About The Jhoola Devi Temple
Opening Hours: 06:00 am to 07:00 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, morning and evening aarti
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam railway station, about 74 km away
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar, about 108 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Ranikhet Bus Stand, about 6 km away
The Jhula Devi Temple, located in the lush Chaubatia area of Ranikhet, was built in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1935. It honours goddess Durga, where her deity is famously sitting on a wooden swing ("jhula"), and is one of the best things to do in Uttarakhand. She appeared in a shepherd's dream, which led to the discovery of the idol and the building of the temple.
The temple has a traditional Kumaoni style, with a slate-tiled sloped roof, wooden pillars, and iron-plated doors with brass fittings. Thousands of bells are left by grateful devotees who say their wishes came true.
A calm hanging bridge leads to the inner sanctum, which is surrounded by separate shrines for Rama, Sita, and Hanuman. The site has a vibrant, lively energy because of the daily aartis and Navratri celebrations. It has stunning views of the Himalayan valley, making it a great place to think and connect with your spirituality.
Offering expansive Himalayan valley views, it’s a place where folklore, faith, and nature converge, perfect for reflection and spiritual connection. With the swing legend, tinkling bells, and mountain panorama coming together in poignant harmony.
The Jhoola Devi Temple Highlights
• Tie a bell at Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia, Ranikhet Range, dedicated to goddess Durga.
• Admire goddess Durga seated on a wooden swing (jhula), installed following a shepherd’s dream, adding unique spiritual symbolism.
• Walk through the pine-oak forest trail of about 1 km before the temple, alive with birdcalls, rustling leaves, and Himalayan serenity.
• Attend morning or evening aartis among a forest ambience engulfed in soft chants and bell melodics beside flickering diyas, creating peaceful and immersive ritual experiences.
• Enjoy panoramic hilltop mountain vistas as the temple offers dramatic views of Himalayan peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, amid crisp mountain air.
How To Reach The Jhoola Devi Temple
By car/taxi: The Jhula Devi Temple is about 5 km away from the Ranikhet city centre via Devi Road. It will take you about 15 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit The Jhoola Devi Temple
Peak Season (March–June & September–November):
- Weather Insights: Spring–summer: Daytime 20–30 °C, nights 10–15 °C. Autumn: 10–20 °C, cool mornings.
- Things to Do: Attend aarti, take in the Himalayan view
Moderate Season (October & February– March):
- Weather Insights: 5–15 °C by day, near 0 °C at night; crisp, potentially with light snow in early spring.
- Things to do: Explore the architecture, meditate
Low Season (July–August):
- Weather Insights: 15–25 °C, with intermittent rains and cloudy skies
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery, nature photography
The Jhoola Devi Temple Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear modest clothes and respect the decorum of the temple.
- Do not take pictures or shoot videos inside the temple without prior permission.
- Check the timings for festivals and special prayers so you don't miss out.
- Stay patient and maintain proper queue etiquette during the festival time rush.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the temple authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
Tie a Votive Bell for Blessings
Visitors to this 8th-century shrine tie brass bells to the front of the temple after they pray. Their gentle ringing fills the air with a peaceful tapestry of faith and gratitude, with thousands of bells representing answered prayers. This act brings you closer to the community's religious tradition.
Embark on Serene Forest Trek
To get to the temple, you have to climb through 1 to 1.5 kilometres of pine, deodar, oak, and sal forest. You are surrounded by birdsong and sweet mountain air. Dawn or dusk adds quiet reflection to the sounds of early worshippers' chimes, making for an immersive forest pilgrimage.
Discover the Divine Jhula
The central idol of Maa Durga rests on a wooden jhula (swing), installed after a divine dream led devotees to bury her idol. This rare temple feature embodies balance, protection, and spiritual immediacy unique to Jhula Devi.
Participate in Aarti Rituals
Morning and evening aartis invoke deep devotion. Under the forest canopy, soft chants, ringing bells, and flickering lamps can be heard. During Navratri and Sawan, the festive mood makes devotion stronger, making daily rituals more meaningful and immersive.
Combine Visit with Chaubatia Orchard Visit
After the temple, go to Chaubatia Orchards, where there are terraced gardens with more than 200 kinds of fruit, including apples, peaches, plums, and apricots. For a fun day out, combine a pilgrimage with some easy walking, tasting fruit, and taking in the beautiful views of the Himalayas.
Tourism Board Alliances
The Jhoola Devi Temple FAQs
What is the tradition behind bells at the temple?
There are thousands of brass bells on the walls of the temple. Devotees tie them up after their prayers are answered. Their soft chimes ring through pine forests, making a musical tapestry that stands for thankfulness and divine blessings.
What nearby attractions complement a temple visit?
The Rama Temple, the Chaubatia Fruit Orchards (for apples and apricots), the Majkhali picnic area, and the Ranikhet Golf Course are all nearby. These places have spiritual, scenic, and fun activities, making them a great way to spend half a day.
What are the temple’s timings, entry fee, and ideal visit duration?
The Jhula Devi Temple is open every day from 6 AM to 6 PM, and there are no fees to get in or take pictures. A typical visit lasts one to two hours and includes prayers, a ritual of tying bells, and a short walk through the pine forest trail nearby.
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