Kotdwar is a small town in the Pauri Garhwal district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The town is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is surrounded by dense forests, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The local Garhwali culture predominantly influences the culture of Kotdwar. The town is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Bhotiya, Jaunsari, and Raji tribes. The local festivals celebrated in Kotdwar include Basant Panchami, Holi, and Diwali.
Kotdwar is surrounded by beautiful forests and hills, making it a popular destination for trekkers and hikers. The town is also known for its handicrafts, including wooden artefacts, baskets, and hand-woven textiles. The best time to visit Kotdwar is from March to June and September to December when the weather is pleasant.
Some famous places to visit in Kotdwar include the Sidhbali Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and the Kanvashram, a famous religious site associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana. The town also has several waterfalls, including the Kandolia and Durga Devi.
Kotdwar is well-connected to other parts of the country through buses and railways. The town's major railway station connects it to major cities like Delhi and Dehradun. Several buses also ply to and from Kotdwar, making it easily accessible by road.
In conclusion, Kotdwar is a beautiful town in the Himalayas' foothills. The town is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and handicrafts. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those interested in exploring the local culture of Uttarakhand. The town is easily accessible by road and rail, making it a convenient stopover for those travelling to other parts of the region.
Bus Drop off points in Kotdwar
Here is a list of bus drop points in Kotdwar:
- Jhanda Chowk Kotdwar
- Motor Nagar Bus Stand
- Uttarakhand Roadways Bus Station
Please note that bus drop-off points vary per the bus operator and route. Selecting the appropriate bus drop-off point as per your comfort beforehand is wise.
Places to Visit in and around Kotdwar
- St. Joseph Church: The St. Joseph Church is one of Asia's top 10 largest churches. It is an aesthetic site with a beautiful building with a lush garden, and it takes about 4 minutes to reach the Church from the main bus stand.
- Sidhbali Temple: The most popular tourist destination of Kotdwar, the Sidhbali Temple, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located on the city's outskirts. It is situated along the banks of the Khoh river of Garhwal and is 3.2 kilometres away from the bus stop and takes about 15 minutes to reach via cab.
- Durga Devi Temple: A critical worship place for all locals, the Durga Devi Temple is a frequently visited site by all locals and tourists visiting the city. The most exciting part about the temple is its location, as it is magnificently present on the slant of a hill.
- Charekh Danda: Charekh Danda, also called the Charkanya Shikhar, is said to have been the home to Maharishi Charak. It is believed that this is where the Maharishi compiled the valuable book named called 'Nighut', which had useful and important information about the indigenous medicinal plants of the Himalayas.
- Lansdowne Hill Station: The Lansdowne Hill Station offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Present between dense oak and blue pine forests, this site is beautiful. It is perfect for all tourists and not only lets them escape into the peace of the hills but also offers perfect clicks.
- Kanvashram: The holy site of Rishi Kanva, this place is situated about 14 km from Kotdwara. It is mentioned in several books of Hindu literature and is a popular tourist spot for the peaceful environment that it beholds.
- Jwalpa Devi Temple: Situated on the banks of river Nawalika, the Jwalpa Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwalpa or Deeptimaan-Jwalehwari, a form of Goddess Shakti. The temple is popular for holding 2 Navratris annually and is located about 73 kilometres from Kotdwar.
- Takeshwar Temple: The Takeshwar temple is about 70 kilometres from Kotdwar and is situated 1800 m above sea level. It is present between deodar trees and is a major site for followers of Lord Shiva in the region.
- Jim Corbett National Park: One of the most popular national parks in India, the Jim Corbett National Park, is located just 50 kilometres from Kotdwar. It is most popular for Tiger Safaris and is home to a wide range of indigenous animals found in the Garhwal region of India.
- Buddha Park: Be it a morning walk or an evening stroll, this park is perfect for people of all age groups. With a calm environment for the adults and rides for the children, this site acts as a relaxing place for your family.