In contrast to most well-known hill resorts in Northern India that are waging a losing battle against overcrowding, urbanization, pollution and commercialization, Kanatal offers a serene experience in the lap of nature. Kanatal is an idea whose time has come. Discerning tourists seeking a communion with nature untouched, untamed and unspoilt can enjoy many pleasant surprises waiting to be discovered in Kanatal
Opportunity to see so many exotic birds that one may have never seen before - Long tailed Birds of Paradise, minute Sunbirds, two types of Bulbuls that are not seen in the plains, swallows, thrushes, parakeets, larks bee-eaters and so many others. There is no need for any binoculars as these birds fly very near if one lets them be.
One can see lots of flora and fauna typical to such altitudes. Lichens, moss, algae, fungi, mushrooms, ferns, majestic pines and deodhars, rhododendrons etc. There is some wild life to be seen too. Deer, Foxes, and Meercats are quite common. The locals say that they have even witnessed a panther quite often.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Trekking in the Garhwal Himalayas
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Kanatal - Harsil - Bhairoghat - Gangotri
Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal Himalayas, India
Access: Road access is available till Gangotri
Itinerary: Delhi-Kanatal-Uttarkashi-Harsil-Bhairoghat-Gangotri
Length: 40.5 Km
Duration: 10 days
Altitude: 4463 mtrs
Type: Pilgrimage / Adventure
Season: April - October
Difficulty and grading: Grade II Hard (escorted trek)
Brief description: This trek requires experience of mountain climbing , rock climbing and glacier traversing. The trek is vigorous but is negotiable by non - climbers as well. It passes through orchards of coniferous pine trees at Chirbasa and Bhojbasa.
Scenic quality: Spectacular views of peaks enroute
Awareness/popularity: Is a popular trek
Logistical support: Porters and horses available at places
Local authority assistance: Available through the local forest officials
Infrastructure: Hotel/ Boutique Resort/ Camping
Signage: While the trail is not marked by signage , it is well demarcated by steps along the trail.
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Trekking, Village Safari & Bird Watching
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Kanatal - Surkhanda Devi - Kaudiyala Forest - Kunjapuri
Location: Located in Garhwal, this trek involves a series of short treks between two major temples & Kaudiayala forest
Access: The typical routing includes Delhi to Kanatal via Haridwar/ Rishikesh (300 km) for the 2 km trek to Surkhanda Devi, followed by travel to Kaudiayala Forest (8 km) for a 15 km trek to View Point and a 3 km trek to Kunjapuri
Itinerary: Delhi-Kanatal-Surkhanda Devi - Kaudiyala Forest - Kunjapuri
Length: Includes 300 km of motoring from Delhi and 20 km of trekking divided between two temples and Kaudia forest
Duration: 5 days
Altitude: 3030 mtrs
Type: Pilgrimage / Adventure
Season: April - October
Difficulty and grading: Grade I Soft
Brief description: The itinerery is perfectly blended with luxury accommodation facility & other activities like Village Safari, Bird Watching and Hiking. The itinerary is also perfect for nature lovers who wish to see the Himalayas but cannot cope with harder treks. The view from two temples include that of the Himalayas and the Dun Valley
Scenic quality: Spectacular views of Himalayan Peaks and beautiful landscapes
Awareness/popularity: Is an unpopular trek
Logistical support: Porters are available at Surkhanda Devi base
Local authority assistance: Available through resort staff at Kanatal
Infrastructure: Hotel/ Boutique Resort
Signage: While the trail is not marked by signage , it is well demarcated by steps along the trail.
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White Water Rafting, Jungle Safari & Trekking
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Kanatal - Shivpuri (Rishikesh) - Kaudiyala Forest
Location: White Water Rafting in Shivpuri, Jungle Safari & Trekking in Kaudiayala forest
Access: The typical routing includes Delhi to Kanatal via Haridwar/ Rishikesh (300 km) for the 2 km trek to Surkhanda Devi, followed by travel to Kaudiayala Forest (8 km) for a 15 km trek to View Point and then White Water Rafting in Shivpuri, Rishikesh
Itinerary: Delhi-Kanatal-Surkhanda Devi-Kaudiyala Forest-Shivpuri
Length: Includes 300 km of motoring from Delhi and 17 km of total trekking to Surkhanda Devi & in Kaudia forest. Rafting is conducted in Shivpuri on way back to Delhi.
Duration: 5 days
Altitude: 3030 mtrs
Type: Pilgrimage / Adventure
Season: Sept - Nov & March - June
Difficulty and grading: Grade I Soft
Brief description: The itinerery is perfect for nature lovers who wish to see the Himalayas but cannot cope with harder treks. Combination of Trekking & other adventure activities like White Water Rafting, Village Safari & Bird Watching.
Scenic quality: Spectacular views of Himalayan Peaks and beautiful landscapes
Awareness/popularity: Shivpuri in Rishikesh is popular as White Water Rafting destination in India & has gained quite a popularity in countries like UK & US. Trek to Surkhanda Devi & in Kaudiyala is an unpopular trek
Logistical support: Porters are available at Surkhanda Devi base and all necessary equipments for Rafting are provided by the organisers.
Local authority assistance: Available through resort staff at Kanatal & Group Cordinator in Rishikesh
Infrastructure: Hotel/ Boutique Resort/ Swiss Alpine Tents
