9 Best Places To Visit Near Kanatal For An Unforgettable Experience

Experience the moments of serenity at one of the best places to visit near Kanatal.

Kanatal, a picturesque hill station located in Uttarakhand, is great for people who like overcoming obstacles on the offbeat natural trails. Kanatal, at an altitude of 8,500 feet, presents marvellous views of nature, thick forests and many adventurous activities. For trekking, exploring temples, and enjoying the beautiful panoramas, there are various places to visit near Kanatal. These destinations are inevitably attractive to all the tourists visiting Uttarakhand, providing an escapade to nature.

Top 9 Places To Visit Near Kanatal

Here are the 9 best places to visit near Kanatal, offering you the best dose of tranquility, natural beauty and heritage:

1. Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the best places to visit near Kanatal.

Photo: Lucky Shalini / Wikimedia Commons

Perched at an altitude of around 2,756 meters, the Surkanda Devi Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Sati, an incarnation of Shakti. As one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, this temple draws pilgrims and travelers, offering both spiritual depth and natural beauty. Reaching the temple requires a short but steep trek of around 2 km from the village of Kaddukhal. At the top, visitors are greeted with panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Gangotri and Yamunotri. The peaceful environment and spiritual ambiance of Surkanda Devi Temple make it one of the best places near Kanatal Uttarakhand, especially during the Ganga Dussehra festival.

Distance From Kanatal: 9 km

2. Tehri Dam

Tehri Dam is one of the best places to visit near Kanatal.

Photo: Dr Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

Tehri Dam is a great and stunning work that is considered one of the tallest dams in the world. Set on the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, it provides electricity to large parts of northern India, and water for farming and consumption. Tehri Lake, which is the dam’s large reservoir, offers water sports such as motorised boat rides, jet skiing, kayaking and river rafting. The lake is beautiful since its water is blue with occasional mountains surrounding the lake making it an ideal place to capture more of nature. Tehri Dam adjoining Kanatal has been a major fascinating site.

Distance From Kanatal: 36 km

3. Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is one of the best places to visit near Kanatal.

Photo: Arup1981 / Wikimedia Commons

Dhanaulti is a quiet and serene hill station with a cool and scenic environment. There are two eco parks Amber and Dhara which are funded and controlled by Uttarakhand Forest Department. These eco-parks contain paved paths for walking, playgrounds, and places for picnicking. You will also come across apple plantations in Dhanaulti where one can take a walk and buy fresh fruits from farm producers. Camping and adventure activities of Dhanaulti include zipline, rock climbing and trekking.

Distance From Kanatal: 10 km

4. New Tehri

New Tehri is one of the best places to visit near Kanatal.

Photo: Clara & James / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

New Tehri is relatively new, built as a planned town after the old Tehri town was submerged by the Tehri Dam. It offers scenic views of Tehri Lake and surrounding landscapes, giving travelers a mix of urban and natural experiences. New Tehri serves as a base for water sports on Tehri Lake, including jet skiing, boating and kayaking. The lake’s calm waters and the surrounding mountains create a stunning setting for these activities. The town allows you to experience local life, taste regional food and purchase souvenirs. With its unique combination of modernity and scenic beauty, New Tehri offers one of the best places to visit near Kanatal.

Distance From Kanatal: 30 km

5. Mussoorie

Mussoorie is one of the best hill stations in the whole of the nation.

Photo: Paul Hamilton / Wikimedia Commons

Often referred to as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is a hill station with a lovely colonial flavor amidst its natural beauty. This place is loaded with various tourist sites such as Kempty Falls and Gun Hill. The Mall Road has shops, restaurants, and cafes to cater to all sorts of tourists. Gun Hill contains a stunning view of valleys and Himalayan ranges during sunrise and sunset. Camel’s back road is inclusive of a less crowded trail of a walk across the ridge with a breathtaking view of the hills. Its vibrant atmosphere blended with fresh mountain air brings travellers in the spirit of a bustling hill station.

Distance From Kanatal: 45 km

6. Kaudia Forest

Kaudia Forest has lush greenery and a touch of magical serenity there

Photo: Kalsigaurav / Wikimedia Commons

Kaudia Forest is another scenic forested area near Kanatal, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic trails. The forest offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape into nature. Kaudia Forest’s trails are perfect for trekking and nature walks, where visitors can encounter various bird species and lush greenery. The trails offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and surrounding valleys, an ideal spot for photography and bird-watching. The forest’s peaceful environment is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the quiet beauty of the mountains.

Distance From Kanatal: 6 km

7. Chamba

Chamba has several scenic spots for watching the sunset.

Photo: WT-en) Wikid / Wikimedia Commons

A small, unspoiled town, Chamba is surrounded by pine forests, apple orchards, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Chamba is known for its apple orchards, where visitors can stroll through during harvest season and purchase fresh, locally-grown apples. The town has several scenic spots for watching the sunset, as well as small temples that showcase traditional architecture. For a quiet escape, Chamba reflects the slower pace of life and the town’s natural beauty. You can experience the local culture and enjoy peaceful mountain views.

Distance From Kanatal: 15 km

8. Rishikesh

The most popular temple of Rishikesh, with a lot of reverence.

Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons

The city of Rishikesh is famously known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. It has gained a reputation for adventure tourism, and beautiful river viewpoints. The town is situated on the right bank of the river Ganges and is also known for yoga, ayurveda and meditation. Rishikesh also provides adventure enthusiasts with more physical activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, and cliff diving. In the evening you should not miss out on the Ganga Aarti that takes place at Triveni Ghat. Rishikesh is the right mix of adventure and spirituality which will be a good addition to the trip near Kanatal.

Distance From Kanatal: 73 km

9. Nag Tibba

A tourist in the frame during the trek of Nag Tibba.

Photo: Bhuwan Mahajan / Wikimedia Commons

The Nag Tibba trek is one of the top treks of Uttarakhand passing through the mesmerising views of the Himalayan peaks. Many parts of the trail are closed in forests, meadows, or even over rocks with glimpses of beautiful scenery. The Nag Tibba trek is an adventurous journey for camping at the mountain top near the Nag Tibba peak. The trek offers a good chance to view the majestic Himalayan track. Have some serenity away from the crowd, making this place a good option for places to visit near Kanatal.

Distance From Kanatal: 120 km

Kanatal and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of experiences. This ranges from serene temples and thrilling adventure activities to tranquil forests and bustling hill stations. These places to visit near Kanatal showcase the best of Uttarakhand, making an excellent base for exploring this beautiful region. Plan your visit with TripXL for the best experience here.

Cover Photo: Dr. Pushpendra Singh Rathore / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit is from March to June for pleasant weather and blooming flowers. September to November offers clear skies and great views of the Himalayas. December to February is ideal if you want to experience snowfall, although temperatures can drop significantly.
Kanatal’s forests, like Kodia Jungle and Kaudia Forest, are home to musk deer, barking deer, and various bird species. While wildlife sightings are rare and require patience, the forests are perfect for bird-watching and nature photography.
Yes, Kanatal is surrounded by scenic trails. The Nag Tibba Trek is popular for its stunning Himalayan views, while the Kaudia Forest offers shorter treks through lush forests and meadows.
Adventure lovers can try camping, trekking, zip-lining, and rock climbing in Dhanaulti. Tehri Lake is an artificial lake and also offers water sports like boating, jet skiing, and kayaking. River rafting and bungee jumping are available in Rishikesh.
Absolutely! Kanatal has attractions suitable for all ages. Family-friendly spots include Dhanaulti Eco Parks with easy trails and play areas, Tehri Dam is for boating and scenic locations like Surkanda Devi Temple and Chamba are for quiet, relaxed outings.

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