees can still use the traditional 1.5 km uphill trekking route.
Q: What is the best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple?
March to June and September to November are considered the best months for a comfortable visit.
Q: How far is Surkanda Devi Temple from Mussoorie?
The temple is about 24 km from Mussoorie and around 8 km from Dhanaulti.
Q: Which festivals are important at Surkanda Devi Temple?
Navratri, Ganga Dussehra, and Amavasya days are the most important and crowded.
Q: Where is the ropeway base station located?
The ropeway base station is at Kaddukhal village in Uttarakhand.
