Uttarakhand is a small and a beautiful hill state situated in the North part of India and also known as Dev- Bhumi which means “Land of the Gods” and its capital is Dehradun. It is blessed with the beauty of Himalayan Mountain Ranges and its glaciers, origin of river Ganga and Yamuna, famous Hindu pilgrimage Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh, famous Sikh Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site ‘Valley of Flowers’, Asia’s Largest Dam- Tehri Dam, World famous Jim Corbett and Rajaji National Park, famous hill stations Nainital, Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Almora, Lansdowne, Kanatal etc. Uttarakhand is culturally divided into two regions i.e Kumaon and Garhwal. Places like Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh comes under Kumoun and Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi etc comes under Garhwal division. This time I along with my friends planned to explore some lesser known destination of Garhwal of Uttarkhand. So we started searching destinations where we can enjoy the beauty of Himalaya, the thrill of adventure, local culture of hill village, with a peaceful environment. It was the toughest task to find a place where I can get all things together. And then, My friend suggested me to visit Kanatal.
Kanatal, a small village situated in the Tehri- Garhwal district. It is 10 km ahead of Chamba on Rishikesh- Mussoorie Highway. A beautiful village surrounded by mountains and forests. For Adventure lovers there are numerous campsites in Kanatal and in Tehri Water Sports club, Tourists can enjoy sports activities which is near to Kanatal.
So let’s explore Kanatal.
We hired a car from New Delhi, and left for Kanatal at 6:00 pm.
Our route was Delhi-Ghaziabad- Meerut- Muzaffarnagar- Roorkee- Haridwar- Rishikesh-Chamba- Kanatal.
We reached Kanatal by 5 pm. It was a long drive, but a comfortable one. Checked-in to our cottage.
The weather was pleasant and a cool breeze and It was natural because We were coming from Delhi’s hot climate. Because of the cold weather and our tired body need some Hot Masala tea plus snacks. After freshen up, we enjoyed tea and pakodi.
Our Cottage was good. It was spacious and the structure was purely pahadi or reflects the village culture.
Over Night Camp Fire, Dinner and Stay in the Campsite.
Good Morning from Kanatal,
It was a beautiful morning, We just opened our cottage we have seen snow covered peaks of Himalayan ranges of the Mountains. Sky was clear So It was able for us to enjoy the beauty of nature.
After having breakfast, we moved for today’s first attraction that is Tehri Water Sports Complex. It was 25 km from our campsite. Through, Zigzag mountain roads, we reached to the reservoir of India’s Tallest Dam i.e Tehri.
Tehri Water Sports Complex: It’s an emerging tourism destination of Uttarakhand, where you can enjoy water sports activities like Speed Boat, Jet Ski, Banana Ride, Pedal Boat etc.
After enjoying water based adventure activities, we moved back to our campsite.
In the evening, one local guy and now my friend Vikas took us to trekking to Choukhal hill. He guided us very well and then offered us food.
It was an amazing moment for all of us to enjoy local Garhwali food and stay with them.
Over Night stay at home stay.
Morning, wake up early and no breakfast today, because our today’s destination was the Sarkunda Mata Temple, which is on the top of the hill. For reaching to the temple, we need to trek to 9975 ft.
Sarkunda Mata Temple: It is a very famous Hindu Temple of Garhwal region. According to Hindu Mythology, it is one of the Shakti-Peeth of Goddess Sati. Pilgrims from all over the areas visit this temple and take blessings from the goddess. It is the highest peak of the region, so you can enjoy the beauty of Himalayan mountains, valleys, farmlands etc.
After Sarkunda Mata Temple, We took our Lunch.
And then, time comes to say Bye to the mountains.
This short trip to Kanatal was so incredible. I can say the best place for slow tourism.
At the End I can say Garhwali people and their culture is so hospitable. Special thanks to Vikas Pundir.
How to Reach:
Airways: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun (80 km) which is directly connected with New Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways: Nearest Railway Stations are Rishikesh (80 km) and Dehradun (80 km) both are directly connected with all major cities of India.
Roadways: Regular buses run on this route connecting Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, Dehradun, New Tehri, Dhanoulti, Chamba etc.
Where to Stay: There are numerous hotels, resorts, campsites and home stays in Kanatal like Pahadi House, The Terraces Spa Resort, and Himalayan Homestay etc.
What to Eat: Don’t forget to eat Garhwali authentic food.
The Best Time to Visit: All over the year except rainy season.
Ankit we were staying in the same place, pahadi house, at the same time when you were with your family friends. We share the same experience that you have aptly and beautifully described.
Met like minded people who I believe shared same experience.
To all fellow travelers, if you are looking for a cool, beautifull, peacefull trip to Himalayas, not far away from the rail, air and city head, then I strongly recommend kanatal.
It has experience for young & adventure enthusiasts i.e. children, teenagers to go on trek, live on a terrace farm, go for water sports to tehri lake., as well as a sobering quiet, peacefull , tranquil experience for people who want to just enjoy the bliss of Himalayas.
Strongly recommend for all.
Thank You sir for your valuable comment…
Was lucky to be a part of a wonderful trip! I will strongly recommend everyone to explore this gift of nature! Would advise people to avoid visiting on extended weekend to avoid traffic issues and devote more time to explore the hidden gem Kanatal. Also, do meet Vikas , turned out to be a great guide for us.:)
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