A Traveler’s Guide to Rakkar: Serenity, Scenery, and Stories
Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking for a weekend escape in nature but could not find one ? Or found one but it is not natural anymore ? Don’t worry, I have the answer. A place just 240 Km away from Chandigarh lies a secluded yet picturesque village of Himachal Pradesh with name Rakkar. This place is a real “Offbeat” location with all “On Beat” facilities. Count the things you want to have on your vacation and Rakkar will have the answers to almost every question. From the blissful Mornings to the breathtaking sunsets, from local Himachal culture to city based cafes, Rakkar is blessed with everything. How Rakkar can be your next travel destination, let’s find out.
Where is Rakkar Located ?
It is located in Kangra Valley of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 1300m (4265 feet).
How to Reach Rakkar ?
How to Reach Rakkar by Road ?
It’s quite an easy and comfortable way to reach Rakkar. Chandigarh must be your starting point to reach there. Road conditions are excellent with decent facilities en-route. The road map from Chandigarh to Rakkar will be as follows:
Chandigarh — 48 Km—– Rupnagar—- 32 KM — Kiratpur Sahib —48 Km– Una —98 Km–- Kangra —–16 Km – Rakkar
(Total Distance: 240 KM || Total Time: 5.5 Hours)
You can easily cover this distance in a single day by your own car or private taxi. There is no off-roading on this route. Even if you stop for meals, it will take maximum 8 hours to reach Rakkar.
Apart from self-drive cars/taxis, there are plenty of public transport options like state-run public buses, Volvo buses and sharing taxis etc. which can be boarded from Chandigarh Bus Stand. However, these buses will drop you at Dharamshala only as there are no direct buses to Rakkar Village from Chandigarh. Volvo AC Buses will cost you around Rs. 800-1100 for Dharamshala with travel time of around 6 hours. Depending on the months you are travelling, Prices generally go up in summer months and lesser in winter months. After reaching Dharamshala, you can take a taxi to Rakkar Village which is about 10 Km away from Dharamshala. Local Public Transport is also an option to reach Rakkar from Dharamshala but it is not that frequent and reliable. It would be better if you take a private taxi to reach there.
How to Reach Rakkar by Flight ?
Yes, flight is also a way to reach Rakkar Village. The nearest Airport to Rakkar village is Gaggal Airport also known as Dharamshala Airport/Kangra Airport. Rakkar Village is just 15 KM away from Dharamshala Airport. Flights are not as frequent as compared to other destinations. So, book your flight in advance to get availability of the seats with decent pricing.
How to Reach Rakkar by Train ?
The nearest railway station to Rakkar village is Pathankot Railway Station which is around 95 Km Away from Rakkar Village and it takes around 3 hours to reach there. You can find many trains to Pathankot Railway Station from major cities of India. The most famous one is Delhi Jammu Rajdhani (I travelled by this train during my first visit to Rakkar Village). It will take around 6 hours from Delhi to reach Pathankot Railway Station. I would advise you to take this train on your return journey because in the forward journey it departs from Delhi at 8:40 PM and reaches Pathankot at 3:10 AM at night. So taxi availability at that time will be difficult. Having a train option is the key benefit of this place as the majority of hill stations in India have no option to reach by train.
What’s the best time to reach Rakkar ?
Apart from the Monsoon season (July-September), I would say every month is the best time to stay there. However, the most preferred time by the tourists are summer months March-June. I have also prepared a weather chart for the whole year so you can plan your journey accordingly:
Where to Stay at Rakkar ?
Most of the options you will get online are located in Dharamshala or between Dharamshala and Rakkar because there are less options in the village itself. The place where I stayed in Rakkar Village is very unique from the rest of the places I have stayed. What if I tell you a place which is nestled on the top of a small mountain inside a forest ? And there is no road connected to this house and you have to trek around 300-400m to reach there. The place I’m talking about is Kailaso Homestay- A Scenic & Quiet Hilltop Cottage run by Mohit Sharma and his parents. The place is blessed with a panoramic view of the Dharmshala. The sunsets of this place are very dramatic with the sky spreading its hue in Dhauladhar Valley. My experience of this place was amazing. Mohit’s parents take care of everything. This is a homestay not a hotel so the menu is limited and you have to tell your lunch/dinner choices in advance so that they can plan accordingly. The main road is around 300 meters away so you have to trek to reach there and thereafter you can roam inside the village and experience the Himachali culture. A few pictures from the homestay and its surrounding areas
What are the Cafe/Restaurants options in Rakkar Village ?
During my first visit to Rakkar, I was not very hopeful for “good restaurant/cafe” in the village due to its isolation from Dharamshala/Mcloedganj. But I was surprised to see one cafe (Fat Teapot) and one coffee shop equipped with beautiful interiors and the food items which we generally eat in cities. The Fat Teapot cafe gives you aesthetic vibes with lots of book to read and some fun games to play around. Below are the few pictures of the cafe :
Things to do in Rakkar Village ?
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: It’s one of the best cricket stadiums in the world with the scenic beauty of Dhauladhar mountain range. If you remember, a few matches including India vs New Zealand, of the World Cup 2023 were held in this stadium. Apart from International Matches, you can visit this stadium by paying an entry fee of Rs. 30. Walking on the ground is not permissible, but you can sit in the spectator areas. There is also a practice pitch at the entry gate where you can play, I had paid 100 Rs for an over. The stadium is at a distance of 8 Km from Rakkar village. Don’t miss it while visiting Dharmshala.
Conclusion
Rakkar is the most complete destination with almost everything requires for an amazing vacation. From the scenic landscape of the Himalayas to the aesthetic cafes around. Additing to that, its easy accessibility makes this destination more idle for every age group. Rakkar leaves no stone unturned to make your journey memorable. So your new weekend getaway is round the corner. So what are you waiting for? Just head out to this beautiful destination !
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Rakkar Located?
Rakkar is situated in the Kangra Valley of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 1300 meters (4265 feet).
What is the best time to visit Rakkar?
The best time to visit Rakkar is generally from March to June, avoiding the monsoon season (July-September). This period offers pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
Where can I stay in Rakkar?
While most accommodations are located in Dharamshala, there are unique homestays in Rakkar. One highly recommended option is Kailaso Homestay, which offers a scenic and quiet hilltop experience. It’s run by Mohit Sharma and his family, and guests must trek about 300-400 meters to reach the homestay. The place provides stunning views of the Dhauladhar Valley and has a limited menu, so it’s advisable to communicate your meal preferences in advance.
What activities can I enjoy in Rakkar?
Rakkar offers a blend of natural beauty and local culture. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, explore the serene village life, and indulge in local Himachal cuisine. There are also opportunities for short treks and interactions with the local community to learn about their traditions and stories.