Kanatal
beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand
The beautiful hill station situated 35 kms from Mussoorie, Kanatal, is located at an altitude of over 8000 ft above sea level. Kanatal is a small hamlet that is perfect to rejuvenate mind and soul especially when one wants to break the monotony of daily life. Located on Rishikesh-Chamba-Mussoorie highway the place is 300 km from Delhi and can be approached via this route or the Delhi-Dehradun-Dhanolti route. It offers a spectacular view of the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas and lush green forests. Kanatal is a beautiful paradise that greets visitors with the hospitality only heard of and never experienced.
Kanatal was a lake which mysteriously died. The scenic beauty of this place showers us with peace and tranquility. Do meditation and yoga in the untouched, untamed and totally undefined beauty of nature.
How to Reach Kanatal
Kanatal by Air Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun is 59kms away from Mussoorie. Indian Airlines operates regular flights to Dehradun.
Kanatal by railways
The nearest railhead is at Dehradun which receives trains from Delhi and other big cities and towns. There is a Delhi - Dehradun Shatabdi train also which is most convenient and takes aboput 5 and half hours from Delhi and vice versa. From the staion here a regular bus service plies to Mussoorie as do taxis.
Kanatal by Road
Kanatal is well connected by road. From Delhi it is 300 Km.
Best Time to Visit Kanatal
Kanatal is an all year round destination. The peak tourist season is in summer, from May to July, when the temperature is around 10-25 degrees. The town tends to get overcrowded at this time. Mid-season around Christmas and October-November are good times to visit. Visitors throng this part of the country between December and February to experience the thrills of a snow-white winter.
Eating Out in Kanatal
There are no fast food joints in this place. The only restaurants in Kanatal are in the resort and hotels. These restaurants serve mostly multi-cuisine or north Indian food.
Festivals and Events in Kanatal
Dussehra is one of the major festivals in Kanatal. It is a 10-day festival celebrated in the month of October. During this festival, various fairs and events are organised. This festival marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. On the tenth day, effigies of Ravana are burnt with pomp and fanfare.
Shopping in Kanatal
There is not much scope for shopping in Kanatal. There are local shops selling rhododendron juice made from rhododendron flowers. Rhododendron juice has several health benefits.
There are many orchards in Kanatal. Include fresh apple jam to your shopping list.
Activities in Kanatal
Trekking, hiking and nature walks are some of the activities in Kanatal that you may enjoy here. The hilly terrains of Kanatal offer interesting options to adventure enthusiasts for trekking and hiking.
However, you can indulge in this sport in summer season. If you have gone there in a group, indulge in camping for a memorable experience.
Nature walks can be a great option for nature lovers. Explore the rich and varied flora and fauna of Kanatal, as you walk through the woods. Early morning and evening would be an ideal time for enjoying the beauty of this hill station.
Things to do in Kanatal
Kanatal offers a good range of things to do and see. Take a walk through the blossoming green pastures, enjoy a picnic lunch, laze in the sun or just sit back and relax. The adventurous can further explore the scenic beauty of this little peaceful hamlet through the various trek trails in the region. You can also take a trip to Dhanaulti for longer treks or you can head to Chamba for some relaxation and unwinding. Kanatal with its picturesque beauty is an idyllic holiday destination to break free from the tedious city life.
Sightseeing in Kanatal
Sightseeing in Kanatal offers perfect scenic spots like Surkhanda Devi Temple, Kodia Jungle and Tehri Dam. Wildlife enthusiast and nature lovers can check out the Kodia Jungle. A leveled walk of 7 to 8 kms will see dense forests, suddenly opening up into a vast expanse of undulating hills and valleys. Tiny, gurgling natural springs come along the way. You can also take a jeep safari to explore this jungle.
If you are lucky you could spot Kakar (Barking Deer), wild boar ghorals and deer. A wide variety of birds can be seen and heard and medicinal plants abound.
Religiously inclined can visit Surkanda Devi temple that is 8 kms on the road towards Mussoorie to Kaddukhal, you have a 2 kms trek on foot to the little temple at a height of 9995 feet. This temple is dedicated to Shankar's consort Sati Ji. Legend has it that Shankar brought her dead body here on his trishul from Hardwar. You get a 360 degree view from the top of the temple. Ponies are available in case you do not feel like trekking up.
The famous Tehri Dam at New Tehri merits a visit. This dam is built on the confluence of River Bhagirathi and Bhilangna. While at New Tehri, also visit the Pant Research Institute where various kinds of fruits and plants are grown.
Places Near Kanatal
Tourist places near Kanatal are Dhanaulti, that is 12 kms away from Kanatal has unspoilt beauty. Visit the hill station for its quiet long treks and to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature. Chamba, 16 kms away from Kanatal is an untouched hamlet. The place is peaceful and is perfect to relax and unwind.
Mussoorie, 37 kms away from Kanatal is a well known tourist spot. You can witness hordes of tourist in Mussoorie because of its popular Kempty Falls and Mall Road.
