Dunagiri temple is located 14 kms from Dwarahat, a small town situated in Almora district. The temple is dedicated to Goddess “Durga” an incarnation of Goddess laxmi wife of lord Vishnu. It is be believed to be the second Shakti peeth after Vaishno Devi shrine. This temple has mythological significance as Dunagiri Temple is also known as ‘Dronagiri’ and has various stories associated with it. One believe says Dronagiri was named after Dronacharya, a Guru (Teacher) of Pandav. Another believe says that when Hanuman Ji was carrying the mountain with ‘Sanjiwani buti’ for Laxman, a piece of it fell here and since that day this place is known as ‘Doonagiri’ (where ‘Giri’ meaning fell). This temple is at an elevation of approx. 8,200 feet from sea level. Motorable road is till temple’s propinquity from where it leads to the temple by approximately 365 stairs. The stairs are covered, and thousands of bells are hanging on the way, which are almost identical. Like Vaishno devi shrine “Siddhpeeth” there is no idol in the Dunagiri temple. Naturally produced Siddha pinds are worshiped in the form of Mata Bhagwati.
How to reach:
Rail: Dunagiri Temple is well connected with most of the important towns and cities of Uttarakhand. : The nearest railway stations are Kathgodam which is 120 Kms far. From there one can easily approach taxi’s/ Buses.
By Air: Doonagiri is 150 Km far from Pantnagar Airport, which is the nearest one from where visitors can easily get a cab to reach here.
Best time to visit : September to March