Kotdwar, Uttarakhand – Situated at a height of 395m above the sea level, Kotdwar is the gateway to Garhwal

Kotdwara (Kotdwar)  is located at the foothills of the Shivaliks. The place is situated at a height of 395m above sea level and literally means gateway to Garhwal. The city has excellent rail network and is connected to almost all major towns in India like Lucknow, Delhi and Howrah. The place also has an excellent road network. Kotdwar forms the centre of the sight seeing locations to places some of the outstanding locations like Sidhbali Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Koteshwar Mahadev, a Lord Shiva temple and also many other reverent spots.

Places to see in Kotdwar: Kotdwar offers a no. of sight seeing locations. These include:

Sidhbali Temple

The residing deity of Sidhbali Temple is Lord Hanuman. Siddhbali temple holds enormous religious importance amongst the people of Uttarakhand and especially with the people living in Pauri Garhwal district. Siddhbali temple is situated on the edge of the mountain 2 km from Kotdwara.

Durga Devi Temple

Durga Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Durga Devi temple is situated 15 kms from Kotdwara and a small seasonal stream is flowing from below the temple. The water level is very low in the river and you can spend some time there as the place is calm and quaint.

Kanvashram

Kanvashram is an ancient ashram of Karnav Rishi situated 12 km from Kotdwar on the banks of Malini River. Shakuntala lost the ring given by King Dushyant at this place. This scene was written in the famous Abhijnana Shakuntalam by Kalidasa. Shakuntala was the daughter of Karnva Rishi.

Koteshwar Mahadev

Situated at an elevation of 1428 m, this temple has a great following among childless couples. The temple houses a Shivling and is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges in the east, Haridwar in the west and Siddha Pith Medanpuri Devi temple in the south. Legends has it that a village woman inadvertently hit a Shivling while digging, divine voices were then heard, directing the people to construct a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Accordingly, the Koteshwar Mahadev temple was erected. It is believed that childless couples who chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra (verse) during the whole month of Shravana with full faith and devotion are blessed by the Lord and their wishes are granted. It is also believed that during the Navratras the Goddess roves around, besitted upon her steed, the lion. Kotdwar is aso known as the entrance towards Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

Nearby attractions around Kotdwar: From Kotdwar you can organize planned itinerary to places like:

Lansdowne

Lansdowne is unlike other hill stations as it is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. Lansdowne is one of the quietest hill stations of India and is popular since Britishers came to India. It is situated at an altitude of 1700mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests. Lansdowne is located 40kms from Kotdwara. Lansdowne is a Cantonment area and therefore there are limited hotels at this place. Do make prior bookings in the hotels before visiting Lansdowne.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev

This place is named for the temple Tarkeshwar Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an ideal place for those who wish to seek solace in the lap of nature. This place is surrounded by thick forests of deodar and pine affording scenic vistas of Nature. Tarkeshwar temple is 70 km from Kotdwara.

Pauri

Pauri is situated at an elevation of 1814mts above sea level 101 km from Kotdwar. Pauri Garhwal is located on the northwest slopes of Kandoliya Hills in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. Diverse in topography and filled with places of tourist’s interest, most locations in Pauri offers the invigorating view of the majestic snow-capped peaks of Himalayan range.

Things to do in Kotdwar: Sightseeing is the best thing you can do here. This apart you can also buy some handicrafts items from local markets.

Best time to visit Kotdwar: Winters i.e from October to February is the best time to visit Kotdwar.

How to go ?

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Kotdwara situated at a distance of 110kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Kotdwar is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Kotdwar.

By Rail

Kotdwara is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India. Kotdwar is well connected with railway network as this place is the gateway to the hills of the Garhwal region. There are regular trains running to Kotdwar from major destinations of north India.

By Road

Kotdwara is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Kotdwar are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Kotdwar are available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Kotdwara is connected with National highway 119.

Where to stay ?

There are some accommodation facilities in Kotdwar.

Tourist Rest House (GMVN): +91-01382-225630
Hotel Green House: +91- 099977 05206

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.