Dronagiri/Dunagiri is considered to be one of the seven important mountain peaks of mythological significance. It is said that it was here that Drona used to be an ashram of Rishi, hence it was called Dronagiri. Dunagiri is also known for natural beauty as well as for natural forest estates and valuable herbs. It is also thought that there is also a house of singing wild animals of the Dunagiri mountain. It is said that when Lakshman had become unconscious by the power of Meghnath in Lanka, Hanuman had taken entire Dronachal including the Sanjeevani herbs, and then one part of it fell down here. For this reason, this Dronagiri mountain is covered with divine herbs.
There is also a legendary Shaktipeeth of Vaishno Devi on top of Dunagiri, it is said to be from 1181 AD. This temple is said to have been built by the Kathiyari rulers. He is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the Goddess. It is also believed to be one of the two Shaktipeeths of Vaishno Devi present in India. One of them is in Jammu, and the Gupta Peeth is distinguished in Dunagiri. 365 steps take you to this temple. There is a panoramic view of the Himalayas in front of the temple. In this temple, the Navratri of the Month of Ashwin called Kalratri Jagaran on the day of Saptami is carried out with great pleasure. It is believed that on this day the Goddess appears in her fierce black form and after the sadhana of the people, Gauri takes the smooth form the next day.
There is also an inscription of 1029 AD in the temple. It is believed that it was brought here from Badrinath temple in Dwarahat. Around the town of Dunagiri: Nagarjuna, Bhatkot, Pandukholi and Sukhdev along with many places with historical myths are connected.
How to reach Dunagiri
Air: The closest airport to Dunagiri is the Pant Nagar air terminal. You can take a taxi to Dunagiri from this airport that takes the trip of 5 to 6 hours. Open transports are also accessible to Almora from where you can change to Dunagiri.
Train: The nearest train station to Dunagiri is the Kathgodam train station, which is 140 km from Dunagiri. From there you can access a taxi that takes approximately 4 hours to reach Dunagiri. You can experience beautiful hills and lakes during the trip. You can also access local private buses to get to Dunagiri from the Kathgodam train station.
Street: Dunagiri is well connected by roadways and have regular buses from the main cities of the state. You can also access local private buses to get to Dunagiri from any part of state. It is 103 KM away from Nainital.
Best time to visit Dunagiri
Dunagiri can be visited at any time of the year, apart from the overwhelming rainy season (from August to September). The interesting city is magnificent and immaculate in its excellence throughout the year, with winters that include a significantly more captivating appeal due to the snowfall. You will need some warm clothes to wear and prevent yourself from the coldness in the winters.