Kanatal Tour from Rishikesh
A quiet ridge at 2,590 m, apple country, and the short trek to Surkanda Devi.
Kanatal is a small settlement on the Mussoorie–Chamba road at about 2,590 metres, and its main appeal is negative: it has none of the traffic, hawkers or mall-road crowds of Mussoorie, which sits lower and an hour away.
What it has is deodar forest, apple orchards, a ridge with a long view towards the snow line on a clear day, and a cluster of camps and small resorts. It is the easiest genuine hill escape from Rishikesh.
Three hours of driving makes it workable as an overnight and perfectly reasonable as a long day, which is unusual for anywhere at this altitude.
Highlights
Quick facts
Surkanda Devi
The main thing to actually do. The temple sits at around 2,750 metres on a peak near Kaddukhal, about a 1.5 km climb from the road — steep but short, and there is now a ropeway for anyone who would rather not walk it.
The summit view on a clear morning takes in a long stretch of the Garhwal Himalaya, and it is one of the better returns on a short walk anywhere in the region. Go early; cloud builds through the day.
When to come
March to June is the main season — comfortable days, cool nights, orchards in blossom in spring. September to November brings the clearest air and the best views.
Winter is cold and occasionally snowy at this height, which is part of the appeal for people coming up from the plains. The monsoon is green and quiet with limited views and the usual hill-road caution.
How it compares with the alternatives
Against Mussoorie: quieter, higher, far less to do, much more pleasant. Against Dhanaulti, which is 20 km away and similar in character: Kanatal is slightly quieter still and better placed for Surkanda Devi.
If the group wants shops, restaurants and things laid on, Mussoorie is the correct answer and this is not. If they want a ridge, a fire and a view, it is the other way round.
What's included
- ✓ AC cab & driver
- ✓ All tolls & parking
- ✓ Sightseeing as per plan
- ✓ Flexible itinerary
Not included
- ✕ Personal expenses & tips
- ✕ Anything not mentioned in inclusions
- ✕ GST where applicable
- ✕ Photos/videos unless specified
What to carry
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
About 85 km and roughly three hours on hill roads. It works as an overnight or as a long day trip.
Onward journeys from Rishikesh
Road transport beyond Rishikesh is run by Triveni Cabs.
- Rishikesh cab servicesLocal packages and outstation journeys
- Places to visit near RishikeshDay trips with distances and fares
- Mussoorie cab faresHill route with an experienced driver
- Nainital cab faresLake district transfers
- Jim Corbett cab faresPark gate drops
Journeys are booked with Triveni Cabs; the activity is booked here. Confirm the activity first — its reporting time decides when you need to travel.
