Kalsi, Dehradun Uttarakhand

Just 50 km from Dehradun, nestled along the banks of the Yamuna and Tongs rivers, lies Kalsi. Situated at 780 meters above sea level, Kalsi provides a tranquil escape into nature with plenty of uncharted terrain waiting to be discovered. It is also the gateway to the Jaunsar-Bawar tribal region.

Kalsi is famous for its ancient monuments including Ashokan Rock Edict and is an ideal destination for adventure sports and many picnic spots (Asan Barrage, Dak Pathar and Katta Pathar).

Ashoka Rock Edict: A must-visit for history enthusiasts, this rock bears the fourteenth edict of Mauryan King Ashoka, engraved in 253 BC. Discovered in 1860 by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham, this edict showcases Ashoka’s reforms and counsel in the Prakrit language and Brahmi Script. The structure stands tall at 10 feet and spans 8 feet wide.

A brief summary of the edicts of Ashoka

The edicts of Ashoka are a comprehensive series of inscriptions commissioned by Emperor Ashoka during the 3rd century BCE, which were carved onto rocks, pillars, and caves throughout the Mauryan Empire. These inscriptions are written in various languages and scripts, including Prakrit, Greek, Aramaic, and Brahmi, and they cover a wide range of topics reflecting Ashoka’s governance philosophy and moral principles.

The edicts convey Ashoka’s commitment to promoting Dhamma, or righteous conduct, as the foundation of his rule. They advocate for moral and ethical behavior, including respect for parents, elders, and religious leaders, as well as compassion towards animals and the environment. Ashoka’s edicts also emphasize the importance of religious tolerance and encourage dialogue and understanding between different religious communities.

In addition to moral and ethical teachings, the edicts detail Ashoka’s efforts to improve the welfare of his subjects. They include directives to provide healthcare, education, and social services to the population, as well as instructions for the construction of wells, rest houses, and other public amenities. Ashoka’s commitment to social justice and equality is evident in his edicts, which address issues such as the fair treatment of prisoners, the rights of women and children, and the promotion of economic prosperity for all.

The 14th edict of Ashoka holds particular significance as it is considered one of the most comprehensive and detailed of all his inscriptions. In this edict, Ashoka outlines his reforms and policies aimed at promoting social harmony, religious tolerance, and ethical conduct. It provides insights into Ashoka’s efforts to govern his vast empire with compassion and justice, emphasizing the importance of moral principles in maintaining a just and equitable society. The 14th edict, along with the rest of Ashoka’s inscriptions, continues to serve as a guiding light for those seeking to build a more peaceful and harmonious world.

One of the most famous edicts is the Kalinga edict, in which Ashoka expresses remorse for the suffering caused by his conquest of the Kalinga region and renounces violence as a means of conquest. This event is said to have led to Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and his dedication to ruling according to Buddhist principles.

Overall, the edicts of Ashoka provide valuable insights into the governance philosophy of one of history’s most influential rulers. They continue to inspire people today with their messages of peace, tolerance, and social responsibility.

Learn More about this historical landmark.

Asan Barange: is a dam located on the rivers Asan and Yamuna and is a famous picnic spot. Renowned as a sanctuary for endangered migratory birds, hosts species classified as rare by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red Data Book.

Birdwatchers can delight in observing a variety of unique avian species, such as mallards, red-crested pochards, ruddy shelducks, coots, cormorants, egrets, wagtails, pond herons, pallas fishing eagles, marsh harriers, greater spotted eagles, ospreys, and steppe eagles. 
Best time to visit is between October – March

Dak Pathar: is a lovely picnic spot located on the Dehradun-Chakrata road.

Katta Pathar: located at the border of Chakrata Hills and the Yamuna River, this place has been named after an iron mine located here, which is now on the verge of extinction.

Kalsi provides an array of recreational activities for tourists, including canoeing, boating, water skiing, sailing, and hovercraft rides, for a perfect day trip. Visitors can indulge in rafting on the pristine waters of the Yamuna River at this location. Additionally, private resorts offer Mahaseer fishing experiences from September to October and then again from March to April.

Timli Pass: an ideal destination for a rejuvenating and refreshing car drive, Timli Pass (30 km from Kalsi) is a grassland and has stunning panoramic views. Plan a picnic and enjoy a break here. Situated 620 meters in the Shivalik hills and the Mussourie hills enclosing the valley, Timli Pass is a great family trip destination for a quick outing/picnic and can be visited on your return back from Kalsi.

Timli Pass played a pivotal role during the Anglo-Nepalese War, serving as the route through which the British Army marched to support Major General Ochterlony in his campaign against Gurkha General Amar Singh Thapa’s forces.

Additionally; Kalsi is renowned the world over for the significant number of important intuitions that include the Botanical Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India, Anthropological Survey of India, Rashtriya Indian Military Academy (IMA), Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Wildlife Institute of India, and Indian Institute of Remote Sensing to name a few.

Stay Options: Although Kalsi is ideal for a day trip, it is a good weekend getaway. You could choose to stay at the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) at Dak Pathar or at Snow Lion Estate located across the river from Kalsi.

Nearby Places to Visit:

Chakrata: Coming Soon!

Paonta Sahib: Just 30 km from Kalsi, Paonta Sahid is a religious place for Sikhs and all other religions. Located on the verge of the Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana border, Paonta Sahib is situated on the banks of river Yamuna. This is the place where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh stayed and wrote the Dasam Granth. The palki is made of pure gold and was donated by one of the devotees. Shri Talab Asthan and Shri Dastar Asthan are the vital places inside the Sikh shrine worth mentioning.

There is also a temple here devoted to Goddess Yamuna.

Kalesar National Park: Details Coming Soon!

Distance Guide to Kalsi

Kalsi is conveniently accessible via the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, situated just 73 km away. Alternatively, visitors can opt for train travel from Dehradun or utilize bus services from nearby cities, including New Delhi, to reach Kalsi.

Best Route: Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Pipli – Ladwa – Yamunanagar – Jagadhari – Bata Pul – Paonta Sahib – Herbetpur – Vikasnagar – Kalsi

Kalsi to Dehradun: 44 km
Kalsi to Chakrata: 43 km
Distance from Chandigarh: 153 km
Distance from Ludhiana: 238 km
Distance from New Delhi: 263 km
Distance from Gurgaon: 309 km

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