Everything You Wanted to Know About KANATAL UTTARAKHAND
Kanatal Uttarakhand
The charming hill station of Kanatal is located in the picturesque setting of the Garhwal Himalayas. The place is encircled by sun-kissed peaks and velvety coniferous trees, and Kanatal still remains relatively unexplored. The hamlet of Kanatal is perched at an elevation of 2590 meters above sea level on Mussoorie-Chamba road. It is a perfect winter destination as it snows here and is also an ideal place for camping. Kanatal is around 78 km from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand.
The Hill station is known for its serene and tranquil environment, lush greenery, and beautiful views of the Himalayas. It is also known for its adventure activities such as trekking, camping, rock climbing, and rappelling. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Kanatal include Surkanda Devi Temple, Kodia Jungle, Tehri Dam, Chamba, and Dhanaulti. Visitors can also enjoy nature walks and bird watching in the surrounding forests.
Geography and Geology
Tehri Garhwal district comprises two broad physiographic divisions -the Central Himalayan Zone exposed in the northeastern part and the Lesser Himalayan Zone in the rest of the area. The physiography of the district is Characterised by high mountain peaks, deep gorges and valleys. A major part of the area is inaccessible due to extremely rugged topography and dense forest cover. The geological setup is very complex due to the repeated tectonic disturbances caused by different orogenic cycles.
A group of regionally metamorphosed rocks known as Central Crystallines are exposed in the Central Himalaya. The Central Crystallines occur as thrust sheets over the metasedimentary and sedimentary rocks of Lesser Himalaya in varied tectonic settings. Major rock types of Central Crystallines are migmatites, psammitic and mica gneiss, calc gneiss, quartzite, marble, mica schist and amphibolite.
Kanatal weather
Kanatal weather is generally pleasant throughout the year. In the summer months (April to June), the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, while in the winter months (November to February), the temperature can drop to as low as 0°C or below. Monsoon season in Kanatal typically lasts from July to September, and the area can receive moderate to heavy rainfall during this time. It is always recommended to check the latest weather forecast before planning a trip to Kanatal.
Places to visit in Kanatal
Kanatal offers many exciting places to visit. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Kanatal are-
Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the town of Kaddukhal, near Kanatal. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and the temple is situated at an altitude of around 2,750 meters above sea level. The temple is surrounded by beautiful views of the Himalayas and dense forests, making it a popular tourist attraction in the area.
To reach the temple, one has to trek around 2 km uphill from the Kaddukhal town. The trek is easy to moderate and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The trek passes through dense forests and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. According to the legend, the temple is said to be the site where Goddess Sati’s head fell after Lord Shiva’s Tandav dance.
Also read- Khirsu- A Scenic Offbeat Destination in Uttarakhand
Kodia Jungle
Kodia Jungle is a dense forest located in the Kanatal. The forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The forest is spread over an area of around 10,000 hectares and is situated at an altitude of around 2000 meters above sea level.
The forest is known for its beautiful landscape, with tall trees, flowing streams, and diverse wildlife. The forest is home to a wide variety of animals, including leopards, musk deer, wild boars, barking deer, and several species of birds.
The forest is a great place for trekking, camping, and nature walks. There are several trekking routes in the forest that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the beautiful landscape. The forest also has several camping sites where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and indulge in adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and more.
Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is a hydroelectric dam located on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal district. The dam is one of the tallest dams in the world, with a height of around 260 meters and a length of around 575 meters. It is a multi-purpose project that generates electricity, provides irrigation water, and helps control floods.
The construction of the dam began in 1978 and was completed in 2006. The dam has a total installed capacity of around 2400 MW, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in India. The dam is also a major tourist attraction, with several viewpoints offering stunning views of the dam and the surrounding landscape.
Tourists can visit the dam and take a tour of the power station to learn about its history, construction, and functioning. There are also several adventure activities that you can enjoy near the dam, like river rafting, kayaking, and more. The dam is located around 100 km from Rishikesh and can be easily reached by road.
New Tehri
New Tehri is a modern town situated in the Tehri Garhwal, is the administrative headquarters of the district. The town was established in the late 20th century after the construction of the Tehri Dam, which resulted in the relocation of the old town of Tehri.
New Tehri is a planned town with well-designed roads and infrastructure. The town is divided into different sectors, each with its own markets, hospitals, and schools. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Bhagirathi River.
Tourists can visit New Tehri to explore the town’s modern architecture and take a tour of the Tehri Dam. There are several viewpoints in the town that offer panoramic views of the dam and the surrounding landscape. The town is also a popular destination for adventure activities like river rafting, kayaking, and trekking.
Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a small town located at an altitude of around 2250 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees. The town is known for its scenic beauty, serene surroundings, and adventure activities.
Dhanaulti is a popular tourist destination that offers several attractions to visitors. One of the main attractions is the Eco Park, which is a beautiful park with a wide range of flora and fauna. The park has several walking trails, a children’s play area, and a herbal garden. Another popular attraction is the Surkanda Devi Temple, which is located nearby and is a significant pilgrimage site in the region.
Dhanaulti is also a popular destination for adventure activities like trekking, camping, and rock climbing. There are several trekking routes that lead to beautiful mountain peaks and remote villages. The town also has several camping sites that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Chamba
Chamba is a small town located at an altitude of around 1600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. The town is known for its ancient temples, natural beauty, and peaceful surroundings.
Chamba is famous for the Surkanda Devi Temple, which is situated on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region.
Apart from the Surkanda Devi Temple, Chamba is also known for its beautiful apple orchards, which produce some of the best quality apples in the region. The town is also a popular destination for trekking and camping, with several trekking routes leading to beautiful mountain peaks and remote villages.
Kanatal Adventure Park
Kanatal Adventure Park is a popular adventure park situated in Kanatal. The park offers a wide range of adventure activities for visitors of all ages, including ziplining, rock climbing, rappelling, and more. One of the main attractions of the Kanatal Adventure Park is the zipline, which is the longest zipline in Uttarakhand. Visitors can experience the thrill of flying over the lush green hills and valleys of Kanatal while enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The park also has a rock climbing wall that offers an exciting challenge to adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can test their strength and endurance as they climb the wall, which is equipped with all necessary safety equipment.
In addition to ziplining and rock climbing, the Kanatal Adventure Park also offers other adventure activities like rappelling, valley crossing, and rope courses. There are several packages available, depending on the number of activities and the duration of the visit.
Things to do in Kanatal
Kanatal is a picturesque hill station offers plenty of exciting things to do. Some of the popular activities and experiences to try in Kanatal are- Trekking: Kanatal is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. You can embark on various trekking trails that offer stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, dense forests, and waterfalls. Nature Walks: Kanatal is surrounded by lush green forests, and nature walks are a great way to explore the natural beauty of the place.
Sightseeing: Kanatal has many popular tourist attractions like Surkanda Devi Temple, Tehri Dam, and Kodia Jungle, which are worth visiting. Photography: Kanatal is a great place for photography enthusiasts. You can capture the stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, dense forests, and wildlife. Relaxation: Kanatal is a great place to relax and unwind amidst the natural beauty of the place. You can indulge in various spa therapies, yoga, and meditation.
Kanatal camping
Camping is one of the most popular activities in the Kanatal. There are several camping sites in Kanatal that offer a unique camping experience amidst the beautiful surroundings of the region. Most camping sites in Kanatal offer comfortable tents equipped with all necessary amenities, including comfortable beds, blankets, and pillows. The campsites also have clean and hygienic toilets and washrooms.
One of the main attractions of camping in Kanatal is the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of the region. Visitors can go on nature walks, trekking, and explore the nearby villages. The region is known for its scenic beauty, with lush green forests, meadows, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Camp Carnival-Camp Carnival is a popular camping site in Kanatal. The campsite offers a unique camping experience amidst the beautiful surroundings of Kanatal, with comfortable tents, delicious food, and a range of activities for visitors. The campsite is situated amidst dense forests of deodar trees, and visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Himalayas and the valley below.
Kanatal Resort
Kanatal has many resorts to choose from. Some of the best are-
The Terraces Resort: The Terraces is a luxury boutique resort located in the heart of Kanatal. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, comfortable accommodation, and modern amenities like an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant. Camp Little Jaguar: This is a camping resort located in the heart of nature. It offers comfortable Swiss tents and various adventure activities like trekking, bonfire, and more.
Club Mahindra Kanatal: This is a popular resort located in Kanatal that offers comfortable accommodation, modern amenities like an indoor pool, a spa, a gym, and various activities like cycling, trekking, and more. Himalayan Eco Lodges and Camps: This is a popular resort located in Kanatal that offers comfortable accommodation in Swiss tents and cottages. It offers various adventure activities like trekking, camping, rock climbing, and more.
The Terraces Kanatal
The Terraces Kanatal is a luxury boutique resort located in the picturesque hill station of Kanatal. The resort is nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and majestic mountain peaks. The Terraces Kanatal offers comfortable and luxurious accommodation in the form of rooms, suites, and cottages. Each room is beautifully designed and decorated with modern amenities like LCD TV, air conditioning, and heating, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar, and more.
Delhi to Kanatal
Kanatal is located at a distance of around 320 km from Delhi. The nearest airport to Kanatal is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located around 92 km from Kanatal. You can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun and then hire a taxi or a private car to reach Kanatal. The nearest railway station to Kanatal is Dehradun Railway Station, which is located around 75 km from Kanatal. There are several buses that run between Delhi and Kanatal. You can take a state transport or a private bus from Delhi to Kanatal. The journey takes around 9-10 hours.
