Have you ever wanted to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life? Look no further than Kanatal, an idyllic paradise tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas. From picturesque waterfalls and lush green valleys, to snow-capped mountains, delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality – this charming town has it all. So take some time off your hectic schedule, pack your bags and get ready for a much needed break in one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful hill stations! In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Kanatal: where it is located; what makes this magical place so special; how to make the most out of your trip there; and more!
What is Kanatal and what are its attractions
Kanatal has plenty of attractions that make it popular with tourists. The main attraction is the Surkanda Devi temple, located at an altitude of 8500 feet. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance. Another popular attraction is Kodia Jungle, a nature reserve located near Kanatal that offers opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting. It’s also home to some rare species such as leopards, tigers, and black bears.
For those looking for more relaxed activities, there are plenty of places to explore around Kanatal. Dhanaulti is a nearby tourist spot where visitors can take in beautiful views while enjoying local delicacies like momos and thukpa. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a cable car ride across the valley and enjoy spectacular views from above!
How to get there and where to stay
Getting There:
The closest airport to Kanatal is Dehradun Airport (DED) which is approximately 80km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kanatal. Alternatively, if you want a more scenic trip, you can take the train from New Delhi station to Mussoorie railway station and then take a bus or taxi from there to Kanatal. The journey will take about 6-7 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Where To Stay:
Once you have made it to Kanatal, there are plenty of places to stay and explore. If you’re looking for something luxurious and cozy then we recommend The Terraces Resort & Spa. It has all modern amenities such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi in addition to its own private pool and spa facilities. Or perhaps if you’re looking for something more budget friendly then check out Kataal Village Resort which offers great value for money with delicious food and stunning views of the valley. Whichever accommodation suits your needs best, you can be sure that it will be surrounded by beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air!
Things to do in Kanatal
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend away or an adventure-packed holiday, here are some great activities to try while visiting Kanatal.
Go camping by the river:
One of the most popular activities that people love doing in Kanatal is camping by the river. You can rent tents from local vendors and spend time exploring the area or just relaxing by the river with friends and family. The experience will be unforgettable!
Visit Dhanaulti Eco Park:
While in Kanatal, make sure to visit Dhanaulti Eco Park. This park is filled with lush greenery and stunning views of nature. You can take a walk through its trails or hop on one of their guided safaris and explore further into its wilderness. Plus, they offer many special events like birdwatching tours and wilderness workshops throughout the year.
Go Trekking at Surkanda Devi Temple:
Another great activity you can do in Kanatal is trekking up to Surkanda Devi Temple. The trek starts from Dhanaulti and takes about three hours to reach the temple at an altitude of 8500 ft above sea level. Once there, you can enjoy some breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks before descending back down again. It’s definitely worth it!
What to eat and drink in Kanatal
Food & Drink Recommendations
Kanatal has some amazing restaurants that serve up delicious food from all around India. The traditional local cuisine includes dishes like baati churma (a Rajasthani dish made with wheat flour balls), aloo mattar (potatoes and peas cooked in a tomato-based sauce), and bhindi (okra sautéed in spices). For something sweet, try gulab jamun (fried milk dumplings served with syrup) or jalebi (deep-fried batter soaked in syrup). And for drinks, don’t miss out on the lassi (a yogurt-based drink) or chai (tea).
If you’re looking for something more international, there are plenty of restaurants serving up global cuisine too. Try tandoori chicken or naan bread from an Indian restaurant, pizza from an Italian place, or sushi from a Japanese spot. There’s something for everyone here!
Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a cup of masala chai—it’s one of the most popular drinks in India and it tastes great after a hearty meal! Or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some local moonshine? It might not be everybody’s cup of tea but it is certainly an experience!
What to pack for your trip
Clothing Essentials
When it comes to clothes, you’ll want to bring comfortable and versatile pieces that will take you from the trails to dinner. A pair of well-worn jeans or hiking pants are a must, as well as a few lightweight tops and a warm jacket for chilly evenings. If you plan on doing any outdoor activities, be sure to bring along some sturdy shoes and a hat. And if you’re traveling during winter months, don’t forget to pack some thermal layers!
Accessories
It’s easy to forget about the little things when packing for a trip, but accessories can make or break your vacation. Be sure to include sunscreen and sunglasses so that you can enjoy plenty of time outdoors without worrying about sunburns. Also, don’t forget a reusable water bottle so that you can stay hydrated while exploring all of the sights in Kanatal. And finally, if there is any chance of rain during your travels, bring along an umbrella or poncho!
Things You Don’t Need Your Trip To Kanatal
As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to overpack! You don’t need multiple changes of clothing for every day — two or three outfits should suffice — and leave those high heels at home; they won’t get much use in the mountains! Other items like bulky books or heavy electronics are also unnecessary; just bring one small device with plenty of reading material and music pre-loaded so that it doesn’t take up too much space in your bag.
Tips for a safe and enjoyable visit
The Dos of Visiting Kanatal
Do stay hydrated! With all the exciting activities available in Kanatal, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water. Make sure you carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times as hydration is key when exploring any new place.
Do wear comfortable shoes! Kanatal offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature—and you want your feet to be comfy while doing so. Sturdy shoes will help ensure that your feet stay safe while walking around the trails and mountains.
Do bring sunscreen! Even if the weather looks cloudy, always make sure to bring sunscreen with you wherever you go in Kanatal. This will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and keep you from getting sunburned during your trip.
The Don’ts of Visiting Kanatal
Don’t forget a first-aid kit! You never know what kind of bumps or scrapes may occur during your adventure in Kanatal, so it’s important to have a first-aid kit handy just in case something unexpected happens.
Don’t leave without mosquito repellent! Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance in some areas of Kanatal, so make sure you have some repellent with DEET on hand when exploring outdoors.
Don’t take unnecessary risks! While it may be tempting to try out risky activities such as rock climbing or mountain biking, always remember to assess the risks before taking part in them. Safety should be your top priority when visiting any new place—so make sure that you don’t put yourself (or others) in danger by taking unnecessary risks.
So there you have it, everything you need to know before visiting Kanatal. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place that offers visitors a chance to relax and connect with nature. There are plenty of things to do and see, so you won’t be bored for a minute. And the food is incredible! If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path, add Kanatal to your list of places to visit. You won’t regret it!
