This quaint little cantonment retains its original charm, right from the days Chakrata was established by Colonel Hume and fellow officers of the British 55th Regiment, 125 years ago. The local populace may complain on occasion that they cannot get the same opportunities to cater to tourism as their cousins in Mussoorie nearby, but the army here is a lot more careful of who (and how many) it opens its doors to, and for very good reason. Chakrata is home to a branch of the army's Special Forces and the rugged Himalayan countryside is an ideal training ground for all kinds of terribly exciting sounding commando courses. It is said that LTTE supremo Prabhakaran learnt all his skulduggery here (trained by the Indian army, ironically!).
However, don't be alarmed by this cloak-and-dagger scenario for you are here to luxuriate in Chakrata's incredible natural beauty.