Kanatal Travel Guide : Best Places, Location & How To Reach

Nestled quietly in the Tehri Garhwal district, this peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand is one of the state’s most charming secrets. Kanatal Uttarakhand travel guide takes you through a small yet stunning village located about 8,500 feet above sea level.

Surrounded by pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests, it’s the perfect offbeat travel destination for nature
lovers and those seeking a break from crowded hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital.

Kanatal lies about 42 km from Mussoorie and 71 km from Dehradun, making it a perfect road trip from Mussoorie to Kanatal. The place offers breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas, peaceful apple orchards, and adventure camping sites that make it both a romantic getaway in Uttarakhand and a family-friendly hill station.

Best Places to Visit in Kanatal Uttarakhand

Although small in size, Kanatal hill station is full of surprises. From temples and forests to lakes and viewpoints, there’s plenty to explore.

1. Surkanda Devi Trek

Located 8 km from Kanatal, this ancient temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It’s perched at 2,757 meters, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. The 2 km trek to reach the temple is refreshing and perfect for beginners.

2. Kaudia Forest Kanatal (Kodia Jungle)

A dense and beautiful forest just 5 km from Kanatal. Ideal for nature camping in Himalayas, bird watching, and short jungle treks. You can spot barking deer, wild boar, and goral if you’re lucky.

3. Tehri Lake

35 km away, this artificial lake offers water sports like boating, kayaking, and jet skiing. It’s one of the best places to visit in Kanatal for adventure lovers.

4. Dhanaulti Eco Park

Just 15 km from Kanatal, this eco-park is surrounded by deodar trees and offers picnic spots, nature
walks, and a children’s play area

5. Chamba Town

A calm hill town just 16 km away, perfect for local shopping and exploring Garhwali cuisine.

How to Reach Kanatal Uttarakhand

Whether you’re coming by air, train, or road, reaching Kanatal is easy and enjoyable. The journey itself is full of Himalayan views, winding roads, and pine-covered hills — perfect for a refreshing road trip from Mussoorie to Kanatal.

By Air (flights)

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, located around 90–92 km from Kanatal. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab — the drive takes about 3 hours through Rishikesh and Chamba, offering a beautiful mountain landscape.

Jolly Grant Airport has daily flights to and from Delhi and other major Indian cities, making air travel
the fastest option for reaching Kanatal.

By Train

Kanatal can be reached easily from two major railway stations — Dehradun (around 85 km) and Rishikesh (around 75 km). Both stations are well connected to Delhi, Haridwar, and other parts of India through regular trains. From either station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kanatal.

The route passes through Chamba and Dhanaulti, giving travelers a glimpse of the natural charm
that defines this peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand.

By Road

Kanatal is well connected by a network of roads. It lies directly on the Mussoorie–Chamba road, which makes driving or taking a bus the most convenient way to get there.

Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar → Chamba → Kanatal

Regular buses and shared taxis are available from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Mussoorie to
Chamba, from where Kanatal is just 15 km away. For travelers coming from Delhi, luxury and state-run buses to Rishikesh and Mussoorie are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

Delhi to kanatal uttarakhand

Kanatal is about 320 km from Delhi. You can reach by road via Rishikesh or Dehradun in around 8–9 hours. The nearest railway station is Dehradun (85 km) and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (95 km).

Delhi ➜ Meerut ➜ Muzaffarnagar ➜ Rishikesh ➜ Chamba ➜ Kanatal (approx. 320 km, 8–9 hours)

Delhi ➜ Haridwar ➜ Rishikesh ➜ Narendra Nagar ➜ Chamba ➜ Kanatal (around 310 km, 8 hours)

Delhi ➜ Dehradun ➜ Mussoorie ➜ Dhanaulti ➜ Kanatal (approx. 320 km, 8–9 hours)

Dehradun to Kanatal Uttarakhand

Kanatal is located about 75–80 km from Dehradun, and the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road. You can travel via the scenic Mussoorie–Dhanaulti route or through Chamba, both offering breathtaking mountain views. Regular taxis, cabs, and local buses are easily available from Dehradun ISBT or Railway Station. The drive itself is peaceful, filled with pine forests, cool breeze, and glimpses of the majestic Himalayas.

Dehradun ➜ Mussoorie ➜ Dhanaulti ➜ Kanatal (approx. 78 km, 3 hours)

Best Self Drive Car Rental services are also available from Dehradun Airport to Kanatal for a smooth and comfortable journey.

Rishikesh to Kanatal

Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar → Chamba → Kanatal

Self Drive Car Rental services are also available in Rishikesh for a flexible and hassle-free trip to Kanatal.

Best Time to Visit Kanatal Uttarakhand

• The best time to visit Kanatal depends on what you’re seeking:
• Summer (April – June): Pleasant and ideal for camping, treks, and family trips.
• Monsoon (July – September): Lush greenery, though roads can be slippery.
• Winter (October – February): The Kanatal snowfall time, when the entire town turns white a paradise for snow lovers.

Kanatal’s weather stays cool throughout the year, making it one of the best snow places near Dehradun and perfect for a short weekend escape.

Kanatal Weather & Snowfall Time

The Kanatal weather stays mild most of the year — summers are around 15–25°C, while winters drop to 0°C.
The Kanatal snowfall time starts from late December till February, turning it into a white wonderland — one of the best snow places near Dehradun.

It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Uttarakhand or families wanting a peaceful holiday in the mountains.

Kanatal’s weather stays cool throughout the year, making it one of the best snow places near Dehradun and perfect for a short weekend escape.

Things to Do in Kanatal

Camping in Kanatal

Kanatal is famous for adventure and nature camping in the Himalayas. Spend a night under the stars, enjoy a bonfire, and wake up to misty mountain mornings. Many camps also offer adventure sports like valley crossing and ziplining.

Jungle Safari at Kaudia Forest

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Jeep safaris through pine forests offer sightings of local flora and fauna.

Photography and Bird Watching

The area is home to Himalayan birds and scenic sunrise points — making it a paradise for photographers.

Visit Surkanda Devi Temple

Combine faith with fitness — the short trek to Surkanda Devi Temple Kanatal gives you divine energy and unforgettable views.

Explore Apple Orchards

During the harvest season, walk through apple orchards, interact with locals, and experience authentic Garhwali hospitality.

Bonfire Nights and Local Food

Evenings in Kanatal are magical — with bonfires, pahadi music, and local delicacies like Mandua roti and Aloo ke Gutke.

Famous Temples Near Kanatal

Apart from Surkanda Devi, you can visit

Chandrabadni Temple

Chandrabadni Temple lies on the way to Kanatal, making it a perfect spiritual stop during your hill journey. Located near Jamnikhal between Chamba and Devprayag, this sacred Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Sati offers not only divine blessings but also panoramic Himalayan views.

Kunjapuri Temple

Kunjapuri Temple is another sacred and scenic stop you can visit on the way to Kanatal. Located near Narendranagar, about 25 km from Rishikesh, this temple is one of the 13 Shakti Peeths in the Garhwal region.
It offers a stunning sunrise view over the Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Gangotri, and Chaukhamba — making it a favorite among spiritual seekers and travelers.

Kanatal Travel Tips

• Carry warm clothes even in summer — nights can be chilly.
• Book camps in advance during snow season.
• Mobile signals are limited — download maps offline.
• Respect local culture and environment — don’t litter.
• Try local Garhwali food and interact with locals.

Kanatal is ideal for trekkers, photographers, and anyone who loves offbeat travel destinations that combine nature, peace, and spirituality.

Also Visite Famous Treks In Uttarakhand