One of the places to be on your list, Kanatal is a small hill station of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, found recently only 78 kms from Dehradun and 2 hours from Rishikesh. The site reads the peaceful feel off its green landscape, enchanting Himalayan views, and serene environment. It is that place which was once unknown, but now it has turned out to be one of the most-talked-about tourist destinations in the region, where only a few people knew the name till just a few years back.
How to Reach Kanatal
It is very reasonably priced and budget-friendly for a solo traveler or for that matter any budget-conscious tourist traveling to Kanatal. If you are coming from Delhi, you can book a sleeper berth in the Yoga Express (Train No.19031) for ₹200 that reaches Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, there are numerous options to reach Kanatal:
1.Govt Bus: Even one can travel from Rishikesh to Kanatal on government bus at just ₹ 150. In that aspect, it becomes costlier to travel to Kanatal.
2.Scooter on Rent: A more personal and flexible experience would be attained by renting scooters. That would cost them ₹ 500 for the day.
3.Cab Booking: If you are travelling in groups, you can book a private cab from Rishikesh or Dehradun to reach Kanatal for approximately ₹2500 to ₹3000, which shall give you a smooth ride to Kanatal.
Kanatal is also reachable from the nearest railway stations that are Rishikesh and Dehradun which are around 78 to 80 kilometers. The nearest airport to Kanatal is at Dehradun, and air travels are possible for those who come a great distance.
Kanatal: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Kanatal is known for its beautiful view. The hill station is blessed with thick forests and rolling hills, combined with clear blue sky looking like it stretches to unexplored places. The fresh, cool breeze along with the breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayas seems to call for an incredibly refreshing air. It is a destination perfect for all nature lovers and those who are in search of solitude.
Top Attractions and Activities in Kanatal
1.Surkanda Devi Temple
Among the most popular Kanatal attractions, one is the Surkanda Devi Temple at a height of 2,750 meters. This believed temple of Goddess Surkanda has a panoramic view of the mountains and valleys around. The temple is very popular among trekkers nowadays. The challenge of making this uphill journey makes it all the more exciting. Here lies a perfect blend of spiritual experience and scenic beauty.
2.Kanatal Valley
The Kanatal Valley is the favorite destination of the tourists. The valley is covered with thick, green forests, and the place has distance with the hills, which offers panoramic views. Anybody would love going to walk long in that kind of nature-friendly atmosphere, and this valley provides an opportunity to behold some of the most picturesque landscapes. You can explore the tranquility and beauty of the Himalayas.
3.Trekking Trails
Kanatal provides several trekking trails to the adventure and exploration enthusiasts. Among the popular routes of the Kanatal Chandrabadni Trek is that which goes through dense forests, sloping stretches, and colorful meadows. The route has been popularized as it directly leads to the temple of Surkanda Devi. It is a well-known one for the pilgrims as well as the trekkers. These trails go trekking that allows seeing this area close up and sees the mountains that go round it clearly.
4.Camping
If you desire spending the night outside with starlight, then Kanatal has a few sites to camp in. Camping here is an alternative way of staying peaceful in the hills while under the starry sky without city noises. Most of these camp sites also provide the facilities such as a tent, sleeping bag, and food. This makes the stay quite comfortable and memorable in the lap of nature.
5.New Tehri
New Tehri is yet another interesting place nearby. This place is known as one of the biggest dams in India, namely Tehri Dam. The beautiful view of Tehri Lake is also located here. The town provides magnificent views of the dam, thus turns out to be a great spot for sightseeing. You can even indulge in activities like boating on the lake, which adds a refreshing touch to your trip.
Best Time to Visit Kanatal
The best time to visit Kanatal strictly depends upon your choice of experience:
Summer: The months are just perfect since the weather is quite pleasant, providing suitable conditions for trekking and sightseeing. The cool mountain air is a perfect respite from the scorching heat of the plains.
September to November: The season of weather as well as splendorous scenery around the area is considered pleasant. The clear sky and panorama of valleys with sounds of nature in autumn colors tends to be a good season to visit for nature photography and scenic views.
Winter-December to February: If you want to witness snowfall, then winter is the season you should be here. Kanatal gets all dressed in white during these months. The outlook of white landscape due to snow is quite unique and thrilling. The freezing climate along with the fall of snow makes it an ideal destination for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Why Kanatal Should Feature in Your Travel Itinerary
It is known to be one of the best hidden treasures of Uttarakhand, Kanatal-that perfect amalgamation of nature and adventure with peace.
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover looking for a serene atmosphere to relax, Kanatal would be of interest to one and all.
It is so accessible, affordable, and sheer beauty of the surroundings that it happens to be the ultimate getaway for that quick little vacation or a short weekend.
Whether one travels alone, in groups, or with loved ones, Kanatal promises an unforgettable experience. Indeed, Kanatal is the most apt time to visit before it becomes a destination for tourist as people’s knowledge regarding the hidden gem of Uttarakhand is increasing day by day. So plan your journey with Outdoorkeeda now and discover the charm of the unspoiled paradise.
