A small village and hill station, Kanatal is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located at an elevation of around 8,500 feet. It is situated in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Kanatal in December feels like heaven on earth, with cold winds blowing, snow-capped mountains, greenery everywhere, and pure and serene lakes and rivers flowing. The area where Kanatal is located has been inhabited by the local Garhwali people for centuries. Kanatal is derived from two Hindi words, “Kana”, meaning one-eyed, and “Tal” meaning lake. Over the past few decades, Kanatal has become one of the favourite tourist destinations for travellers seeking peace and a respite from the hustle of urban areas. The contribution of tourism infrastructure, resorts, hotels, and adventure camps has helped it gain popularity.
Places In Kanatal You Must Visit In December
The culture of Kanatal is very auspicious, with all the local traditions and festivals celebrated with enthusiasm and happiness. Local cuisine like Gutke, Kafuli, Phaanu, and Chainsoo offers a delicate taste of local flavours. From Surkanda Devi Temple to Kaudia Forest, Check out these top five places in Kanatal in December.
1. Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage destination located near Kantal in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are sacred shrines dedicated to Goddess Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. This place is of very much religious importance to Hindus because, according to Hindu Mythology, this temple is the exact place where Sati’s head fell off when Shiva was carrying her burnt body in his arms. This event is linked to Shiva’s dance of destruction, The Tandava. It is dedicated to the goddess Surkanda, an incarnation of goddess Parvati.
The temple is located at an altitude of approximately 2,757 metres above sea level. The temple is vibrant during festivals like Navaratri, Ganga Dussehra, and Diwali. When many devotees come to visit the temple. The temple offers beautiful views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba. The sunsets and sunrises from this temple look amazing.
Distance from Kanatal: 8 kilometres
Best known for: Shakti Peetha, spiritual significance, alluring view
Must Read: Malari Uttarakhand
2. Kodia Jungle
Kodia Jungle is a forest area known for its rich bio-diversity and peaceful environment. It is a heaven for nature lovers and trekkers. The jungle comprises trees like pine, deodar, and rhododendron trees. During spring, the rhododendrons bloom with beautiful vibrant red flowers. Numerous species of birds like the Himalayan woodpecker, pheasants, and many others inhabit the jungle. It is home to many animals like barking deer, goral, and wild boars. For those who love trekking, Kodia is the best place to go, where they can enjoy the scenic beauty of greenery and flowing pure water bodies.
It also provides a great space to enjoy nature where one can walk and spend their leisure time enjoying the lap of nature. The jungle also provides spots where families can picnic and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Hiring a local guide here can help enhance one’s insights about the place. These viewpoints are ideal for photography. The best time to visit this place is November-December when the weather is the most pleasant.
Distance From Kanatal: 2 kilometres
Best Known For: Biodiversity, alluring greenery, beautiful places, and wildlife.
3. New Tehri
Image Credit: Prshntsingh733 for Wikimedia Commons
It is a modern town located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. This town was developed as a part of the Tehri Dam Project. The Tehri Dam Project is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India, It was initiated in the late 20th century and led to the displacement of the old Tehri which was the old town. The Old Town was established in the early 19th century by Sudarshan Shah, the then-king of Tehri. A range of accommodation options are available, from luxury hotels to homestays, for all budgets and preferences.
This place has become a hub for adventure sports, from paragliding to trekking and rock climbing. New Theri offers great sunrise and sunset views for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the local markets for handicrafts and traditional Garhwali items. The town also has many temples and different cultural sites.
Distance From Kanatal: 26 kilometres
Best Known for: adventure sports, local handicrafts
Suggested Read: Dodital Darwa Pass Trek
4. Mussoorie
Mussoorie, often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It is located in Dehradun. Mussoorie is known for its alluring beauty, climate, and colonial heritage. It was established in 1825 by Captain Frederick Young and Mr. Fj Shore. Many colonial buildings are still there, mirroring its rich historical past. The Pahadi delicacies are aloo ke gutka, Kafuli, Bal Mithai, and Jhangora Ki Kheer.
Mussoorie is a mixture of beauty, history, and culture and that is what makes it a must-visit place in Uttarakhand. From adventure to scenic beauty, Mussoorie has everything for you to offer. It also has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget homestays and guest houses. There are other major attractions also there like Mall Road, Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, etc.
Distance From Kanatal: 45 kilometres
Best Known For: Historical importance, Delicious delicacy, beautiful view
5. Chamba
Chamba is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by beautiful green forests and snow-capped mountains. It is a scenic town located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its natural beauty, calm climate, and beautiful environment. People loving trekking will love this place because it not only provides trekking but also a great view of mountains, rivers, lakes, and beautiful forests. Popular trekking routes include the Chamba-Mussoorie trek, the Surkanda Devi Trek, and the Tehri Dam Trek.
It is well connected by road to major cities like Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure lover, or seeking respite from the urban hustle, Chamba offers you everything. Other nearby attractions are Tehri Dam, Surkanda Devi Temple, and Dhanaulti. The town celebrates festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti and has local cuisine and delicacies.
Distance From Kanatal: 15 kilometres
Best Known For: Himalayan view, natural landscape, trekking opportunities, local festivals
Further Read: Nachiketa Tal
On your next trip to Uttarakhand, visit these places and enjoy a cosy and comfortable stay. Uttarakhand is a beautiful destination, whether for a business trip, solo trip, trip with friends, or pilgrimage. Kanatal has a wide range of hotels and homestay options for you to choose from in December. There are various places you must visit to have a memorable experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kanatal In December
What kind of preparation should one do while visiting Kanatal?
One should have all warm clothes like Thermal wear, sweaters and Fleece jackets, Gloves, Footwear, and socks to keep themselves warm in that freezing temperature of December in Kanatal.
How can I reach Kanatal by air?
The nearest airport to Kanatal is Jolly Grant Airport is approximately 92 kilometres away from Kanatal and from there, one can easily hail a taxi or cab to reach its destination.
Is there any Trekking facility available in Kanatal?
Yes, One with a love for trekking will enjoy it the most in Kanatal as it provides the best experience of trekking covered with scenic beauty all around like mountains, greenery, and beautiful water bodies.
What are the other activities one can do while visiting Kanatal?
While visiting Kanatal one can go camping in the forest amidst the lap of nature, or the one who loves adventure can go for water sports or trekking.
What are some of the hotels where I can stay in Kanatal?
From luxury to budget-friendly, Kanatal has everything to offer there are many hotels like Nivirti Stays, Sadhoo Vibes Resort, Heavenly Heights, etc. They provide everything from comfort to beautiful delicacies prepared by their talented chefs, Who blend traditional flavours with an international touch.
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