Dhanaulti
Published on April 07, 2025
Dhanaulti, a quiet and peaceful hill station in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India, has a past that is deeply connected with the story of the Garhwal Himalayas. Today, it is loved by travelers for its forests, calm weather, and offbeat charm, but behind this beauty lies a long history of kingdoms, invasions, and gradual transformation. To truly understand Dhanaulti, one has to go back in time and trace its journey from ancient settlement to modern hill retreat.
Early Human Presence in the Region
Long before the word “Dhanaulti” appeared on maps, the Himalayan region was home to small human groups. The Garhwal Himalayas offered water sources, fertile patches of land, and thick forests, which made life possible even in difficult mountains. Villages developed slowly, with people depending on farming, animal rearing, and forest products like wood, herbs, and fruits.
The mountains also held a spiritual value for the people. Many believed that gods and goddesses lived in the Himalayas, and the forests were sacred. The area around present-day Dhanaulti was dotted with shrines and natural places of worship. Oral traditions suggest that the local people respected the oak and deodar groves, believing them to be protected by divine forces. This spiritual link helped preserve the greenery that even now surrounds Dhanaulti.
Garhwal Kingdom and the Place of Dhanaulti
The region of Garhwal was historically ruled by small chiefs who controlled forts, locally called “garhs.” Around the 9th century, these chiefs were unified under the Panwar (or Parmar) dynasty, which established the Garhwal Kingdom. The capital was at Srinagar (in today’s Uttarakhand).
Dhanaulti, at that time, was a small settlement within the larger Garhwal region. It did not stand as a major town, but it was valued for its forests and its position between villages that later developed into Mussoorie, Kanatal, and Chamba. Its location on natural routes made it part of the kingdom’s economic and cultural network.
The people of Dhanaulti lived much like other hill villagers — farming on terraced fields, rearing goats and cattle, and following local customs. The kingdom collected taxes in the form of grain and labor. Though far from the royal centers, Dhanaulti was protected by the Garhwal rulers, who kept watch over trade paths and forest resources.
Gurkha Invasion and the Anglo-Nepalese War
The peaceful rule of the Garhwal kings was broken in the early 19th century when the Gurkhas of Nepal expanded their territory. In 1803, after a massive earthquake had weakened Garhwal, the Gurkhas attacked and captured large parts of the region, including the Tehri area where Dhanaulti lies.
The Gurkha rule lasted for about 12 years. During this period, the people of the hills suffered due to heavy taxes and strict administration. Villagers were forced to provide food supplies and labor. Forests were also exploited to support the Gurkha military. Oral traditions say that many families fled deeper into the hills to escape the harshness.
However, the Gurkhas soon came into conflict with the British East India Company. This led to the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816). The war ended with the Treaty of Sugauli, under which the Gurkhas lost control over Garhwal. The region was divided into two:
-
Eastern Garhwal (including Kumaon) went directly under British rule.
-
Western Garhwal, including Tehri and Dhanaulti, was handed back to the Garhwal ruler, Sudarshan Shah, as the princely state of Tehri Garhwal.
Thus, after 1816, Dhanaulti became part of the Tehri Garhwal kingdom, a semi-independent state under the suzerainty of the British.
Dhanaulti in the Tehri Garhwal Kingdom
As part of Tehri Garhwal, Dhanaulti remained a small but peaceful village. The Tehri kings ruled from their capital at Tehri town, and later New Tehri, but the influence of the kingdom was felt across villages like Dhanaulti. Taxes were collected mainly in kind, and forests were guarded as state property.
The people of Dhanaulti continued their lives in close relationship with nature. They practiced terrace farming of crops like mandua, barley, and potatoes, while also using forest produce for survival. Festivals, local fairs, and temple worship marked the cultural life of the village.
Arrival of the British and the Rise of Hill Stations
During the 19th century, the British discovered the charm of the Himalayas. Searching for cool places to escape the summer heat of the plains, they established hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, and Shimla. Mussoorie, located close to Dhanaulti, quickly grew into a famous summer retreat.
Though Dhanaulti did not develop as rapidly as Mussoorie, its calm and untouched surroundings began attracting attention. Some British officials and explorers visited the area, marking it on their maps. Its location, about 24 km from Mussoorie, made it an alternative escape for those who wanted peace away from Mussoorie’s growing crowds.
The forests of deodar, oak, and rhododendron around Dhanaulti also interested the British for timber. Some amount of logging was carried out, but compared to other areas, Dhanaulti remained largely green. This preserved its natural beauty and gave it a different character than more commercial hill towns.
Dhanaulti in the Freedom Movement Era
When India’s freedom struggle was gaining strength, the princely state of Tehri Garhwal, to which Dhanaulti belonged, also felt the winds of change. The people of Tehri demanded more rights and protested against the monarchy. Leaders like Sridev Suman became symbols of resistance.
Though Dhanaulti itself was not a major center of political activity, its villagers were inspired by the wider movement. Many joined protests, while others supported leaders in small ways. The hills echoed with the desire for freedom, both from princely control and colonial power.
Finally, in 1949, two years after India gained independence, Tehri Garhwal was merged into the state of Uttar Pradesh (later Uttarakhand). With this, Dhanaulti also became part of democratic India.
Dhanaulti After Independence
Post-independence, Dhanaulti remained a quiet hill village for many decades. While Mussoorie continued to expand as a major tourist town, Dhanaulti grew slowly. Roads were built connecting it to Chamba, Mussoorie, and Tehri, but it never saw the heavy urbanization that changed Mussoorie.
This slower pace of development actually helped Dhanaulti keep its charm. Travelers who wanted calm and greenery, rather than crowds and markets, began preferring Dhanaulti. By the late 20th century, it started being recognized as an offbeat destination.
Growth of Eco-Tourism and Forest Parks
A big step in Dhanaulti’s modern history was the creation of Eco Parks by the forest department. The two parks, named Amber and Dhara, were built to protect trees and offer eco-friendly spaces for visitors. These parks attracted tourists while also educating them about the value of forests.
The focus on eco-tourism gave Dhanaulti a new identity. Instead of turning into a crowded hill town, it became known for sustainable tourism. Visitors could enjoy camping, forest walks, and adventure sports without harming the natural balance.
This careful development set Dhanaulti apart from other hill stations and preserved its unique atmosphere.
Cultural Continuity in Dhanaulti
Even with changing times, the cultural fabric of Dhanaulti stayed strong. Villagers continued celebrating traditional festivals like Nag Panchami, Holi, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti with local customs. Temples around the area remained important community spaces.
The folk songs and dances of Garhwal echoed in village gatherings. Agriculture, though no longer the only livelihood, still played a role in people’s identity. This cultural continuity gave depth to Dhanaulti’s history, linking its present to its roots.
Dhanaulti in the Present Day
Today, Dhanaulti is seen as a peaceful getaway, far from the rush of commercial hill towns. Tourists come here to enjoy forests, views of the Himalayas, and simple village life. The town has hotels, homestays, and camping sites, but still avoids overdevelopment.
The history of Dhanaulti is reflected in this balance. From being a small settlement in the Garhwal kingdom, to surviving Gurkha invasions, to becoming part of Tehri Garhwal, and finally emerging as a modern eco-tourism site, Dhanaulti has come a long way.
Conclusion
The story of Dhanaulti is not about wars or great empires, but about quiet endurance. It has been home to villagers who lived close to nature, endured invasions, supported freedom, and slowly shaped a town that today welcomes visitors with peace and greenery.
Unlike crowded hill stations, Dhanaulti kept its soul intact. Its forests, traditions, and calm air tell the tale of centuries gone by. Its origin may have been simple, but its history is rich — a reminder that even small places have big stories to tell.