2 Days · 1 Night · Camping · Kodia Jungle · Surkanda Devi Trek
Kanatal is a small village-turned-camping destination in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand at 2600 metres above sea level, located on the Chamba-Mussoorie road. It is 12 km from Dhanaulti and about 38 km from Mussoorie. The area is covered in thick deodar and oak forest and is popular for camping, short treks, and nature walks. It has remained relatively less developed than Mussoorie, which gives it a more natural and quiet feel.
Kodia Jungle, the forest area around Kanatal, is the main draw for trekkers and campers. Short guided treks through the forest give views of the Garhwal Himalayan range including the Gangotri group of peaks on clear days. Several camping operators have set up eco-friendly camp sites in the jungle and meadow areas around Kanatal. Activities like rappelling, zip-lining, and river crossing are offered by adventure camps.
Surkanda Devi Temple (8 km, trek from roadhead at Kaddukhal), the same temple that is accessible from Dhanaulti side, can also be reached from Kanatal side. The Tehri Lake, about 29 km from Kanatal, is the reservoir of the Tehri Dam and has become a water sports centre with boating, kayaking, and jet skiing. Dev Yatra offers Kanatal tour packages from Haridwar combining camping, the Kodia trek, and optional Tehri Lake and Surkanda Devi visits.
Eco camps in Kodia Jungle with bonfire, forest trails, and Himalayan views. Good for groups and couples.
Short trek through deodar and oak forest with views of Garhwal Himalayan peaks on clear days.
2757m hilltop goddess temple with wide views. 2 km trek from Kaddukhal road head.
29 km from Kanatal. Reservoir of Tehri Dam with boating, kayaking, jet skiing options.
BEST SEASON
Best weather for camping. Clear views. Forest green and fresh. Surkanda Devi accessible. Most comfortable time.
POST MONSOON
Excellent clarity. Forests lush after rains. Good for trekking. Slightly cooler nights for camping.
WINTER
Snow possible at 2600m. Good for snow camping with the right gear. Very cold nights.
All our packages start from Haridwar . Here's how to reach:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Airport pickup arranged on request.
Haridwar Railway Station connects to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata. Kathgodam (for Kumaon) is linked via this route.
UPSRTC Volvo buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Haridwar (6 hrs). State buses to Uttarakhand towns available.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). We provide AC/Non-AC vehicles with experienced mountain drivers.
Kanatal has very few commercial attractions — that is the whole point. If you want a packed itinerary with activities every hour, go to Mussoorie instead. Kanatal is for people who want forest air, silence, and a bonfire at night. The camping setups here are well organised and comfortable — not roughing it. Cell reception is weak in Kanatal, which bothers some people but is the main appeal for others. The Surkhanda Devi temple visit (6 km) is the main day activity. Beyond that: forest walks, sitting on the deck, reading. Kanatal is 78 km from Dehradun (2.5 hrs) and 38 km from Mussoorie (1 hr).