What is Kanasar Chakrata?
Kanasar Chakrata is a pine and deodar forest at 2,550 m (8,366 ft), 25 km from Chakrata town in Uttarakhand. It is known for a cricket ground inside the deodar forest, camping, a Forest Department rest house, gentle nature walks, and 100+ bird species. Entry is free.
Kanasar is a quiet forest retreat at 2,550 m (8,366 ft), located 25 km from Chakrata town in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. The landscape is dominated by mature pine (Pinus roxburghii) and deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) — the same tree after which Uttarakhand's entire Jaunsar-Bawar region takes its identity. Walking through Kanasar, the air carries a sharp resin fragrance that seasoned Himalayan travellers immediately recognise as distinctly different from oak or rhododendron forests. The ground is carpeted with dried needles, soft underfoot, and the light filters through the canopy in long shafts during morning hours.
The area falls under the Chakrata Forest Division of the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Unlike popular tourist spots in the region — Tiger Falls sees weekend queues, Mundali gets packed on ski days — Kanasar remains genuinely unhurried. On a typical weekday, you can walk for an hour and encounter nothing but the wind through the trees and occasional birdcall. Even on weekends, the crowd rarely compares to other Chakrata destinations. This is largely because Kanasar does not have a dramatic single feature (no waterfall, no ski slope) — it rewards those who value atmosphere over spectacle.
Kanasar has an Uttarakhand Forest Department rest house that can be reserved in advance by contacting the Chakrata Forest Range Office. This is one of the most authentic forest accommodation options in the Chakrata belt — you wake up inside the pine forest, not near it. The clearings around the rest house area are well-suited for camping. The terrain here is gentler than Deoban, making Kanasar an ideal offbeat nature retreat for families with older children and those who want a forest experience without a demanding trek.
Entry is free. No separate permit is required for Kanasar forest — only the standard Chakrata vehicle entry permit issued at the Chakrata check post applies. The permit process for vehicles is simple: present a government photo ID at the check post and entry is granted. The road from Chakrata to Kanasar is a metalled forest road in reasonable condition for most of the year, passable by standard hatchbacks outside the winter snow period.
What Makes Kanasar's Cricket Ground in Chakrata Unique?
Kanasar has a maintained cricket ground completely enclosed by tall deodar trees at 2,550 m altitude — surrounded by forest on all sides. It is one of the most photographed and unusual cricket grounds in India, used for informal village matches. Entry is free and visitors are welcome to watch.
Of all the things you expect to find 25 km deep into a Himalayan pine forest, a well-maintained cricket ground is probably not one of them. Yet Kanasar has exactly that — a flat, open ground ringed by tall deodar trees, with the forest canopy forming a natural stadium on all sides. This is genuinely one of the most photographed and talked-about features of the entire Chakrata region, and rightfully so.
The ground is maintained by the Forest Department and the local Jaunsar-Bawar community. It sees regular informal matches played by residents of the nearby villages, and the sight of a cricket game unfolding inside a deodar forest at 2,550 m elevation creates an image that is genuinely unlike anything else in Uttarakhand. Even if you are not a cricket fan, the setting itself — the green pitch surrounded by ancient trees, the mountain light falling at a slant — makes for striking photography and a very pleasant spot to simply sit and absorb.
The ground is located close to the Forest Rest House area at Kanasar. There is no entry charge, no scheduled match calendar open to tourists — but if you happen to arrive when local villagers are playing, you are welcome to watch. The clearing around the pitch also makes an excellent picnic spot, sheltered from wind but open enough to get mountain light through the day.
The cricket ground photographs best in the mid-morning when light filters diagonally through the deodar canopy and illuminates both the pitch and the trees behind. Late afternoon gives a warm golden light. Avoid midday when the flat overhead light removes depth from the forest frame.
What Are the Top Things to Do at Kanasar Chakrata?
Top things to do at Kanasar: nature walks through pine and deodar forest (3–5 km gentle trails), camping on forest clearings overnight, bird watching at dawn (100+ species), visiting the cricket ground in the forest, and staying at the Forest Department rest house. Entry to all is free.
Nature Walks Through the Pine Forest
The nature walks at Kanasar are the simplest and most rewarding way to experience this forest. The trails are not marked or commercialised — they are the same paths the Forest Department staff and local villagers use. This means the walking is through genuinely undisturbed forest, not a manicured tourist track. The terrain is gentle, with modest elevation changes, making it accessible for most age groups. A typical walk around the forest edge near the rest house covers 3–5 km and takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. You can extend this by following the forest road further toward Mundali meadow, which connects the two destinations through continuous pine and deodar cover. The silence on these paths — broken only by wind and bird — is the main draw. First-time visitors often remark that the experience is fundamentally different from Chakrata town or Tiger Falls, both of which carry more visitor noise.
Camping at Kanasar
Camping at Kanasar is possible on the open clearings at the forest edge, particularly near the rest house area. The setting is exceptional — you pitch your tent under a canopy of deodar and pine, with mountain ridgelines visible above the treeline and the forest floor lit by a head torch after dark. There is no commercial campsite at Kanasar; you need to carry all your own equipment — tent, sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C for overnight comfort, cooking gas, food, and water. There is no shop, no food stall, and no gear rental at Kanasar itself. The nearest supply point is Chakrata bazaar, 25 km back. Nights are cold even in summer — temperatures can drop to 8–12°C in May and to near-zero in October. The reward for being well-prepared is a forest camp that is genuinely quiet, genuinely dark, and genuinely away from everything. Dawn at Kanasar — with the light coming through the trees and birds calling from all directions — is among the best mountain mornings in Uttarakhand.
Bird Watching at Kanasar
The pine and deodar forest at Kanasar supports a rich bird community. The forest type — mature conifers with mixed undergrowth — attracts species that birders specifically target in the western Himalayas. Common sightings include Himalayan Bulbul, Great Barbet, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Streaked Laughingthrush, Verditer Flycatcher, and Black-throated Tit. The quieter trails near the rest house area are particularly productive because the low human disturbance means birds are less skittish and will often continue feeding and calling even with observers nearby. Dawn walks from 6 to 8 AM yield the most sightings — bird activity peaks at first light when species are establishing territories and foraging before the day warms. Compared to Deoban, which is specifically known as a birding destination, Kanasar is more relaxed and less visited by serious birding groups, meaning solo birders get the trails to themselves. Carry a binocular (8×42 is ideal for forest use) and a field guide to birds of the western Himalayas.
Forest Rest House Stay
Staying overnight at the Kanasar Forest Rest House is a different experience from any hotel or resort. The rest house is a simple government structure — functional rooms, basic bedding, and no room service — but the location is what makes it worth seeking out. You are inside the forest, not adjacent to it. The sounds at night are entirely of the natural environment. The rest house needs to be booked in advance through the Chakrata Forest Range Office. Availability is limited (typically 2–4 rooms), so advance booking is strongly recommended for weekends and holiday periods. The cost is modest compared to private hotels. Tour Venture India can assist with the booking process and logistics — WhatsApp +91-8057146497 for current availability and rates.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kanasar Chakrata?
The best time to visit Kanasar is April to June for camping and lush green forest (12–22°C days), and October to November for bird watching and crisp mountain views. Winter (December–February) brings snow and requires a 4WD vehicle. Monsoon is vibrant but trails get muddy.
Kanasar is a viable destination across most of the year, but the experience changes significantly between seasons. The most comfortable period overall is April to November. Within that window, April–June and October–November stand out as the best times for different reasons. December–March is the snow season — possible to visit but requiring a 4WD vehicle and prior road condition checks.
Lush forest, wildflowers in clearings, rhododendron finishing on higher ridges. Temperatures 12–22°C by day, 6–10°C at night. Ideal for camping and long walks. Forest fragrance at its peak.
Monsoon brings deep greenery — forest at its most vibrant and lush. Trails become muddy after rain. Rest house stays comfortable. Leeches on ground after showers — wear full shoes. Views can be cloud-covered.
Crisp clear days with sharp mountain views. Pine fragrance in cool air. Excellent bird watching — migratory species passing through. Very few visitors. Nights cold (3–8°C) — carry warm layers.
Snow likely December–February. Forest under snow is beautiful — silent and white. 4WD or chains needed for the road. Very cold nights (−5°C possible). Rest house provides shelter. Check road conditions before departure.
Temperature Guide: Summer (May–June) daytime 18–24°C, nights 8–12°C. Post-monsoon October 10–18°C day, 3–8°C night. December–January can see −3 to −8°C overnight. Pack accordingly — Kanasar's altitude means it is always colder than Dehradun by at least 8–10 degrees.
How to Reach Kanasar from Dehradun
Kanasar is 113 km from Dehradun — drive or take a bus to Chakrata (88 km, ~4 hrs via Vikasnagar), then 25 km more on the forest road (~1 hr). Total travel time: 5–5.5 hours. Carry a government photo ID for the free Chakrata vehicle permit at the check post.
Kanasar is 113 km from Dehradun and 25 km beyond Chakrata town. The route passes through Vikasnagar — a straightforward mountain road that all vehicles can handle outside winter. The Chakrata vehicle permit is issued at the main check post and requires a valid photo ID per vehicle. The permit is free and takes under 5 minutes. For official tourism information on Uttarakhand destinations, refer to the Uttarakhand Tourism official website.
Take a train to Dehradun (well connected from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh). Hire a taxi from the station to Chakrata — the journey is 88 km and takes about 3.5–4 hours on the winding mountain road. From Chakrata bazaar, hire a local jeep or cab for the remaining 25 km to Kanasar, which takes about 1 hour. Total time from Dehradun: approximately 5–5.5 hours.
State transport (GMOU) and private buses run from Dehradun Parade Ground to Chakrata, departing morning and afternoon. The bus journey takes 4–5 hours. From Chakrata, hire a local jeep or shared vehicle from the taxi stand for Kanasar. Negotiate fare before departure — the road to Kanasar is a forest road and local drivers know it well.
Drive Dehradun → Vikasnagar → Chakrata (88 km, ~3.5 hrs), then continue 25 km on the forest road to Kanasar. Carry photo ID for the vehicle permit at Chakrata check post. The road to Kanasar is in reasonable condition for standard cars outside winter. Combine Kanasar and Mundali in the same day — Mundali is 10 km further on the same road. Tour Venture India offers private cab service from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
Who Should Visit Kanasar and Why?
Kanasar is best for campers, bird watchers, photographers, solo travellers, and couples seeking a quiet offbeat forest retreat near Chakrata. It is ideal for weekend getaways from Delhi or Dehradun. It may disappoint those expecting a waterfall, ski slope, or on-site food and shops.
Kanasar is not for every traveller, and being honest about that is important. If you are coming to Chakrata for one day and want to see the most dramatic attractions, Tiger Falls and Mundali will be higher priority. But if you have two or more days — or if you are planning an offbeat weekend getaway from Delhi or Dehradun — Kanasar is likely to be the most memorable part of your Chakrata visit. As one of the least-visited nature retreats in Uttarakhand, it delivers the kind of quiet that most hill stations cannot offer.
- Solo travellers and couples wanting quiet forest time
- Bird watchers targeting western Himalayan species
- Campers who carry their own gear
- Photographers — particularly forest and landscape
- Anyone combining with Mundali in a single day drive
- Families with older children wanting a gentle forest walk
- You want a dramatic waterfall or a snow slope
- You expect cafes, shops, or food options on-site
- You are visiting with young children who need activity
- You are on a single-day Chakrata trip with many stops
The best practical combination for most visitors: drive from Chakrata to Kanasar in the morning (spend 2–3 hours — rest house visit, cricket ground, a short walk), then continue to Mundali meadow for the afternoon. Return to Chakrata by evening. This single forest road covers both destinations without backtracking and gives a complete picture of the high-altitude forest zone above Chakrata.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Kanasar?
Before visiting Kanasar: carry all supplies from Chakrata bazaar (no shops on-site), pack warm layers (10°C cooler than Dehradun), bring a government photo ID for the vehicle permit, download offline maps (no signal), take out all rubbish, and use a 4WD vehicle December–February when snow is likely.
There are no shops, food stalls, or vendors at Kanasar. Buy water, snacks, fuel, and any supplies in Chakrata before setting out. The 25 km drive is through forest — there is nothing en route.
At 2,550 m, temperatures are reliably 10°C lower than Dehradun. Morning and evening are cold year-round. Carry a fleece or light jacket even for April–June visits. For camping, a sleeping bag rated to −5°C is the minimum for comfort.
The Chakrata area requires vehicles to register at the check post. A valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, driving licence, passport) is sufficient. The process takes a few minutes and is free.
Signal availability at Kanasar is unreliable. Download an offline map of the Chakrata–Kanasar–Mundali route before leaving Dehradun or Chakrata town. Google Maps and Maps.me offline both work.
Kanasar has no waste disposal facility. This is protected Forest Department land — leave no trace. Carry a bag for your rubbish and dispose of it in Chakrata. The forest's unspoilt quality depends on this.
Snowfall can make the Kanasar road slippery in winter. A 4WD vehicle with snow chains is recommended from December to February. Check current road conditions with the Chakrata Forest Range Office or Tour Venture India before setting out.
- What: Pine and deodar forest at 2,550 m, 25 km from Chakrata — known for a unique cricket ground inside the forest, camping, and Forest Department rest house.
- Entry: Free. Chakrata vehicle permit required (photo ID, free, at check post).
- Best time: April–June (camping) and October–November (bird watching, clear views).
- How to reach: 113 km from Dehradun (88 km to Chakrata + 25 km forest road, ~5.5 hrs total).
- Combine with: Mundali meadow — 10 km further on the same road, doable in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kanasar Chakrata
What is special about Kanasar near Chakrata?
Kanasar stands out in the Chakrata region for two things: a genuinely peaceful forest atmosphere (far less visited than Tiger Falls or Mundali), and the completely unexpected cricket ground inside the deodar forest — one of the most distinctive and photographed spots in all of Uttarakhand. For travellers who want mountains without crowds, Kanasar is often the highlight of the Chakrata visit.
Can we camp at Kanasar Chakrata?
Yes. Camping is possible on the open clearings near the Forest Rest House area at Kanasar. The setting — tall deodar and pine canopy, mountain ridgelines above the treeline, complete darkness and silence at night — is exceptional. You must carry all your own equipment: tent, sleeping bag (rated −5°C minimum for comfort), cooking gear, food, and water. There are no rentals or shops at Kanasar. The nearest supply point is Chakrata bazaar, 25 km away.
How do I book the Kanasar Forest Rest House?
The Kanasar Forest Rest House is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, Chakrata Forest Range. Bookings are made through the Chakrata Range Office. Rooms are limited (2–4 typically) and advance booking is essential for weekends and holidays. Tour Venture India can assist with the booking process and logistics — WhatsApp +91-8057146497.
How far is Kanasar from Mundali, and can I visit both in one day?
Kanasar and Mundali are approximately 10 km apart on the same forest road from Chakrata. The route is continuous through pine and deodar forest — no backtracking required. Most visitors cover both in a single day: Kanasar in the morning (2–3 hours), then Mundali in the afternoon. This is the recommended approach and gives you the full experience of the high-altitude forest zone above Chakrata.
What birds can be seen at Kanasar?
Kanasar's mature pine-deodar forest supports a strong bird community. Reliable sightings include Himalayan Bulbul, Great Barbet, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Streaked Laughingthrush, Verditer Flycatcher, and Black-throated Tit. Dawn walks (6–8 AM) are most productive. The low visitor numbers mean birds are less disturbed than at more popular spots, making Kanasar particularly rewarding for patient birders.
Is there any entry fee or permit required for Kanasar?
Entry to Kanasar forest is free. No separate permit is needed for the forest area itself. The only requirement is the standard Chakrata vehicle permit, issued at the Chakrata check post on presentation of a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, driving licence, or passport). The permit is free and takes a few minutes.
Is Kanasar accessible in winter — December to February?
Yes, Kanasar can be visited in winter, but preparation is important. Snowfall from December to February can make the road slippery. A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, and snow chains may be necessary in heavy snow years. The forest under snow is beautiful — silent, white, and completely uncrowded. The rest house provides warmth. Always check current road conditions before setting out.
Can Tour Venture India arrange a Kanasar trip from Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh?
Yes. Tour Venture India offers private cab and Chakrata tour packages that include Kanasar — either as a day excursion or with an overnight rest house stay. We handle the cab booking, Chakrata permit assistance, and rest house enquiry. Pickup available from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. WhatsApp +91-8057146497 for a free custom itinerary.
- Location: 25 km from Chakrata town, 113 km from Dehradun — Dehradun district, Uttarakhand.
- Altitude: 2,550 m (8,366 ft) — pine and deodar forest, resin-scented, peaceful.
- USP: Cricket ground inside the deodar forest — unique in all of Uttarakhand.
- Activities: Nature walks, camping, bird watching, forest rest house stay.
- Entry: Free. Chakrata vehicle permit required (photo ID at check post, free).
- Best time: April–June (camping, lush forest) and October–November (bird watching, clear views).
- Combine with: Mundali (10 km further) — both covered in a single day drive.
- Nearest supplies: Chakrata bazaar — carry everything before entering the forest road.
Nearby Chakrata Attractions
This guide is written by the Tour Venture India team. Our travel experts have personally visited Kanasar across multiple seasons — including summer camping, post-monsoon walks, and winter snow visits. All facts, distances, timings, and travel details are verified from on-ground experience. We update this guide whenever new information is confirmed from the field.