Nature Pool Cafe Rakkar, Dharamshala: Hidden Water Spot

Hi, my name is Rahul. I am a digital nomad, indie maker, and traveller.

In this article, I am going to share details about Nature Pool Cafe in Khanyara/Rakkar, Dharamshala , along with my views and opinions about this place.

Nature Pool Cafe is located in Khanyara (Rakkar), Dharamshala.

The cafe is located just beside a water stream.

Just beside the cafe, there is a natural swimming pool-like area, which makes this place unique.

For me, a good travel location should have three things: location, experience, and food.

And not all the offbeat places have all these three things altogether.

For example, you will find many water streams like this in and around Dharamshala but not all the places have a cafe where you can just have some meal at ease.

Second, not all places have the unique natural swimming pool-like area that this cafe has, which makes bathing comfortable even for those who do not swim because the flow of the water is very low during summer.

The cafe has also made good sitting arrangements, so very comfortably you can sit there and enjoy the view and food.

Is This Place For Tourists Or Travellers?

This place is good for both tourists and travellers.

I consider people tourists when they are coming here for only two or three days and they are not so crazy about nature. They spend most of the time around known areas and cafes like McLeod Ganj . And their main priority is comfort.

I consider travellers those who are really nature enthusiasts and they like cafe culture, but they also want to trek, want to go offbeat places, like quiet places, and like spending some time quietly.

So for me, this is a go-to tourist place, because around the cafe everything is very comfortable. And from the road this place is just under 500 meters, so you also do not need to worry about walking a lot to reach the cafe.

This place also has a lot to offer to travellers.

Also, if you are someone like me who does not like crowded places, this place also has a place for us.

Only the area around the cafe gets the majority of the crowd, but nearby there are many other spots where you can sit in peace, and can find a peaceful area to have a swim in the river.

So depending upon if you like the crowd or do not like the crowd, you can choose if you want to sit around cafes or nearby peaceful places.

This place is also very popular among the locals. They come here with their families and friends for picnics. They swim, sit, and eat nearby the water stream.

Walkthrough Of The Cafe

As you enter the cafe, you will see the covered sitting area on the right side.

On the left side they have made the arrangements for the outdoor sitting.

Just beside the outdoor sitting area, you will find the natural pool-like area where people bathe and swim.

And in front they have their kitchen.

Cafe Menu

The cafe serves chai, coffee, Maggi, pasta and other snacks, sandwiches, french fries, and many other items.

You can watch the cafe menu in my YouTube video at the 7 minute timestamp.

How To Reach Nature Pool Cafe?

The distance from Dharamshala to Nature Pool Cafe is around 7 to 8 km, depending on where in Dharamshala you are coming from.

The location is listed on Google Maps, so the best way to reach here is to search for Nature Pool Cafe on Google Maps and follow the route.

On Google Maps you will find this place with the name Nature Pool Cave Cafe.

You can follow the cafe location from any part of Dharamshala, but if you are coming from Dharamshala Kotwali market, then first reach Dharamshala Domino's.

Then from Dharamshala Domino's, take the road towards Khanyara. Just follow the straight road.

On the way you will find the Radisson Blu hotel board, from where the way to Radisson Blu hotel is diverted. You just need to follow the same main road.

Then after a few km you will see an open field with a football ground. Just follow the same road and you will see the Patola board. From there take the way going upward towards Aghanjar Mahadev Mandir.

Then from Aghanjar Mahadev Mandir, take the way towards Rakkar straight on the same road.

Then after a km you will see the Rakkar board. From there take the left turn, and follow the road going up and you will see this place after a few km.

What Is The Car Parking Situation Near Nature Pool Cafe?

You can park your vehicle on the side of the road. You will see cars already parked there, so you will have the idea when you reach there.

Some people also take their car down and park much closer to the cafe, but keep in mind the road is steep and it is an off-road track. So only go there if you are really comfortable driving on such roads.

Also down there is not a very big parking area, so there are chances you may not find a convenient place to park, specifically if the place is crowded.

So my recommendation will be to park on the side of the road.

Things To Keep In Mind

The place has a water stream, so if you are planning for swimming or a bath, then come here with extra clothes.

Please do not litter the place. The cafe has a dustbin, so either throw your garbage there or take it back with you.

During the monsoon season, this place can get risky because the water level in the khad can become very high.

Not just during monsoon, but even if it is raining or has been raining for the last few days, avoid coming here. If you are going, then be very careful.

Things To Do Around Nature Pool Cafe

You can sit around the cafe or at nearby peaceful spots.

The cafe serves food, so you can also eat there.

On the road you can take a walk with a great view of the valley.

You can have a picnic with friends or family.

Take a bath nearby the cafe or at other nearby spots.

Places Nearby To Visit From Nature Pool Cafe

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple: Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is a peaceful Shiva temple in Khanyara, located close to a small stream and surrounded by nature. It is a good place to visit if you want a quiet spiritual spot away from the busy tourist areas of McLeod Ganj .

Kharota Valley : Kharota Valley near Khanyara is a peaceful offbeat valley-side area in Dharamshala, known for open views, village roads, greenery, and Dhauladhar mountain backdrop. It is a good place for a slow ride, quiet walk, or just spending some time away from the busy tourist crowd.

Juhal : Juhal is a peaceful offbeat place near Khanyara in Dharamshala, surrounded by village roads, greenery, and beautiful mountain views. The place also has khads (natural water pools). It is a good spot for slow travel, quiet walks, and experiencing the calmer side of Dharamshala.