Surkanda Devi is a Hindu temple situated close to the small resort hamlet of Dhanaulti in Tehri District. It is at an altitude of about 3,030 mtrs, or 10,000 ft; lies close to near by hill stations of Dhanaulti (8 km) and Chamba (22km).
It is surrounded by dense forests and affords a scenic view of the surrounding region including the Himalayas to the north, and certain cities to the south (e.g., Dehradun, Rishikesh) The Ganga Dussera festival is celebrated every year between May and June and attracts a lot of people.
Legend has it that the head of the charred body of Goddess Sati fell here when Lord Shiva was taking her remains along with him after she give her life in the yajna started by her father.
Reaching there
The spot is most easily reached from the southwest via Dehradun, but is a typical day-trip for visitors to Mussoorie and Landour. It is located on a hill and one reaches there after a steep 1.5 km trek, from village Kaddukhal, on the Dhanaulti - Chamba road. [1]