Pauri, Uttarakhand

Pauri – A city where time stands still. 

Uttarakhand .............Simply Heaven

The Garhwal Himalayas have always been considered as a place where nature seems to have endowed all her innate loveliness.

The Land of Pauri Garhwal is blessed with splendid view of snow-bound peaks of Himalayas, scenic valleys, surroundings, meandering rivers, dense forests, and quaint hospitable people with a rich cultural diversity. 

Diverse in topography, the district of Pauri Garhwal varies from the foothills of the 'Bhabar' areas of Kotdwar to the soul-lifting meadows of Doodhatoli, sprawling at an altitude of 3,000 mt and covering an area of 5 sq. kms.

This remains snow-bound during the winter months. Filled with places of tourist interest, most locations in Pauri Garhwal offer a breathtaking view of the snow laden Himalayan splendour. The small hill town of Pauri is shaded by the oak-deodar and pine forests.

The tourist complex offers a panoramic view of the innumerable known and unknown snow-clad Himalayan peaks like Hatiparvat, Nilkantha, Choukhamba, Sumeru Parvat, Kharchakund, Kedernath, Bhrigupanth, Jaunli, Gangotri group, Thalay Sagar, Bunderpunch which is breathtaking during sunrise and sunset.

At sunrise the sun seems to be spraying colours on the mountain peaks which appear to be revolving continuously.

Pauri is best visited between September and April or even all year round. The monsoons cast a misty spell on the town, a sight worth seeing. If you want to see snow, then plan your trip around January.

How to Reach:

Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (153 km - via Srinagar, 130 km - via Deoprayag).

Rail: Nearest railway station is Kotdwar (108 km)

Road: Pauri is well connected to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kotdwar and other cities of the region.

Where to Stay (STD code 01368):

Tourist Rest House-GMVN: Ph: 222359

• Forest Rest House, Khirsu Res. Authority

• Circuit House

Mumukshu Resort: Ph: 09837084821

Hotel Madhuvan : Ph: 223322

Hotel Umesha : Ph: 223989

What to See:

Kandoliya Mahadev Temple: A bewitching location, encircled by dense forests and towering peaks. The majestic Gagwarsuin valley, lies beneath. A trek through forests will take you to the temple of the reigning deity Kandoliya Devta.

Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev Temple: It is believed that the temple was constructed during 8th century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The solemn atmosphere makes you meditative at this beautiful place, encircled by mighty Himalayan peaks.

Tara Kund: Situated at a height of 2,200 mt, Tara Kund is a picturesque spot amidst lofty mountains in the Chariserh Development Area. A small lake and an ancient temple adorn this beautiful place. The Teej Festival is celebrated with great gaiety when the local people congregate here in a large gathering to worship and pay homage to God.

Nag Devta Temple: Located in dense forest of pine and oak. It is a 45-minute trek from commissioner residence.

Beyond Pauri

Adwani: Connected by a well-maintained 17 km. long road from Pauri, Adwani is an ideal picnic spot, as it is surrounded by thick forest and devoid of the hustle & bustle of the town. There is a Forest Rest House where one can stay.

Khirsu: 19 km. away from Pauri, a sleepy hamlet in the mountains. A dream location within the Pine Forest and Apple orchards, with fragrant herbs and blooming flowers all around. Accommodation is available at GMVN Tourist Rest House.

Srinagar: The former capital of Garhwal royalty, Srinagar is situated at 30 km. from Pauri, on the banks of the river Alaknanda. It's at the crossroads of Pauri, Kotdwar (137 km.), Rishikesh (105 km.) and Badrinath. A well-developed township with many educational institutions is also the campus of HNB Garhwal University.

According to legendary accounts during the Mahabharata era, it was the capital of King Subahu.

Apart from GMVN Tourist Rest House there are private hotels like Shivalik, Devlok, Raj Hans, Prachi, Riverside Resort etc.

Binsar: From Pauri, Thailisain is at a distance of 100 km. From Thailisain the trek to Binsar is 20 km. and trails through a rich forest of deodar, silver fir, Pine, and Oak, full of wildlife beauty. 

At Binsar the magnificent ancient temple of Lord Shiva is the centre of attraction and thousands of devotees visit here every year. 

Enroute the trek, one can offer homage at the great Indian Freedom Fighter Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali's Samadhi, built in the midst of the Dudhatoli.