By Journey Man
Of the new, less-touristy hill stations coming up around the country Kanatal has earned a name for its quiet, its beauty and its many adventure opportunities. Added to that are two more easy aspects: a number of good hotels and resorts have come up there, and it is not even a couple of hours from Mussourie.
Basically, Kanatal is a small village and a hill station in the state of Uttarakhand. It is 78 km from Dehradun (capital of Uttarakhand), 38 km from Mussoorie and 12 km from Chamba. It is on the Chamba-Mussoorie road and nearly 300 km from Delhi.
Kanatal is a hill station frequented for its pristine beauty and adventure activities. The scenic destination is in close proximity to major tourist destinations like Delhi, Mussoorie, Chamba, and Rishikesh, which makes Kanatal the perfect weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike. Given that the town is perched at a height of 8,500 feet above sea level and is resplendent with the magnificent Himalayas and deep valleys, it is undoubtedly a piece of paradise for photographers and nature lovers. But that’s not all there is to Kanatal.
This hill station offers some wonderful sightseeing, like the historic Surkanda Devi Temple which weaves with it a tale of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. A trek to this beautiful attraction is a must, especially when it snows and the hill station is a vision in white.
The Kodia Forest and the Eco Park are must-visits too, especially if you enjoy lounging in the lap of mother nature and are a wildlife enthusiast. You’re sure to spot some wild boars and goral here. When making your way around the town, don’t forget to stop by and admire the allure of the Tehri Lake too.
Trek through the hills
If discovering forest trails, dining by the stream and chasing mountain goats across velvet-soft grassland is your idea of a holiday, come to Kanatal. Close to the more popular Mussoorie, Kanatal offers a chance to stay close to nature and off the grid. The quaint hill station is surrounded by apple orchards and has several home-stays that offer organic food and a glimpse of the rustic life. Walk along narrow serpentine roads amid fragrant pine, deodar and rhododendron forests, as you bond with nature. You can try meditation and nature photography as well. In winter, Kanatal receives snow and turns into a magical land.
History
Kanatal’s history dates back to some decades when a small lake also known as ‘taal’ or pond had dried up. When it dried up, people began to refer to it as kaana taal. The name of the nearby area is Kanatal. In Hindi, the word kaana usually refers to a dry well or pond.
Surkanda Devi is a temple in Kaddukhal, dedicated to Sati. Surkanda is where the head of Sati had fallen after Shiva carried her on his trishool after she set herself on fire. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and its location – perched at an altitude 2,700 m that offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding region along with the Himalayan mountains. This temple is 8 km on the road from Mussoorie to Kaddukhal.
Climate
During the summer, temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and during the winter, temperatures range from -5 to 10 degrees Celsius. During the winter, heavy snowfall blocks roads in the area. Kanatal is subject to high winds due to its high altitude.
Best Time To Visit
Summer (April – June)
The summer season is the best time to visit Kanatal. The temperature at this time ranges from 25 to 38 degrees Celsius. This destination is perfect for staying in the summer holidays. One can enjoy all the outdoor activities in summer like trekking, camping, and exploring.
Monsoon (July – September)
Visitors are advised to visit Kanatal with care and planning during monsoon as it can cause road damage, mountain break, floods, cloudburst, poor visibility, and strong winds due to rain. If you travel after the monsoon, it can be much safer.
Winter (October – March)
Winter is one of the best times to enjoy the valleys of Kanatal. The temperature ranges from 1 to 15 degrees Celsius, and the whole village is covered in snow. This time is suitable for camping and winter treks.
How To Reach
By Flight:
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Kanatal. It is situated 92km from Kanatal with well-metalled roads. Taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Kanatal. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. The distance from Jolly Grant Airport to Kanatal can be easily covered within 3 hours of time.
By Train
The two nearest railway stations connected with Kanatal are Dehradun and Rishikesh. Dehradun is situated 85km from Kanatal and the distance from Rishikesh to Kanatal is 75km. Taxis and buses are available from both these destinations to Kanatal. Kanatal is well connected by motorable roads with both these destinations. Dehradun and Rishikesh are well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India.
By Road
Kanatal is well connected with motorable roads situated on Mussoorie – Chamba road. Luxury and normal buses to Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Chamba are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and taxis to Kanatal are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Tehri, Chamba and Mussoorie, etc.
ECO GLAMP:
“Eco Glamp getaway is like once-in-a-lifetime memories, comfort, loved ones, and total immersion in nature and a perfect experience beyond luxury to reprieve, explore, create, breathe more easily and feel genuinely looked after.
Glamping is a portmanteau of the world’s “glamour” and “camping”. It is termed as a point “where stunning nature meets modern luxury,” a way to experience the remote and wild without sacrificing comfort.
Glamping is camping’s fancier offshoot. It’s just like sleeping outdoors with upgrades that take the edge off roughing it. Before the pandemic, glamping was already a travel trend on the rise. Glamping getaway is like once-in-a-lifetime memories, comfort, loved ones, and total immersion in nature.
Things To Do
Camping
Enjoy luxury tent accommodation, delicious food, and adventure sports here. You can explore the surroundings while camping.
Trekking
Kodai jungle in Kanatal is a perfect place for trekking and nature walks. Trekking for 5 – 6 km en route Chamba is one of the adventurous things to do in Kanatal. Habitat to wild orchids and thick vegetation, the jungle trails are blessed with amazing views of surrounding hills and valleys. Kodai jungle is also a treat for wildlife lovers. Come here to spot a wide range of birds and animals including species like wild boar, musk deer, kakar, and ghoral.
Camping – Spend Night Under The Star-Studded Sky.
Camping is one of the best things to do in Kanatal. Enveloped in lush green vegetation, you can spend some leisure time relaxing under the stars, or sit by the bonfire, or take part in the various adventure activities and indoor-outdoor games organized at the camp.
Night Hiking
Trips are mostly planned to have the most from them so when at Kanatal, Uttarakhand spend your nights having an adventurous mountain walk in the hills of Kanatal, Uttarakhand. Adventure is all about discovering new things and discovering yourself by coming across different beauty of nature and by exploring nature you will also come across to know about the history of our culture and also connect more with the history of that place.
Valley Crossing
Crossing the valley of 110 ft. height with the help of a pulley by pulling your own hand is a tough guy sport. You have harnessed and tied up on the rope with a pulley then you have to cross 360 ft. long and 120 ft. deep valley with the help of your hand by pulling the rope as a commando. The more you pull the rope the further across the valley you are.
Rock climbing
Experience something different and unusual from this adventurous sport and conquer your fears. Have fun and thrill by climbing a rock, which is set at about 70 feet to 85 feet height and climb up for a distance of 1 km. Be a part of this thrilling activity and dare to challenge your fellow participants and explore the steep rocky cliffs.
The professional and experienced climber will help you with the basic techniques of climbing. You will be tied to a safe harness, which is attached to an immovable object with the help of a rope. With the help of hands and feet grip, you can climb up to the point where you are intended to go and experience a mesmerizing view from the top of the mountain.
Nature Walks
Taking a long nature walk amidst the immaculate beauty of nature in Kanatal or watching the panoramic views of the lush green surroundings will swell your mind. While taking a nature walk, you will be immersed in the beautiful scenery.
Places to visit in and around Kanatal
Kanatal offers many splendid getaways to hit this magical hill town. Let’s give you the insights of some of the hidden gems to explore in and around this minion village.
Kodia or Kaudia Jungle
It is a thick forest of tall coniferous trees reaching up to heaven. It is only 1 km away on the road towards Chamba. This enchanting forest will surely remind you of Narnia, especially if you visit during the winter months. It’s a dense forest that hides inside it several natural springs, which makes it a popular picnic spot. You can enjoy nature walks here, indulge in photography or go for a safari.
Surkanda Devi Temple
It is a famous place of worship, which is visited by many devotees each year. This historic site is dedicated to Goddess Sati and can be easily accessed on foot. It is around 10 km away from Kanatal and can be reached by following the Chamba-Mussoorie Road. A short 3 km trek will take you to the temple site. Surkanda Devi temple is the place where the charred head of Goddess Sati fell, when Shiva was carrying her burnt body on his trident to mourn his loss.
Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kanatal, is the tallest dam in India. The dam is built on the confluence of River Bhagirathi and Bhilangna.It is located at a distance of 1 hour 11 minutes and can be easily accessed via Chamba-Mussoorie Road and Chamba-New Tehri Road.
Dhanaulti
A snow haven, Dhanaulti also spelled as Dhanolty enchants its visitors with its snowy opulence. The hill station receives heavy snowfall during winters andis a perfect weekend getaway for worn-out souls.
The alluring hills of Dhanaulti will tempt you to have conjugal bliss. So all the newly-wed couples pack your bags and knit memories here by visiting these places of attractions. Some of the best two are Aaloo Khet and the Dhanaulti Eco Park. Dhanaulti has more surprises in hand as the adventure lovers can on adrenaline pumping trekking expeditions from here. So don’t waste time and pack your bags now.
Shivpuri
This is another offbeat place to hit, where you can sit and savour the tempting beauty of the azure blue water of the river Ganga. Shivpuri is about 75 km from Kanatal and is within the periphery of Rishikesh. All the avid adventure sports lovers would be pleased to know that you can enjoy white water river rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, zip lining and other adventure activities.
Where to Stay
Club Mahindra Kanatal Resort
Nestled amid Shivalik ranges and lush green pine forests, Club Mahindra Kanatal resort in Uttarakhand is your perfect mountain hideaway. Kanatal is a little mountain hamlet in Uttarakhand. From picture postcard mountain vistas to creature comforts for your urban soul, the Club Mahindra resort in Kanatal offers you everything to make your outing to the hills a perfect little vacation for you and your family.
Located at a convenient 72 km from Dehradun by train and 300 km from Delhi by road, Club Mahindra Kanatal resort is perched on the slope of hills. Spellbinding views of Everest notwithstanding, you can indulge in adventure games at the resort. Play a game or two of snowball with your buddies, go rappelling or do a little pilgrimage with your family to the ancient, sacred temples around the resort. Know more about other fun filled holiday activities you can indulge in with your family during your stay at Club Mahindra Kanatal resort. Or curl up with a book and cozy up in your bed all day watching the grand mountain vistas by staying indoors.
Soak in the cultural experience as well as experience of getting close with the mountain wilderness by staying at Club Mahindra Kanatal resort, Uttarakhand.
The Hillside Cottages, starting price Rs 4,088
The Hillside Cottages offers accommodation with private balconies. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and ticket service, along with free WiFi.
