Kanatal
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Uttarakhand
From the archives of “The Times of India” : 2008
— SATARUPA MUKHERJEE
The perfect Himalayan getaway, this Uttaranchal hamlet is a balm to tired souls. Take a holiday here to feel the power of nature..
It’s an absolutely idyllic locale, bathed in mists and magenta sweet peas, all interspersed with lush ferns and vibrant calendulas... Calls of a bulbul or a parakeet occasionally break the silence. Indulge in a walk in the clouds through majestic deodars and pines! Take in lungsful of the mountain air, feel the freshness. It’s awesome! We bet you’ve never experienced nature so intimately before.
After a seven-hour road trip from Delhi, when you reach this Himalayan ‘hideout’ at a height of about 8,500 ft near Mussoorie, you feel you are one with nature. Unspoilt and untouched by the ravages of time and the world outside, this picturesque hamlet stands out like a metaphor for peace and rejuvenation.
And as is characteristic of any hill station, Kanatal offers magnificent views of snow-capped mountains, acres of woods with brilliant flora and fauna, gurgling rivulets and thatched cottages.
Add in Kanatal’s virginal splendour, as it is relatively unexplored by tourists and (thank heavens!) realtors. Its benign bliss makes you feel that time has come to a standstill. Its serenity provides the perfect backdrop to commune with nature. Relax, meditate, walk... Do anything to feel the power of the sublime, the mystical appeal of Mother Nature.
Climate
With temperatures ranging between 10° C and 25 ºC in summer, this is a great retreat from the heat and dust of urban cacophony. But, in winter, temperatures can drop to –5 ºC! From December to February, the hamlet turns into a fairytale wonderland, carpeted with snow! For honeymooners, it is sheer paradise...
Best way to enjoy the place? Walk. After breakfast, venture out into the woods nearby. Trek through tall alpine trees and a ground cover of mosses and lichens. The adventurous can indulge in paragliding, horse riding and mountain biking. And those who like solitude can simply soak in the beauty of a sunrise or a sunset from their hotel balcony. Ah... bliss!
Fact file
GETTING THERE: From Delhi, it’s a 7- or 8-hour drive.
BEST SEASON: All year round
SOME PLACES TO STAY IN:
The Terraces, Kanatal Resort & Spa, Hotel Hermitage
Places to see
Kodia Jungle: Opens up to a vast expanse of undulating hills and valleys. If you are lucky, you could spot some barking deer and wild boar. Grunt!
Surkhana Devi: A temple dedicated to Sati at 9,995 feet above sea level. Legend has it that Lord Shiva brought Sati’s body here, all the way from Haridwar, on his trishul.
Tehri Dam: Being built on the Bhagirathi, amid protests. Once completed, it will be Asia’s tallest dam and the world’s fourth tallest earth and rock filled dam!
Pant Research Institute:
Explore the various species of fruits and plants grown here.
Adventure seekers can also go over to DHANAULTI for a spot of paragliding, rafting, trekking, horse riding and mountain biking. Geronimo!
