The temple sits at the top of the hill the town is named for, and the climb is part of the visit. Most pilgrims start before sunrise, both for the cool air and for the light on the plain as you come back down.
Plan around the heat
From March onwards the stone holds heat well into the evening. If you are travelling with older parents or small children, the hour after dawn is the only comfortable window on a summer day. In the monsoon the steps stay wet and slippery, so unhurried is better than early.
What to carry
- Water — more than you think you need
- Shoes you can leave at the bottom easily
- A small cloth for the sun
- Cash in small notes for offerings
Festival dates
Navratri transforms Chotila. The queue moves through the night, the town stays awake, and rooms in the area are booked out well in advance. If you plan to visit during the festival, send an enquiry early.
Leave before the light, come back for breakfast. It is the oldest advice in this town and still the best.