BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KANATAL

Kanatal is a serene hidden getaway in Himachal Pradesh which is slowly making itself known. Kanatal offers tons of temples and amazing views that are sure to sweep the visitors off their feet.

Here are the best places to visit in Kanatal –

Surkanda

Surkanda Devi Temple near Kanatal is at an altitude of about 2756 metres and lies close to nearby hill stations of Dhanaulti and Chamba.

The story of Surkanda Temple can be traced back to the legend of Maa Sati; Sati’s father Daksha organised a massive yagna to please the Gods. He purposely did not invite Shiva and Sati. Sati believed that no formal invitation was needed for her to go to her father’s house. But when Sati arrived at her father’s palace, she was treated like an uninvited guest. Moreover, Daksha even committed the sin of insulting Lord Shiva in Sati’s presence.

Pained by her father’s ignorance and arrogance, Sati threw herself in the fire set up for the yagna. When the news reached Shiva, he went wild with rage. He picked up Sati’s body on his shoulders and started performing tandava, the dance of destruction. The stability of the Universe was threatened by Shiva’s dance, and to protect the human world, Lord Vishnu cut up Sati’s body with his Sudarshan chakra.

Surkanda Temple is one of these holy shakti paths and is believed to hold the power of Ma Adi Shakti.

A short comfortable trek of 3km has to be taken up from Kaddukhal to reach the sacred Temple.

Kodia Jungle

Kodia Jungle at Kanatal is a heavenly picnic spot. The jungles are nestled between rolling Himalayan hills and valleys.

One can trek a distance of around 6-7 km in the Kodia Jungle and enjoy the beauty of untouched greenery, amazing views of the hills and valleys at Kanatal. This trek in Kanatal at Kodia Jungle is dotted with natural springs.

One can spot animals like musk deer, Kakar, wild boar Ghoral etc and many species of birds at the Kodia Jungle.

Kodia Jungle is in the Kaudia mountain range where one can enjoy ziplining and camping.

Tehri Dam

The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and one of the highest in the world.

It is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, India.

Tehri Dam is a short hour drive away from Kanatal, the roads are well maintained as New Tehri is the only well-planned town of the state, a drive up to Tehri dam from Kanatal gives amazing views of the high mountains from all sides.

Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti lies at a distance of 22km from Kanatal and is well connected via road.

Dhanaulti is a little town and an offbeat destination located at a height of about 2200 meters above sea level.

Dhanaulti is a serene place and a treat to the eyes. Dhanaulti has great scenery and an unpolluted environment.

Dhanaulti eco-park, one of the major attractions in Dhanaulti spreads over an area of 13 hectares covered in deodar and oak trees. The Eco Park is divided into two forests namely Amber and Dhara which are situated at a distance of 200m from each other.

The park is at an elevation of 2800m above sea level and offers a playground for children, trekking trails and amazing views.

A tradition known as memory sapling plantation is followed in the park as a part of which one can plant a sapling in memory of their loved ones.

It is a perfect place for nature lovers as well as the adventure seekers to unwind.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie, a popular hill station lies at a distance of 33km from Kanatal.

Mussoorie gained popularity as a hill station back in the colonial era and came to be known as Queen of The Hills. It stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year.

Mussoorie’s colonial roots are reflected in its Neo g

Gothic and Greco-Roman architecture style. These styles are followed in quaint cafes, alluring churches and other buildings.

The colonial-era beauty is on full display at Mall Road, Mussoorie. Mall Road is a boulevard with eateries and other shops lining its entire stretch. Everything down to its lamp posts, Mall Road is tinged in colonial flavour.

CHAMBA

Chamba is another hill station near Kanatal at an altitude of 1676m above sea level, Chamba is like a big sister to Kanatal and just like her, she is an unexplored, untouched beauty too. It offers a view of the snow-clad peaks on one side and an awe-inspiring view of the valley. Chamba is lush with greenery and tall Himalayan trees of Pine and Deodar.