Santala Devi Temple is a holy site that is dedicated to Goddess Santala Devi and built atop a hilltop to give travellers the trekking, great views of the Himalayas and religious feel. Built almost 15 kilometers from Dehradun, the Santala Devi temple is situated at the crest of a hill which fascinates trekkers and travellers alike. Local legends say Goddess Santala Devi did intense meditation here, so the shrine is an important destination for pilgrims travelling to Uttarakhand.Major Attractions: Hilltop temple, panoramic valley views, peaceful surroundingsTop Activities: Trekking, temple visit, photographyDuration: 2–3 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to MarchThe path to the temple is a bit strenuous, involving trekking to a good extent through the greens which is in itself an adventure of religious proportions. Throughout the hike to the top one can enjoy the mountain air, various kinds of chirping birds and splendid views of the valley. It’s believed the temple gets all decked up with visitors and their prayers during the festival of Navratri where people flock in by the thousands to receive blessing from Goddess Santala Devi and to participate in religious ceremonies. At other times of the year too, the calm and peacefulness that resides in the temple serves as a source of relaxation and restoration; perfect to sit for some meditation or to take pictures of the breathtaking surroundings. From the hilltop, visitors can also have an amazing and complete view of the city of Dehradun including the Shivalik mountain range and the surrounding forests. Sunrise and sunset make this site appear exceptionally romantic, a fact which explains its popularity among nature and photography lovers. It is the best place to visit in the months of October and April as this is the time of the year when the weather is extremely favorable for trekking and sightseeing. Travellers can carry along with themselves a few bottles of water, appropriate footwear and observe the religious customs that are being practiced at the temple premises.
