Kanatal Uttarakhand: “A list of things to do”

If you long for peaceful days in a quiet mountain spot, consider visiting Kanatal Uttarakhand. Close to the popular hill station of Mussoorie, Kanatal offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature and escape city chaos.

Kanatal lies  in the serene Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand state of India. It is a charming hill station is perfect for weekend travelers seeking tranquility.   Located at an altitude of 8,500 feet on the Mussoorie-Chamba road, it is about 15 km from Chamba, on the way to Dhanaulti, Mussoorie, and Dehradun. Here is a guide to enjoying a peaceful holiday in Kanatal Uttarakhand.

Flora and Fauna

Immerse yourself in nature at this charming mountain destination, where stunning views and lush forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron await. Kanatal Uttarakhand  is a hiker’s paradise, offering some of the best trails that provide a serene escape from city life.

The dense woods of Kanatal are enchanting, filled with an abundance of moss and lichen. Just a short venture off the road, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by thick forests where sunlight barely filters through. The area teems with birds and butterflies, and the soothing silence is only interrupted by the sounds of nature. During the monsoon season, numerous brooks and streams come to life, adding to the magical atmosphere of this idyllic retreat.

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Things to do in Kanatal Uttarakhand

Visit Surkanda Devi Temple

Perched at an altitude of around 2,756 meters amidst serene and dense forests, the Surkanda Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is renowned for its striking architecture. According to mythology, this sacred site marks the place where the head of Goddess Sati fell, making it one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. Nestled amidst breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the temple also serves as an ideal starting point for a scenic trek.

Hike Through Kaudia Forest

Located approximately 5 km from Kanatal, the tranquil Kaudia Forest is easily accessible via a simple trek. This popular picnic spot offers magnificent views and is a favored hiking trail. A leisurely 6 km walk through the forest reveals dense woodlands giving way to expansive, undulating hills and valleys. The trek begins on a narrow dirt track and progresses onto a plateau, leading to breathtaking vistas of the valley below and several natural springs.

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Walk to Dhanaulti

Just a half-hour drive from Kanatal, the scenic hill station of Dhanaulti is situated at an elevation of 2,250 meters. Dhanaulti offers numerous activities for travelers, including a visit to the Dhanaulti Eco Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll among majestic oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees.

The park is open from sunrise to 6 pm every day. Another prominent attraction in Dhanaulti is the 16th-century Deogarh Fort, featuring stunning murals and Jain Temples that depict the tales of a bygone era.

Camping Out

Explore the numerous camping sites in and around Kanatal for a memorable stay amidst nature. Immerse yourself in the beauty of dense pine forests and the long wooded slopes of deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees. Comfortable tents provide overnight accommodations with electricity and power backup, ensuring a peaceful and pleasant camping experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kanatal is from April to October. For those who wish to see snow, December to February is the ideal time to go.

Getting There

Kanatal is a charming village in the heart of Uttarakhand, India. It is conveniently located just 78 km from Dehradun, 38 km from Mussoorie, and  Kanatal to Chamba Uttarakhand is 12 km by road , along the Chamba-Mussoorie road. This makes it easily accessible from Delhi, which is only 300 km away. The nearest airport and railway station to Kanatal are in Dehradun. While traveling to Kanatal, you can also visit Mussoorie and Dhanaulti along the way.