Kanatal is a small hill village between Mussoorie and Chamba. It has camps, resorts and forest walks and is much quieter than Mussoorie, though weekends in peak season fill up. A good first stop for people who want mountain air without a busy town.
About this page: Compiled from general knowledge and secondary sources. Distances and times are approximate and were not checked against an official page. Confirm road, permit and opening status before you travel.
Things to see
- Surkanda Devi Temple. Hilltop temple a short climb from the road; views on clear days.
- Forest and ridge walks. Easy walks through pine and oak forest.
- Camping and adventure activities. Run by camps and resorts; check operators for safety standards.
How to reach Kanatal
By road
About 75-80 km from Dehradun (about 2.5-3 hours); about 85 km from Rishikesh.
By rail
Dehradun or Rishikesh, then taxi.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, then road.
Where to stay
Resorts, camps and homestays around the village. Book ahead for weekends.
Food
Resort meals; limited eateries in the village.
Budget
No verified price list is published on this page. Use the budget estimator and replace its placeholder rates with real quotes. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
Warm days, cool nights in summer; cold winters; monsoon fog and landslides.
Tips
- Carry cash and a charged phone; services are patchy in places.
- Weekdays are far quieter than weekends.
Plan around Kanatal
Itineraries that include it
- Kanatal and Tehri Lake (2 days)
- Peaceful mountain retreats (8 days)
Treks in the same district
- Nag Tibba (easy, 2 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kanatal quiet?
Relatively quiet on weekdays and off-season. Weekends and holidays are busier.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.