Kanatal

1. Trekking -
Kanatal has umpteen places to trek to, each varying in difficulty and distance.. Beginners can trek to the historic Surkanda Devi Temple 2 kms away, or the Batwaldar Forest, 10 kms away. The more experienced trekkers can head to Dhanaulti or Rani Chauri Forest which are around 20 kms away from the town. But Chamba is undoubtedly a favourite trekking destination among all. The 5-6 kms trek to Kodia Jungle, between Kanatal and Chamba, is an adventurous experience as you make your way through the jungle trails that allure you with their surreal views of hills and valleys. The Kodia Jungle too is home to wild orchids, rich vegetation and rare species of birds and wildlife like the wild boar and musk deer. Chamba proves to be a treat to trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers alike.

2. Valley Crossing -
Seeking thrill while in the small, serene town of Kanatal? You’re in luck! Given that Kanatal offers magnificent views of valleys and the picturesque mountain ranges in the distance, valley crossing satisfies your thirst for adventure. Performed amidst trained professionals, crossing the 80 feet deep valley via a rope requires immense patience and physical prowess. If you aren’t habituated to fitness training attempt a short distance to make the most of this adventure-packed activity.

3. Rappelling -
Kanatal is high on adventure and offers way more than you can imagine. Among the many adventure sports there, another favourite is rappelling. The hilly cliffs there make rock climbing and rappelling an enjoyable activity. If you want some energy-boosting fun, you can choose to do both, but if you’re looking for something simpler, you can simply climb to the top and rappel down gently. Add some fun to it by challenging your friends or siblings to see who can descend the fastest!

4. Jungle Safari -
Kanatal’s Kodia Forest makes for a spectacular sightseeing spot, especially when experienced in a jungle safari. The forest has abundant lush greenery and plenty of rich fauna and flora to admire. Various species of birds flutter across as you make your way through the dense forest, and you’ll be lucky to spot wild boar, musk deer, and barking deer on your journey. Prepare to be awed by what lies before you because Kodia Forest is paradise for photographers as well as nature and animal lovers!

1. Kodia Forest -
If you’re travelling with friends or family to Kanatal and looking for a great picnic spot, look no further. Kodia Forest isn’t just a popular trekking or safari destination, but a great spot for relaxing, too. The lush greenery, the mountains beyond and the deep valleys make for picturesque beauty. Amidst expansive vegetation lie natural springs that gurgle along the jungle trails as you make your way to the destination. Prepare to be greeted by rare wild animals and brightly coloured birds while you spend a well-rested afternoon there.

2. Tehri Lake -
At an elevation of 1700 metres, Tehri Lake is a beautiful sight to witness. This artificial dam reservoir was created to divert water from the Bhagirathi River to the reservoir, and it soon gained popularity as a boating destination among locals and tourists. With the serenity of the lake coupled with the majestic mountains in the background, you feel like you’re residing in the lap of nature.

3. New Tehri -
Being the only planned city in Uttarakhand gives New Tehri its name, since it is the most recent development near Kanatal. Home to the Tehri Dam and the Tehri Lake, formed by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, New Tehri is a beautiful place to explore. This is among the only places in Kanatal to offer an extensive range of watersports including jet skiing, which is rarely found elsewhere in Uttarakhand. Along with watersports, New Tehri is also dotted with some beautiful temples, and visual vistas, making sure it has something for everyone to enjoy!

4. Surkanda Devi Temple -
One of the oldest and unmissable sights in Kanatal is the ancient Surkanda Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed that when the Goddess died, her husband Lord Shiva, carried her corpse back to Kailash which is when her head fell off her body and fell to the spot where the temple was later built. This incident gave the temple its name, Sirkandha, which gradually came to be known as Surkanda. Pilgrims from across the country visit this temple especially during Ganga Dussehra and Navratri to witness the array of colours and lights that await! The breathtaking views of the Himalayas across and the sprawling greenery around simply adds to the beauty of this holy spot.

5. Dhanaulti -
Often called the Icy Heaven, Dhanaulti is primarily popular for a weekend getaway, especially during the winters. Perched at a height of more than 2200 metres, this pristine hill station is known for its tranquil sceneries and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Being in close proximity to frequented tourist destinations like Mussoorie, Chamba, and even Delhi, most tourists prefer taking a quick stopover here to experience the charm of Dhanaulti. In the winters, the snow-laden roads lined with rhododendron, deodar, and oak are a sight right out of a fairytale!

6. Eco Park -
Stretched out across 13 hectares of land and located at a height of 7800 metres, Eco Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Dhanaulti. Enveloped by deodar and oak trees, the park is equipped with a huge playground where kids can keep themselves entertained for hours, while adults relax on the cool green grasses. What adds to the beauty of the Eco Park is the sapling plantation tradition, where visitors can plant a sapling in memory of a loved one, adding a unique, personal touch to this beautiful location!

Kanatal makes for a great holiday spot all year round, but the best time to visit it is definitely during summer (April to June) and winter (October to March).

- Summers in Kanatal are warm, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 38°C, but not humid. Being a hill station, even in the summers, the town experiences cool, moist winds making the heat easily bearable. Summers are the best time to trek through Kanatal and explore the natural beauty it has to offer.

- Winters in Kanatal are extremely cold, accompanied by snow, but that’s what makes the holiday experience delightful! A host of festivals are also celebrated during the winter months, but what stands out is the festival of Dussehra which is celebrated with full fervour. Temperatures range from 15°C and may drop to 1°C and amidst the celebrations, the town looks magnificent, wrapped in a blanket of snow!

- Monsoons are probably the least favoured season to visit Kanatal. The downpours between July to August are heavy and incessant and visibility is low, which may hamper your travel plans drastically. But if you do want to experience the lush greenery and enjoy some pleasant showers, September is a great time to visit Kanatal.

- By Air:
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport, only 32 kms away from Kanatal. The airport is well connected to many major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and others. On reaching Dehradun, you can book a cab right outside the airport and proceed to your destination.

- By Rail:
The two railways stations closest to Kanatal are Rishikesh which is 75 kms away, and Dehradun which is 85 kms away. You may book a taxi from the station, or for a more reasonable option, you may take the bus and arrive at Kanatal within 3-4 hours.

- By Road:
Kanatal’s road network is well maintained and well connected to many major towns and cities. From the more popularly known locations, you can travel to Kanatal via state-owned buses or private buses, both plying frequently. You can also book a private car or taxi to drive to and from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Chamba, Mussoorie and others.