About Kanatal
Kanatal at 2,590 m between Mussoorie and Tehri, set in deodar and pine forests with apple and apricot orchards, is one of the finest dark sky and eco-camping destinations near Delhi. Only eco-resorts and glamping sites operate here — no large hotels. The Surkanda Devi temple trek (3 km, 3,030 m) and the extraordinary Milky Way visibility (best October–April) are the primary draws.
Places to See
• Surkanda Devi Temple Trek (3 km, 3,030 m, Shakti Peetha with Himalayan panorama — the main attraction)
• Kodia Jungle Camping (forest camping, bonfire, guided night walks)
• Apple and Apricot Orchards (blossom April–May, harvest September)
• Dark Sky Stargazing (Milky Way visible — one of the best sites near Delhi)
• Rock Climbing and Rappelling
• Dhanaulti Day Trip (25 km, Eco Parks)
Best Time
October–June. February–March (snowfall, apple blossom). September–November (harvest, golden autumn). Avoid heavy monsoon July–August.
How to Reach
Road: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Kanatal (78 km, ~2.5 hrs). Delhi → Kanatal via Dehradun (~320 km, ~6.5 hrs). No public transport — hire cab from Mussoorie.
Things to Do
• Trek to Surkanda Devi (3 km, 1.5 hrs)
• Forest camping with bonfire
• Stargazing (October–April, Milky Way visible)
• Apple orchard walk in blossom
• Rock climbing with eco-resort guide
• Day trip to Dhanaulti
Tips
Kanatal is camping and eco-resort only — no hotel-style accommodation. Surkanda Devi is windy — carry a warm jacket. Ideal 3-night circuit: Night 1 Mussoorie, Nights 2–3 Kanatal, Day 3 Tehri Lake, return via Rishikesh.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kanatal depends on the experience you seek.
