Places to Visit in Kanatal

Being the only planned city there, New Tehri is one of the top places to visit in Kanatal. Home to the Tehri Lake and Dam, the city prides itself in owning one of the largest hydroelectricity projects in the world.

The Bhagirathi and Bhilangana Rivers merge here to form the manmade Tehri Lake Reservoir, which, with its emerald colour makes for a beautiful sight. Temples like the Chandrabadni and Sem Mukhem Temple dot the city.

New Tehri is where classic meets contemporary, where at one end lies Old Tehri, submerged in water, and the other end is abuzz with water and aerial activities.

Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Surkanda Devi Temple is a 3 km walk from the village, Kaddukhal. Legend has it that when Goddess Sati died, her husband Lord Shiva carried her body back to Kailash, which is when her head fell at the spot where the temple was then erected.

Thus, the name Sirkandha was derived, which over the passage of time is called Surkanda. This ancient site is surrounded by lush greenery and a panoramic view of the breathtaking Himalayas!

Pilgrims from all over flank this holy spot during Ganga Dussehra and Navratri, the array of colours and lights making the celebration worth witnessing!

Timings: Summer - 05:00 am to 07.00 pm/ Winter - 07:00 am to 05.00 pm

Location: Chamba - Mussoorie Road, Saklana Range, Uttarakhand 249145, India

One of the most prominent tourist places in Kanatal, Tehri Dam, at an astonishing height of 260 metres, is the tallest dam in India and among the tallest in the world.

The destination is flocked by travellers and adventure junkies all-year-round who engage in sports like paragliding, jet skiing, and the tourist-favourite, Banana boat ride, among others. It is also flanked by globetrotters who enjoy a unique stay offered by houseboats and floating huts built on the adjacent Tehri Lake.

Apart from being just a pretty spot, Tehri Dam also harnesses more than 1,000 MW of hydroelectricity supplied to the city, thereby serving a good purpose. 

Location: New Tehri, Uttarakhand 249001

Flowing gently at an elevation of 1700 metres, Tehri Lake is an artificial reservoir built alongside the Tehri Dam to divert the water from Kanatal’s Bhagirathi River to fill the reservoir. Apart from being a beautiful visual, Tehri Lake is an adventure destination for thrill-seekers owing to the adrenaline-pumping water and aerial sports the destination offers.

In an attempt to encourage tourism, the lake is bustling with activities ranging from kayaking to boating, water skiing to scuba diving, and even some unique activities like canoeing, water zorbing, paragliding and hot air balloon rides. If you aren’t an aquaphile, don’t fret, for the picturesque lake is enough to bring a smile to your face. 

Location: Koti Colony, New Tehri

Places to visit in Kanatal are many, but there’s nothing like the spotless Kaudia Forest. Kaudia is great for picnics, bird watching, nature photography, and hiking.

The dense, serene forest opens up to breathtaking views of steep hills and valleys as you walk through the greenery, natural springs gurgling along the sides. You can explore the forest by opting for a Jeep Safari from Kanatal to Kaudia, with prior permission.

This ride will introduce you to wildlife that inhabits the forest, and is a great photo opportunity for enthusiasts. Kaudia is also considered a great picnic spot, so if you’re travelling with friends and family, make sure to carry along a few snacks, take a break from all the activities and just breathe in the beauty around!

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Entry Fee/Price: Rs. 20 per person

Location: Kanatal, Kaudia Range, Uttarakhand 249130