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Kanatal

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About Kanatal

Located in Uttarakhand, to the north of India, 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 8500 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. 

The 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 an animal 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.  

If you’re looking for exciting activities, Kanatal is the place to be. Right from the local Tehri Lake which offers boating on its calm waters amidst lush greenery, to New Tehri which is home to an unmissable jet-skiing experience, Kanatal has a host of adventures to look forward to. Most tourists flock here to experience pleasant camping trips, bird watching and star-gazing, and trekking to picturesque destinations. A short distance away is Shivpuri, popular for river rafting.

The mystical magic of Kanatal is truly witnessed at the onset of winter when the festival of Dussehra coincides with the snowfall. The celebrations are worth being a part of, and the chilly weather makes for an exemplary holiday experience!

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Kanatal FAQ's

What are the best things to do in Kanatal?

1. Trekking -
Kanatal has umpteen places to trek to, each varying in difficulty and distance.. Beginners can trek to the historic Surkanda Devi Temple 2 kms away, or the Batwaldar Forest, 10 kms away. The more experienced trekkers can head to Dhanaulti or Rani Chauri Forest which are around 20 kms away from the town. But Chamba is undoubtedly a favourite trekking destination among all. The 5-6 kms trek to Kodia Jungle, between Kanatal and Chamba, is an adventurous experience as you make your way through the jungle trails that allure you with their surreal views of hills and valleys. The Kodia Jungle too is home to wild orchids, rich vegetation and rare species of birds and wildlife like the wild boar and musk deer. Chamba proves to be a treat to trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers alike.

2. Valley Crossing -
Seeking thrill while in the small, serene town of Kanatal? You’re in luck! Given that Kanatal offers magnificent views of valleys and the picturesque mountain ranges in the distance, valley crossing satisfies your thirst for adventure. Performed amidst trained professionals, crossing the 80 feet deep valley via a rope requires immense patience and physical prowess. If you aren’t habituated to fitness training attempt a short distance to make the most of this adventure-packed activity.

3. Rappelling -
Kanatal is high on adventure and offers way more than you can imagine. Among the many adventure sports there, another favourite is rappelling. The hilly cliffs there make rock climbing and rappelling an enjoyable activity. If you want some energy-boosting fun, you can choose to do both, but if you’re looking for something simpler, you can simply climb to the top and rappel down gently. Add some fun to it by challenging your friends or siblings to see who can descend the fastest!

4. Jungle Safari -
Kanatal’s Kodia Forest makes for a spectacular sightseeing spot, especially when experienced in a jungle safari. The forest has abundant lush greenery and plenty of rich fauna and flora to admire. Various species of birds flutter across as you make your way through the dense forest, and you’ll be lucky to spot wild boar, musk deer, and barking deer on your journey. Prepare to be awed by what lies before you because Kodia Forest is paradise for photographers as well as nature and animal lovers!

Which are the places to see in Kanatal?

1. Kodia Forest -
If you’re travelling with friends or family to Kanatal and looking for a great picnic spot, look no further. Kodia Forest isn’t just a popular trekking or safari destination, but a great spot for relaxing, too. The lush greenery, the mountains beyond and the deep valleys make for picturesque beauty. Amidst expansive vegetation lie natural springs that gurgle along the jungle trails as you make your way to the destination. Prepare to be greeted by rare wild animals and brightly coloured birds while you spend a well-rested afternoon there.

2. Tehri Lake -
At an elevation of 1700 metres, Tehri Lake is a beautiful sight to witness. This artificial dam reservoir was created to divert water from the Bhagirathi River to the reservoir, and it soon gained popularity as a boating destination among locals and tourists. With the serenity of the lake coupled with the majestic mountains in the background, you feel like you’re residing in the lap of nature.

3. New Tehri -
Being the only planned city in Uttarakhand gives New Tehri its name, since it is the most recent development near Kanatal. Home to the Tehri Dam and the Tehri Lake, formed by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, New Tehri is a beautiful place to explore. This is among the only places in Kanatal to offer an extensive range of watersports including jet skiing, which is rarely found elsewhere in Uttarakhand. Along with watersports, New Tehri is also dotted with some beautiful temples, and visual vistas, making sure it has something for everyone to enjoy!

4. Surkanda Devi Temple -
One of the oldest and unmissable sights in Kanatal is the ancient Surkanda Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed that when the Goddess died, her husband Lord Shiva, carried her corpse back to Kailash which is when her head fell off her body and fell to the spot where the temple was later built. This incident gave the temple its name, Sirkandha, which gradually came to be known as Surkanda. Pilgrims from across the country visit this temple especially during Ganga Dussehra and Navratri to witness the array of colours and lights that await! The breathtaking views of the Himalayas across and the sprawling greenery around simply adds to the beauty of this holy spot.

5. Dhanaulti -
Often called the Icy Heaven, Dhanaulti is primarily popular for a weekend getaway, especially during the winters. Perched at a height of more than 2200 metres, this pristine hill station is known for its tranquil sceneries and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Being in close proximity to frequented tourist destinations like Mussoorie, Chamba, and even Delhi, most tourists prefer taking a quick stopover here to experience the charm of Dhanaulti. In the winters, the snow-laden roads lined with rhododendron, deodar, and oak are a sight right out of a fairytale!

6. Eco Park -
Stretched out across 13 hectares of land and located at a height of 7800 metres, Eco Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Dhanaulti. Enveloped by deodar and oak trees, the park is equipped with a huge playground where kids can keep themselves entertained for hours, while adults relax on the cool green grasses. What adds to the beauty of the Eco Park is the sapling plantation tradition, where visitors can plant a sapling in memory of a loved one, adding a unique, personal touch to this beautiful location!

What is the best time to visit Kanatal?

Kanatal makes for a great holiday spot all year round, but the best time to visit it is definitely during summer (April to June) and winter (October to March).

- Summers in Kanatal are warm, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 38°C, but not humid. Being a hill station, even in the summers, the town experiences cool, moist winds making the heat easily bearable. Summers are the best time to trek through Kanatal and explore the natural beauty it has to offer.

- Winters in Kanatal are extremely cold, accompanied by snow, but that’s what makes the holiday experience delightful! A host of festivals are also celebrated during the winter months, but what stands out is the festival of Dussehra which is celebrated with full fervour. Temperatures range from 15°C and may drop to 1°C and amidst the celebrations, the town looks magnificent, wrapped in a blanket of snow!

- Monsoons are probably the least favoured season to visit Kanatal. The downpours between July to August are heavy and incessant and visibility is low, which may hamper your travel plans drastically. But if you do want to experience the lush greenery and enjoy some pleasant showers, September is a great time to visit Kanatal.

Does Kanatal have snow?

Yes, Kanatal does experience snowfall, especially between December and towards the first half of January. The picturesque hill station is hidden under a thin blanket of snow, and it is never too heavy to play spoilsport to your trip. If the main town has no snowfall, you can head to the famous Surkanda Devi Temple, where enroute your destination, you’re sure to find a good amount of snow!

How far is Kanatal from Delhi?

Kanatal is approximately 315 kms north of Delhi. The journey by car takes around 8 hours to cover, without a halt. By flight the journey is barely 45 minutes to an hour.

How to reach Kanatal?

- By Air:
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport, only 32 kms away from Kanatal. The airport is well connected to many major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and others. On reaching Dehradun, you can book a cab right outside the airport and proceed to your destination.

- By Rail:
The two railways stations closest to Kanatal are Rishikesh which is 75 kms away, and Dehradun which is 85 kms away. You may book a taxi from the station, or for a more reasonable option, you may take the bus and arrive at Kanatal within 3-4 hours.

- By Road:
Kanatal’s road network is well maintained and well connected to many major towns and cities. From the more popularly known locations, you can travel to Kanatal via state-owned buses or private buses, both plying frequently. You can also book a private car or taxi to drive to and from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Chamba, Mussoorie and others.

What is Kanatal famous for?

Kanatal is famous for plenty of things, some of these being the scenic valleys and the view of the Himalayas. There are forests and eco-parks, historic Hindu temples, lakes and dams which is what brings travellers from near and far. Trekking, camping, and jet-skiing are some of the many activities Kanatal is famous for, and most importantly being a winter wonderland, it is a favoured getaway choice among many!

Kanatal Reviews

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Ketankumar Kantilal
Reviewed: 20 Mar 2021
4.0/5
Really an ideal location for ensuring absolute peace of mind and soul is Mussoorie. Visited some of the famous places like Tapkeshwar temple, Robber’s cave, Malsi deer park, and the mindrolling monastery. Also didn’t miss the chance to check out the various items on display in the famous Bazar Palta... Read More
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Aslesha Talwar
Reviewed: 26 Feb 2020
5.0/5
From picked-up to dropped-off was exactly as we requested, Enjoyable and safe transfer really this service deserved a full score
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Hiranya Shukla
Reviewed: 16 Feb 2020
5.0/5
The best part about booking this with Thrillophilia is that you get to choose the car in which you want to travel according to your preferences. The car has a comfortable sitting and has seat covers too with a good scent. Thanks, Thrillophilia for providing us with the well-maintained car.
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Leela Gill
Reviewed: 16 Feb 2020
5.0/5
The best of the view of the snow-capped mountains can be seen from Kanatal. The visit to Chamba was extremely amazing as the mountains look just breathtaking from this spot and for a nature lover it is a heaven view.
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Aslesha Talwar
Reviewed: 15 Feb 2020
5.0/5
This trip was the most peaceful day we spent during our trip to Uttarakhand. All the places covered in this trip were really beautiful.
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Gotum Chattopadhyay
Reviewed: 15 Feb 2020
4.0/5
The route is covered with lush greenery and completely beautiful views which can be best seen in a car only with some light music.

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