Kanatal is a small village that is a hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Kanatal is 78 km from Dehradun, 38 km from Mussoorie and 12 km from Chamba. It is on the Chamba-Mussoorie road and nearly 300 km from Delhi. Kanatal’s history dates back to some decades when a small lake also known as “Taal” or pond had dried up. When it dried up, people began to refer to it as katana taal. The name of the nearby area is Kanatal. In Hindi, the word katana usually refers to a dry well or pond.
Kanatal is located at an elevation of approximately 8,500 feet (2,600 meters). Surkanda Devi Temple is the highest point.
During the summer, temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and during the winter, temperatures range from -5 to 10 degrees Celsius. During the winter, heavy snowfall blocks roads in the area. Kanatal is subject to high winds due to its high altitude.
1. Camping
Camping is one of the best things to do in Kanatal, you can spend some leisure time relaxing under the stars, sit by the bonfire, or take part in the various adventure activities and indoor-outdoor games organized at the camp.
2. Kodia Jungle
Kodai Jungle is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. It is an easy trek of say 5 to 6 km almost 1km from Kanatal an route Chamba. One can spot animals like musk deer, kakar, wild boar Ghoral etc. and many species of birds. One can hitch a jeep ride as well, but don’t forget to carry some eatables along with you.
3. Valley Crossing
Valley Crossing is another one of the interesting things to do in Kanatal. The activity requires you to be tied to a rope and cross an 80 feet deep valley by pulling the other end of the rope.
4. Rappelling and Rock Climbing
The town attracts adventure enthusiasts in huge numbers to come and undertake these activities. You can undertake rappelling and rock climbing on your own if you are a professional. However, if you are a beginner, the camps at the site organize these activities as part of the camping package that you can avail.
5. Camp Carnival Kanatal For Camping Lovers
This is one of the best places to visit in Kanatal for those who love camping, campfire, and carnivals. It is a perfect way to get along with other people who love to trek and move around.
6. Surkanda Devi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Surkanda Devi Temple is a 3 km walk from the village, of Kaddukhal. Legend has it that when Goddess Sati died, her husband Lord Shiva carried her body back to Kailash, which is when her head fell at the spot where the temple was then erected.
7. Chamba
Chamba is a town in the Chamba District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. According to the 2001 India census, Chamba has a population of 20,312 people. Located at an altitude of 1,006 meters (3,301 ft) above mean sea level, the town is situated on the banks of the Ravi River (a major tributary of the Trans-Himalayan Indus River) at its confluence with the Sal River.
