Chakrata
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chakrata | |
  Chakrata
|
|
| State - District(s) |
Uttaranchal - Dehradun |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population (2001) - Density |
3497 - |
Chakrata is a cantonment town in Dehradun district in the state of Uttaranchal, India.
Chakrata, located at an elevation of 5,500-6,500 feet, and approximately 90 kms (55 miles) from Dehra Dun, was originally a cantonment of British Indian Army. The cantonment was established in 1866, and the troops and officers first occupied the cantonment in April 1869. Due west lies Himachal Pradesh, and due east are Mussoorie and Landour in Garhwal.
Chakrata an access-restricted military cantonment, and foreigners faced severe restrictions in visiting. Notably, it is the permanent garrison of the secretive and elite Special Frontier Force, also known as Establishment 22 ( called "Two-Two"), the only ethnic Tibetan unit of the Indian Army, which was raised after the Indo-China War of 1962. Various kinds of weapons and survival training is also imparted by RAW and other intelligence services in Chakrata, in support of Indian various foreign policy goals, especially pertaining to other countries in the Indian Subcontinent.
A key attraction near Chakrata is a waterfall, Tiger Fall. If one has a 4WD vehicle, an outing to the secluded, leafy hamlet of Deoban is highly recommended, from where one can see a majestic vista of the Great Himalaya stretching from Kinnaur to Garhwal to Kumaon. Also nearby are the temples of Lakhamandal and the alpine meadows of Mundali.
There are approx. 2-3 basic private hotels in Chakrata, and some dhabas. Petrol and diesel are hard to come by (for civilians), but can be obtained in small quantities from local traders.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Chakrata had a population of 3497. Males constitute 62% of the population and females 38%. Chakrata has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 81% and female literacy of 65%. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
