Spiritual Trails To Camping: 5 Things To Do In Kanatal

Surrounded by sun-kissed peaks and lush coniferous trees, Kanatal retains its unspoiled charm. It is the perfect destination for those looking for a quiet getaway
Take long walks and go on hikes in Kanatal
Take long walks and go on hikes in KanatalShakti om/Shutterstock

If you long for serene days in a secluded mountain spot, consider Kanatal. Situated close to the popular hill station of Mussoorie, Kanatal provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and escape the chaos of city life. Nestled in the serene landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas, the delightful hill station of Kanatal offers a perfect escape for weekend travellers seeking tranquility. Surrounded by sun-kissed peaks and lush coniferous trees, Kanatal retains its unspoiled charm. Sitting at an altitude of 8,500 feet on the Mussoorie-Chamba road, it is located about 15 km from Chamba on the winding road to Dhanaulti, Mussoorie, and finally Dehradun. Here is a guide to a tranquil holiday in Kanatal.

Immerse In Nature

This charming mountain destination boasts stunning views, lush pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests and loads of hiking trails. Kanatal offers some of the best walks, with its forests providing a serene escape from the city. Kanatal is enchanting with its dense woods and abundance of moss and lichen. Venture off the road, and within two minutes, you'll find yourself surrounded by thick forests where sunlight struggles to filter through. The area is rich with birds, butterflies, and a soothing silence, and during the monsoon season, numerous brooks and streams come to life.

Visit Surkanda Devi Temple

The striking architecture of Surkanda Devi Temple
The striking architecture of Surkanda Devi TempleOm_Joshi/Shutterstock

Located at an altitude of around 2,756 metres in the midst of serene and dense forests, this magnificent temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati, and renowned for its timeless 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, this temple is also an ideal starting point for a scenic trek.

Hike Through Kaudia Forest

Located approximately 5 km from Kanatal, the serene Kaudia forest can be easily accessed via a simple trek. This popular picnic spot provides magnificent views and is also a well-liked hiking trail. A leisurely 6 km walk unveils dense forests giving way to expansive undulating hills and valleys. The trek commences with a narrow dirt track and progresses into a plateau, leading to breathtaking vistas of the valley below, and several natural springs.

Walk To Dhanaulti

The Dhanaulti Eco Park is a famous tourist attraction
The Dhanaulti Eco Park is a famous tourist attractionmrinalpal/Shutterstock

This scenic hill station is located about a half an hour from Kanatal. Positioned at an elevation of 2,250 meters, Dhanaulti offers numerous activities for travelers. Visit the Dhanaulti Eco Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll among the majestic oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees. The park is open from sunrise to 6 pm every day of the week. One of the prominent attractions in Dhanaulti is the 16th-century Deogarh Fort. This historical marvel features a variety of stunning murals and Jain Temples that depict the tales of a bygone era.

Camping Out

Discover the numerous camping sites in and around Kanatal offering a memorable stay amid nature. Immerse yourself in the beauty of dense pine, long wooded slopes of deodar, pine, oak, and rhododendron forests. The comfortable tents provide overnight accommodations, with electricity and power backup for your peace of mind.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Kanatal is from April to October. If you want to see snow, go there from December to February.

Getting There

Kanatal is a charming village in the heart of Uttarakhand, India. Just 78 km from Dehradun, 38 km from Mussoorie, and 12 km from Chamba, Kanatal is conveniently located on the Chamba-Mussoorie road, making it easily accessible from Delhi, which is only 300 km away. The closest airport and railhead to Kanatal is in Dehradun. Kanatal is 78.2 km from Dehradun. Along the way, you can also visit Mussoorie and Dhanaulti.

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