If discovering forest trails, dining by streams and chasing mountain goats across velvety-soft grassland is your idea of a holiday, then there is no better place than Kanatal. This quaint hill station in Uttarakhand allows visitors to get close to nature and embrace the off-grid life if they want to. The town has numerous apple orchards, friendly people and serpentine roads that wind among fragrant pine, deodar and rhododendron forests. While the best time to visit is from April to October, if you dream of an escape into the mountains, Kanatal is the place for all seasons (and a snowy wonderland come winter).
According to various myths and traditions, there are 51 pieces of the Goddess Sati's body scattered across the Indian subcontinent. These places are called shakti peethas, and the Surkanda Devi Temple is one among them. Lying at 2,756 metres above sea level, this temple attracts many devotees looking to pay their respects to the goddess. The temple’s surroundings are enchanting as dense forests enclose it and afford a scenic view of the region, including the Himalayas to the north and cities like Dehradun and Rishikesh to its south. The celebrations of the Ganga Dussehra festival between May and June attract a lot of people, who typically use the ropeway system to get to the temple. If you are in no rush, consider getting there by foot.
Formed by the construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River, this lake is a popular boating destination for travellers looking to unwind in relaxed surroundings. Those with a more adventurous bent of mind are also catered to, with jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), river rafting, banana boat rides and more activities to do here.
The serene Kodia (also spelt “Kaudia”) Forest is a popular picnic spot with grand views and several natural springs. You can bird watch, embark on hikes and finesse your nature photography skills here. Visitors can also explore the forest by opting for a jeep safari from Kanatal to Kodia with prior permission. This ride will introduce you to the wildlife that inhabits the forest, like musk deer, barking deer, wild boar, goral, etc.
Offering some of the best camping experiences in Uttarakhand, Kanatal is one of the top places to enjoy mesmerising starry nights. With oak, pine and deodar trees for company, spending a night under the star-studded sky is an exhilarating experience for city dwellers who are long used to smoggy skies and the din of traffic. There are numerous campgrounds for visitors to stay in, such as Camping Carnival, the Kanatal Majestic Camp, the Kanatal Glamping Facilities, Camp O Baramasa and more.
Kanatal lends itself very well to hiking and nature walking experiences. There are thick forests like Kodia that hum with a soothing silence in all types of weather. Just venture off the beaten track and you will soon experience the benefits of shinrin-yoku (Japanese for "forest bathing"). The trek into Kodia begins with a narrow dirt track and unfolds into a plateau, leading to forests, undulating hills and spectacular views of the valley below.
Once you’ve had your fill of Tehri Lake, visit New Tehri, the well-planned town that abuts it. The city, which is only 29 kilometres from Kanatal, offers scenic views and a cool atmosphere that gets one into vacation mode. Its vast market is the best place to go on a shopping trip for souvenirs. Another town you should consider visiting is Dhanaulti, which is 16 kilometres from Kanatal. This hill station has two eco parks located about 200 metres apart—Amber and Dhara. The parks are spread over 13 hectares of deodar and oak forest, are well-maintained, and are perfect places for nature lovers as well as adventurous tourists who can enjoy rappelling and ziplining experiences there.
Kanatal’s rugged and rocky terrain, steep cliffs, and difficult routes offer climbing possibilities for all skill levels, from novices to experts. To enjoy the experience in full, work with knowledgeable guides and be well-equipped with safety gear. Trying out adventure sports is great fun and a good way to build a deeper engagement with the natural landscape.
Besides the campgrounds, consider stays at the Hotel La Riqueza, the Owl’s Nest Homestay, The Bugyal, the Club Mahindra Resort, The Hermitage Kanatal and the Green View Resort.
Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun or the train to Dehradun Terminal Railway Station (DDN). From there, take a bus or taxi via the Mussoorie-Chamba Road to Kanatal which is approximately 70 kilometres away. Buses and taxis are also available from major destinations in Uttarakhand, such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Tehri, Chamba and Mussoorie.
The best time to visit Kanatal is from March to June and September to November. During the summer months (March to June), the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and nature walks. The post-monsoon period (September to November) offers clear skies and vibrant landscapes, perfect for exploring the region's scenic beauty. Winters (December to February) bring snow, attracting adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a winter wonderland. However, it can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, so warm clothing is recommended.
