Discover Devalsari: A Hidden Himalayan Paradise of Butterflies
Devalsari is situated in the foothills of the Uttarakhand Himalayas in Tehri District at an altitude of 1500 meters. This beautiful paradise is known for one of the finest & Dense Deodar forests in the region. Today, the place is also gaining recognition as a hotspot of butterflies and Himalayan birds, attracting nature enthusiasts from across India. If you are also passionate about Himalayan butterflies and birds, Devalsari is a dream destination as it is home to 200+ species of butterflies and 230+ species of birds. A stunning ancient temple of Lord Koneswar Mahadev is nestled in the middle of a dense Deodar forest, It’s a great place for meditation and just a 20-minute walk from the main road at Bangsil Village.
Story of Devalsari Forest:
The name “Devalsari” means “Nursery of Deodar trees,” which were cultivated by Koneswar Mahadev around 3 sanctuary ago. According to a local legend, Lord Shiva (Koneshwar Mahadev), in the form of a monk (Sadhu), once visited this place and encountered many large farming fields filled with Jowar (sorghum), a gluten-free white millet. As he surveyed the area, he saw the local farm caretaker and requested a place to sit and meditate, but the caretaker refused. Disappointed, the monk cursed him, saying “Let’s see tomorrow if the field will be full of Jowar or my Deodar,” and then disappeared. The next morning, the caretaker awoke and find that all the fields had been transformed into a Deodar nursery. Since then, the place has been called Devalsari. Later, God appeared in the dream of one of the villagers, asking him to build a temple in the middle of the forest where He had been meditating for a long time. The villagers then constructed a temple in the forest and began worshipping the deity in the name of Koneswar Mahadev as a protector god. The temple still exists today, although it was renovated in 2014. Every year, in the first week of September, villagers gather to worship and dance throughout the night. Locals believe this Deodar forest is a symbol of God and holiness.
How to Reach:
The journey begins at Bangsil Village, the last roadhead for Devalsari, located approximately 75 km (a 3 to 4-hour drive) from Dehradun via Mussoorie & Thatyur. Devalsari serves as a base for the Luntsu and Nag Tibba treks. The Nag Tibba trek specifically starts from Onter Village, just 3 km from Bangsil. This charming Himalayan village is also known for an ancient Nag Devta Temple, situated right in the heart of the settlement.
Best Time to Visit
While Devalsari is beautiful year-round, the peak season for butterflies is May and June, and the general visits and birding best months are March to June and September to December. The local community has taken an inspiring lead in protecting their environment through the Devalsari Paryavaran Sanrakshan Samiti. This initiative focuses on nature conservation, eco-tourism, and generating local livelihoods supported by Titli Trust based in Dehradun. Visitors can stay at their Research Centre or a beautiful nearby homestay. By booking your stay here, you support the locals who are eager to share their vibrant culture and natural heritage with you.
Itinerary
Planning Your Visit: To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this region, we recommend staying for at least 1.5 days. A perfect itinerary looks like this:
- Day 1 – Reach the village in the afternoon and get used to the area’s weather.
- Day 2 – 6:00 AM: Explore the Luntzu Nalla Trail for a 2 to 3-hour birding session, 9:30 – 10:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM: Best for butterflies as they are most active in bright sunlight.
Experience Devalsari with Us:
As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we orgnaise eco-tours in direct collaboration with the local community. Please feel free to reach out to us to plan your visit to this incredible world of nature and heritage.
Checkout our curated package
