Dhanaulti Eco Friendly Park
Published on April 11, 2025
Eco Park in Dhanaulti is one of the most famous attractions of Uttarakhand today. Known for its tall deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees, peaceful surroundings, and well-kept paths, it offers visitors a calm escape from the busy cities. Families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers come here to enjoy the cool air, green views, and safe environment. But behind the beauty of this park lies a story of how it was created, its link to local history, and its role in protecting nature for the future. To understand Eco Park Dhanaulti, we must look at the origin of the place, its background in Garhwal history, and the steps taken in recent years to make it an eco-friendly tourist destination.
The Setting of Dhanaulti Before the Eco Park
Before Eco Park existed, Dhanaulti was known as a quiet hill station located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Unlike Mussoorie, which became crowded and highly developed, Dhanaulti remained untouched for a long time. The area was covered with dense forests, small farming villages, and natural springs. Local people depended on agriculture, forest products, and cattle rearing.
The forests around Dhanaulti were part of the larger Garhwal Himalayan ecosystem. They were home to many species of plants, birds, and animals. But over time, due to rising population, use of firewood, and need for land, forest areas started to shrink. By the late 20th century, people began to notice the loss of trees and the impact on water sources. This led to the idea of protecting the region by creating eco-tourism zones where forests could be preserved and visitors could enjoy nature responsibly.
Origin of the Eco Park Idea
The idea of Eco Park was born in the early 2000s when the Forest Department of Uttarakhand and the local community of Dhanaulti decided to join hands. Their aim was two-fold:
-
To protect and conserve the forests around Dhanaulti.
-
To provide a clean tourist destination that would bring income to locals without harming nature.
The park was developed with the help of the Uttarakhand Forest Department, and local youth groups known as Van Panchayats (forest councils). Instead of cutting trees or building large hotels, the focus was on making walking paths, small picnic areas, swings for children, and wooden huts for resting. This balanced approach allowed tourism to grow without damaging the environment.
Establishment of Eco Park Dhanaulti
Eco Park was officially established in the year 2003. At that time, Dhanaulti was still a less-visited hill station compared to Mussoorie or Kanatal. But once Eco Park was opened, it quickly became popular because of its refreshing atmosphere and well-kept surroundings.
The park was divided into two main sections:
-
Amber Eco Park
-
Dhara Eco Park
Both were developed and managed in a way that encouraged eco-tourism. The names were inspired by natural elements. "Amber" represents the beauty of the rising sun and sky colors, while "Dhara" means "flow of nature" or "stream." Together, they show the park’s aim of blending human activity with natural beauty.
Eco-Friendly Principles of the Park
From the very beginning, Eco Park was created with the principles of eco-tourism. Unlike regular parks, it had strict rules:
-
No large construction inside the forest zone.
-
No plastic waste allowed inside.
-
Wooden and natural materials used for benches, swings, and huts.
-
Paths made without disturbing tree roots.
-
Local plants and flowers planted to maintain biodiversity.
These measures made Eco Park stand out from other tourist spots. Visitors found it cleaner, greener, and more peaceful. For the locals, it became a source of jobs as guides, caretakers, and sellers of local products.
Historical Roots – The Land of Garhwal
To understand the deeper history of Eco Park’s location, we need to look at the history of Garhwal. For centuries, the Garhwal hills, including Dhanaulti, were ruled by the Panwar (Pawar) dynasty of Garhwal. The forests of this region were considered sacred and were often connected with local deities. People worshipped the trees, rivers, and mountains, believing them to be protectors of life.
During the Gurkha invasion in the early 19th century, many forests of Garhwal were damaged as armies moved across the region. Later, during British colonial rule, forests became important for timber supply. The British declared many areas as "Reserved Forests" and controlled the use of wood. This caused tension with local villagers who depended on forests for daily needs.
The famous Chipko Movement of the 1970s, where villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being cut, also took place in the Garhwal region. This movement created awareness about protecting forests, and its spirit later influenced eco-projects like the Eco Park in Dhanaulti.
Eco Park as a Modern Initiative
Eco Park Dhanaulti was not just made as a tourist spot; it was built as a symbol of conservation. The Forest Department planted hundreds of new saplings of deodar, rhododendron, and oak inside the park. Schools and local organizations often organize tree plantation drives here.
Tourists are encouraged to plant a sapling in memory of their visit. Each sapling is tagged with the visitor’s name, making it a personal connection with nature. Over the years, thousands of saplings have been planted this way, slowly strengthening the green cover of the region.
Role of Local Communities
The success of Eco Park cannot be explained without mentioning the role of local communities. Youth groups and Van Panchayats were given the responsibility of maintaining the park. They collected entry fees, guided tourists, and ensured cleanliness. The income generated was shared with the community, creating a direct benefit from eco-tourism.
Women’s self-help groups also set up small stalls outside the park, selling local handicrafts, woollen clothes, and organic food items. This created livelihood opportunities while keeping the traditional culture alive.
Growth of Tourism in Dhanaulti
After the establishment of Eco Park, Dhanaulti saw a rise in tourism. Unlike Mussoorie, which became crowded and commercialized, Dhanaulti maintained its charm of peace and simplicity. Families looking for a quiet holiday began to prefer it. The Eco Park became the central attraction, along with nearby sites like Surkanda Devi Temple, Kaudia Forest, and Kanatal.
Hotels, homestays, and small restaurants developed around the park, but strict building laws prevented uncontrolled urbanization. This balance of development and conservation became a model for eco-tourism in Uttarakhand.
Present-Day Eco Park
Today, Eco Park is a major highlight of Dhanaulti. Visitors come here for:
-
Nature walks among tall deodar and oak trees.
-
Picnics with family in green surroundings.
-
Beautiful sunrise and sunset views from wooden watchtowers.
-
Children’s play areas with swings and slides.
-
Opportunities to plant trees and support conservation.
The park also organizes awareness programs on environment protection, waste management, and climate change.
Challenges and Preservation
Even though Eco Park has been successful, challenges remain. Increasing number of tourists sometimes leads to waste problems. Climate change also affects forest health, as rising temperatures and irregular rainfall reduce the growth of some tree species. To overcome this, the Forest Department has strengthened rules about plastic, waste, and visitor behavior. Local guides also spread awareness among tourists.
Symbol of Eco-Tourism in Uttarakhand
Eco Park Dhanaulti has become a symbol of eco-tourism in Uttarakhand. It shows that nature-based tourism can succeed if managed well. Unlike crowded hill stations, Dhanaulti continues to attract people because of its cleanliness and greenery. The park reflects the lessons learned from Garhwal’s history: the importance of protecting forests, the role of community participation, and the value of living in harmony with nature.
Conclusion
The story of Eco Park Dhanaulti is not just about a tourist spot; it is about how people, history, and nature came together to create a model of sustainable living. From the sacred forests of the Garhwal kings to the struggles of villagers in the Chipko Movement, and finally to the creation of a modern eco-friendly park, the journey has been long and meaningful. Today, Eco Park stands as proof that development does not always mean destruction. With care, respect, and cooperation, humans and nature can thrive together.
Eco Park Dhanaulti is not only a place to relax but also a reminder of the responsibility we all share – to protect the green treasures of our planet for future generations.