Chakrata Tour from Rishikesh

Chakrata is an active cantonment and access is controlled. Foreign nationals in particular face restrictions on entering the area, and permission requirements change. If anyone in your group is not an Indian national, raise it when you enquire — this is the one destination on this list where the answer may simply be no.

For Indian visitors the town is open, but parts of the surrounding area are not and photography near installations is not permitted.

The falls are about 5 km from Chakrata, with the last stretch on foot — a descent of a couple of kilometres through forest, which means a climb back up at the end. It is not difficult but it is not a roadside viewpoint either.

They are at their most impressive after the monsoon, roughly September to November, and reduced to a thin stream by late spring. Going in May to see a waterfall here is a common mistake.

September to November for the falls and the clearest views, and March to June for comfortable weather in the forest. Winter brings snow at this height and some roads become difficult.

The monsoon makes the falls spectacular and the roads unreliable, which is a genuine trade-off rather than a straightforward no. Ask us closer to the date.