Kalsi

Kalsi is a place known not only for its natural beauty but also for its historical significance. This picturesque town is located in the midst of Dehradun and Chakrata, around 45 km from Dehradun. Despite its size, Kalsi holds great historical value, attracting a number of visitors from far and wide. The town is particularly known for the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great, who ruled during the c. 268 BCE to 232 BCE. The presence of Ashoka's rock edicts illuminates the rich heritage of Kalsi.
 

These edicts can be found in the village called Bourg, which is a home to different communities such as Mundar, Khils and Bhutis. Additionally, Kalsi is also known as the gateway of Uttarakhand Tribal region Jaunsar-Bawar.
 

Kalsi Dehradun
 

Dehradun district is surrounded by places known for their religious, cultural, and historical values. Every nook and corner of the city has a spot with its own unique value and importance. Among them, Kalsi is a place that stands out for its historical importance. Located around 6 km from Dakpathar, Kalsi sits on the convergence of Yamuna and its tributary the Tons river. Nestled in the midst of greenery and a serene environment, Kalsi is a perfect blend of nature and history.
 

It is approximately a two hour drive away from Dehradun ISBT and is accessible easily by road. Tourists of all age groups often visit the town to learn more about the place. The foremost reason to visit Kalsi is the Ashokan inscription, which adds to its historical value. Apart from its ancient monument, Kalsi is also one of the top picnic spots in Dehradun.
 

Ashoka Rock Edict in Kalsi
 

Kalsi is known for its Rock Edicts, which is a group of inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka. As per the archaeologists, these rock edicts date back to around 450 BCE, which are around 10 feet long and 8 feet wide. Kalsi rock edicts are particularly important as they are the only known rock edicts in Northern India. Due to its historical importance, the site is now kept under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. Most of the edicts are inscribed in Pali language using the Brahmi script, which includes all major 14 rock edicts of Ashoka. Notably, the edict number 13 holds the great importance, as it mentions Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, and Alexander. These rock edicts were discovered by Alexander Cunningham in 1850.
 

Kalsi Entry Fee and Timings
 

Visitors are not required to pay any fee to explore these historical treasures from the reign of Emperor Ashoka. The site is a home to Rock Edicts, which is open to visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM. In the meantime, visitors can indulge in some other activities near the river Yamuna.
 

Things to do in Kalsi
 

• Boating: - Kalsi town is just 6 km away from Dakpathar. Before reaching the town, you can enjoy boating at Asan Barrage.
• Bird Watching : - While boating, tourists can also enjoy bird watching at Asan Barrage which is the first Ramsar site of Uttarakhand.
• Fishing : - Since the town is situated on the banks of Yamuna and Tons, angling is the popular activity.
   

Accommodation in Kalsi
 

Being a small town Kalsi does offer some good accommodation such as Hotels and Homestays. Visitors planning a stay must book their accommodation before their arrival.
 

Location and Connectivity
 

Kalsi is located in Dehradun, near Dakpathar. It has excellent road connectivity from Dehradun, Vikasnagar, and Dakpathar. The place that offers better connectivity to the town is Dehradun.
 

Important Tips for Travellers
 

• The ideal time to visit the town is between March to June and October to December.
• The surreal beauty of Kalsi can be enjoyed most in the morning and evening.
• If you want to explore Kalsi in a single day, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning.
• If you have time, visit Asan Barrage in the evening for boating and birdwatching.
• Do take permission before doing fishing in Yamuna.
• Avoid visiting during monsoon, as heavy rains may impose various challenges.