GARHWAL HIMALAYAS,

2007-06-16T10:32:00.032+05:30

KANATAL - A HIKING DESTINATION IN THE HIMALAYAS

At a height of 8500 ft., an experience beyond expectations, rejuvenating your body, mind & soul

Your journey starts with a 7 hours drive from New Delhi while you leave the regular stuff – busy life style, crowded streets, air conditioned environment, work pressure, stress & boiling moods behind.Making your way through the beautiful hilly surroundings & reaching new heights - an experience by itself... the journey continues... & then reaching a hill top, you find yourself in some picturesque thatched cottages somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Well, the place is Kanatal & amongst the woods, we welcome you to an environment where the natural beauty still resides at its best.

With summer temperatures ranging from 10-25 degrees Celsius, and between minus 5 and 8 degrees in winters, the pleasant climate and lush green natural environs of Kanatal offer a welcome respite from the heat and dust-laden environs of crowded cities and towns in the plains.

Occupying prime location on the Chamba- Mussoorie highway, the high point of the year at this charming mountain destination occurs between December and February, when over 50 inches of powder snow carpets its areas, creating a spectacular Cottonwood Canyon and transforms the landscape into a ravishing white wonderland.

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 like the 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.

In the evening you can watch the most amazing sun set. There is a riot of colors. The clouds, the skies, the space between the mountains with various shades of pink, blue, purple, mauve, magenta, turquoise and what not. And what is more the hues and the color scheme changes every minute as the sun plays hide and seek amongst the clouds – a beautiful sight indeed.

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.

So next time you plan a vactaion... just try this new destination.

WHERE TO STAY:

This premium upmarket Boutique Resort is perched at an altitude above 8000 ft, offers a spectacular view of the Snow Clad Himalayan Range and is spread around on 5 acres of terrace land. Traveller’s from any sphere and high stratum can enjoy the serene pleasantries of The Terraces as well as Kanatal by just being there. It's a place surrounded by lush green forests, chirping birds, unambiguous blues, friendly folks and so on....

For people who expects certain level of quality & comfort and wants to have a peaceful vaction in the lap of nature, The Terraces is the right choice. It is a perfect place to unwind and just do nothing, it is also an ideal destination for people who want to indulge in activities like Yoga & Meditation, Pranic Healing, Hiking, Forest Trek, eco village with organic farming, night picnics with bonfires and live bar-be-q cooking, Jeep safaris, experiencing camping, adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, valley crossing etc. or easily laze around the place.

o Stunning location in the Himalayas

o Soothing mountain environment – fresh rejuvenating air

o Premiere facilities and excellent service standards

o Tastefully done luxurious rooms with each room offering a view of Himalayan Peaks

o Multi Cuisine Restaurant, demarcating the Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian areas

o Insight of local culture – Trek or travel to the nearby temples, climb down to the village and interact with the local community, experience the traditional hospitality and enjoy the uttarakhand cuisines served in the most ethnic manner.

o Adventure Freaks – trekking, hiking, jungle safaris, night picnics , camping , rock climbing, rappelling, valley crossing, climbing and lot more....

o Nature Lovers – nature walk, bird watching, star gazing, photography & camping experience

o Eco Village - experience the eco friendly village life of greater himalayas with traditional hospitality

0 Conference Hall (50-55 person Theater-Style) with Audio and Visual Aids

o Yoga & Meditation Sessions – the scientific way

o Preventive Healthcare & Pre/ Post Recuperation Care for Guests

TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL GUESTS / DOMESTIC TRAVELERS

Preferred destination for:
1. Anyone who is a nature lover likes to indulge in activities that are physically invigorating or seeking relaxation form rejuvenating therapies. Luxurious accommodation, inhouse recreational facilities with good food and service – to ensure a comfortable stay with various activities & entertainment options in the serene surroundings and vicinity of the resort, all come as a part of your package in the Himalayas.

2. Health conscious seeking high standard of healthcare for their own personal well being. Scientific programmes in Yoga & Meditation (Healthcare & Wellness) and Preventive Healthcare & Medical Treatments options for the inbound travelers during their journey to Incredible India and stay with ‘The Terraces’.

3. For the GenNext leaders who with increased work pressures, high pace of life, long working hours and comfortability enjoyed in their corporate life have made themselves more vulnerable to chronic diseases & stressed life. An opportunity for them to be closer to nature and their families and in an environment more conducive to learning, personal development, healthcare and physical well being.

Seasons at Kanatal:
The Terraces in the Himalayas is best visited in November – Feb, if you want to experience a snowfall or spend some moments of leisure with your family or friends. May-July is best for tourists from cities experiencing hot climatic conditions and most imporantantly enjoying a free time with their kids after their exams get over. Feb – March & August – November is the best time if you are planning to come for outdoor activities like long treks/hikes, camping experience, bird watching, a wide variety of flowers, lush green surroundings, apples and other seasonal fruits, group outings, picnics, jungle safaris or for special activities like Yoga & Meditation or Rest & Recuperation amongst nature (generally round the year activity).

Duration of Stay:
7 nights if you really want to break free and have enrolled for healthcare and wellness programmes; 4-5 is highly recommended so that you get some rest and relaxation you opted for.

What to Carry:
Apr to Sept light woolens, umbrellas, sport shoes, sun glasses, caps, scarf, preferred medicines / Oct to Mar heavy woolens , inners , mufflers , gloves etc. is recommended along with your personal belongings. Foreign Travelers/ Guests should have photocopies of all essential documents & international driving licence (in case you want to drive a vehicle).

Getting to ‘The Terraces’:
Traveling through Uttarakand is a rewarding experience in itself. Air & rail services, deluxe coaches & chauffer driven cars are there to transfer you quickly and comfortably. If you can combine Haridwar, Rishikesh with Kanatal it becomes a perfect triangle to experince the most exotic yet spiritual part of the himalayas. Road : 300 kms from Delhi, 70 kms from Dehradun, 75 kms from Rishikesh and 100 kms from Haridwar. Rail : Trains like Shatabdi running everyday from Delhi to Dehradun/Haridwar and then back to Delhi, 70/100kms. Airport : Jolly Grant (Between Rishikesh & Dehradun) 90kms.

Click the following link to get a first hand review of The Terraces.

Online Album

Official Website

Offbeat Destination

GARHWAL HIMALAYAS,