A Comprehensive Guide to Kanatal, Uttarakhand's Offbeat Destination to visiting Kanatal

A Comprehensive Guide to Kanatal, Uttarakhand’s Offbeat Destination

September 7, 2023

Himalaya Shelter Admin

Kanatal, “ Kana ( meaning one-eyed), and Taal/Tal ( meaning the Lake) get their names from the now dried-up but once abundantly surplus lake in the North Indian State of Uttarakhand. Accessible from Major tourist destinations in North India, including Delhi (360 km), Dehradun (78.2 km), and Rishikesh (82.1 km), Kanatal has become an excellent choice for a quick escape in the Lap of Mother Nature. Summers in Kanatal witness a temperature range of 10 to 20 degrees, which drops to 5-10 degrees during the winter months. The January and February months are the coldest, along with some heavy snowfall.

Located at an Altitude of 2600 m, Kanatal offers a varied range of activities for all age groups. One can trek the pine forest trails in Kodia Jungle, Climb some rocky terrain over the mountains, and for adventure junkies, rappelling, Zip-lining and adventure water sports are some options to choose from. With habitat for wild orchids and thick vegetation, the jungle trails are blessed with amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The Kaudai Jungle is also a treat for wildlife lovers. Come here to spot a wide range of birds and animals, including species like wild boar, musk deer, kakar, and ghoral. For those looking to experience the culture of Kanatal, some must-go places include the Surkanda Devi Temple, which is dedicated to God Sati and can be accessed by a comfortable trek of 2 km. One can spend the second half of the day exploring nearby areas, especially in winter, including Chamba and Dhanaulti, for picturesque scenery. Don’t miss the sunset!

Kanatal – A descriptive video.

History of Kanatal

Kanatal is an exemplary weekend getaway in Uttarakhand, North India. It is believed that a few decades ago there used to be a lake here that is now dried up, and hence this small village is named Kanataal, which means “one-eyed lake in Hindi”. This place is not overcrowded, so if you are looking to take a break from your city life and want to spend your valuable time in the lapse of Mother Nature, this place would be a superlative option for a happy weekend trip. Kanatal has an average elevation of about 2600m (8700 ft).

How to Reach Kanatal:

Snow Capped Himalayan Mountains (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Kanatal is connected by road with all major routes from Delhi.

Delhi: The distance from Kanatal to Delhi is around 360 km, and this place is connected by roads from major cities like Dehradun and Rishikesh.

Dehradun: It is 78.2 km. from Dehradun and will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach this picturesque place. En route, you will get a chance to visit Mussoorie and Dhanaulti.

Rishikesh: It is 82.1 km. from Rishikesh and will take around 3 hours to reach any of your campsites. En route, you will get a chance to visit Chamba and Tehri.

Spectacular Views of Bandarpunch Mountain Range
(Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Kanatal (Climate) Temperature (Climate):

Mesmerising Sunset Views (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

The climate in Kanatal varies from season to season. The temperature in summer is around 10–20 degrees Celsius and 5–10 degrees Celsius in winter. The location faces heavy snowfall and road blockages during January and February.

Tourist Places to Visit in Kanatal:

Surkanda Devi Temple
Tehri Dam, one of the tallest dams in India
Kodia Jungle
New Tehri, is an excellent place to savor local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.
Dhanaulti, famous for its eco-parks and dense forests
Tehri Lake Adventure
Chamba, known for its charming architecture and serene environment
Kunjapuri Temple, situated atop a hill
Kanatal Eco Park

Things to Do in and Around Kanatal:

1. Sarkunda Devi:

Surkanda Devi Temple (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Sarkunda Start your holiday with some sightseeing in Kanatal. You can visit the Surkanda Devi Temple, which is about 5 kilometres from the city center. It is dedicated to God Sati and can be accessed by a comfortable trek of 2 km. You can also visit Tehri Dam, another popular tourist attraction in Kanatal. Spend the second half of your day exploring nearby areas of other places to visit in Uttarakhand in winter, including Chamba and Dhanaulti, for picturesque scenery. Don’t miss the sunset!

Surkanda Devi Temple History (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

2. Kodia Jungle:

Kodia Jungle in Kanatal is a perfect place for trekking and nature walks. Trekking for 7-8 km en route to Chamba is one of the most adventurous things to do in Kanatal. With a habitat for wild orchids and thick vegetation, the jungle trails are blessed with amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Kodia jungle is also a treat for wildlife lovers. Come here to spot a wide range of birds and animals, including species like wild boar, musk deer, kakar, and ghoral.

Kanatal and Surrounding in Winter (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

3. Valley Crossing:

Thanks to the amazing, picturesque valleys, valley crossing is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Kanatal. This rope activity is a popular tourist attraction that requires a lot of patience and physical fitness. However, it is performed under professional guidance. A valley crossing involves crossing an 80-foot-deep valley by pulling a rope. If you are a first-timer, go for a shorter distance crossing.

Charges: INR 300 per person for 15–20 minutes activity

Divine View of Himalayas (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

4. Thuner Day Trek:

The beautiful Thuner Day Trek starts from a sacred shrine Vijay Milan Math (Dev Darshani). You can choose to pay a visit to the math and seek the blessings of the Almighty. The Trail passes through the beautiful pine forests. These Pine forests remain lush green in the monsoons and early summer and get covered in snow in peak winters. You will be able to see the spectacular views of remote Himalayan Villages and Terrace farms in the Valley and up above will be the Bandarpunch Mountain Range. Bandarpunch 1 and Bandarpunch 2 peaks can be seen during the trek.

Thuner Day Trek (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Thuner Day trek can be considered as one of the Lesser Known and Off Beat Treks in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

5. Dhanaulti:

Dhanaulti is one of the best Hill stations of Uttarakhand yet is very underrated. It is a perfect destination for trekkers or travellers who are seeking some days of Solitude in the lap of the Himalayas. From cosy homestays to luxury hotels, you will find many options for accommodation in Dhanaulti. Moreover, you can explore the nearby places and Ashrams.

6. Flora and Fauna:

By choosing to explore Kanatal you will come across some beautiful; very beautiful wild mountain Flowers; including magnificent red rhododendrons. Moreover, Kanatal and neighbouring places can be considered as one of the most famous locations for Bird watching in Uttarakhand. You will be able to see different species of Himalayan Bids i.e., Blue Magpie, Verditer Flycatcher, Rosefinch along with many other rare species of birds.

Himalayan Bulbul (Left) and Rufous Treepie (Right) (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

White-crested laughing thrush (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Black-Throated Tit (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Rufous Sibia (Left) and Verditer Flycatcher (Right) (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Himalayan Wild Flowers (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Wild Mushrooms and Berries (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Beautiful tiny wild Flowers (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Rhododendron/ Buransh (Left) and Red bistort (Right) Photo Credits: Mr. David

Black-headed Jay (Left) and Rhododendron (Right) (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Black bulbul (Up left) (Photo Credits: Mr. David)

Best Time to Visit Kanatal:

Here’s an overview of the different seasons and their suitability for visiting Kanatal.

Summer (March to June): The summer months are considered the best season for Kanatal to visit. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).

Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon brings heavy rainfall to Kanatal, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise.
Autumn (October to November): After the monsoon season, Kanatal begins to regain its charm. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Winter (December to February): Kanatal transforms into a winter wonderland during these months, with temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels. Expect snowfall, especially in January and February.

Kanatal is a hidden gem in Uttarakhand. Whether you’re seeking adventure, spirituality, or a quiet retreat, this charming hill station has it all. So, pack your bags and start an unforgettable journey to explore the best tourist places in Kanatal.

Must Read: Top Best 25 Treks Starting From Dehradun

FAQs:

Where is Kanatal located?

Kanatal hill station is located in Uttarakhand, situated in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is approximately 78 km from the state capital, Dehradun, and about 38 kilometers (24 miles) from another popular hill station, Mussoorie.

What is the Kanatal to Rishikesh distance?

The distance between Kanatal and Rishikesh is approximately 75 to 80 kilometers (47 to 50 miles) by road.

What is Kanatal’s height in feet?

Kanatal is located at an elevation of approximately 8500 feet (2590 meters) above sea level in the Garhwal region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

What is Kanatal to Dehradun distance?

The distance from Kanatal to Dehradun is approximately 78 kilometers (48 miles) by road.

Contact Details:

Himalaya Shelter organizes customized trekking programs for Winter treks, Summer treks, Monsoon treks, High mountain passes treks, Glacier treks, Cultural Exploration treks, and many others. With Himalaya Shelter, you can expect to get the best trekking experience by trekking with trained trek leaders, getting excellent quality equipment, and enjoying delicious meals while savouring the beauty of Mother Nature. For more details Contact Us on…

Contact No: 9458386006

Email ID: info@himalayashelter.com

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.