Kotdwar Travel Guide
The foothill gateway to Pauri Garhwal — a railway terminus connecting the plains to Lansdowne, Pauri, and the broader Garhwal region.
- Altitude
- 439 m
- Best season
- Year round
- From Dehradun
- ~225 km
- Category
- Gateway
Why visit Kotdwar
- Enter Garhwal through the natural gateway town where the Himalayan foothills meet the plains — a town of genuine transit character
- Visit the Sidhbali temple, one of the most powerful Hanuman shrines in the Garhwal region, drawing pilgrims from across the state
- Catch the railway from Kotdwar that links the Garhwal hills to the plains and Delhi rail network
- Use it as the launchpad for Lansdowne (40 km) and the quieter reaches of Pauri Garhwal
Kotdwar is a rapidly growing town at the foot of the Garhwal Himalaya in Pauri Garhwal district, serving as the primary entry point to the region for travellers arriving from Uttar Pradesh and the Gangetic plains. The town is the terminus of the Kotdwar branch railway line (via Najibabad from Moradabad/Haridwar), making it one of the few direct rail-accessible gateways into the Garhwal hills. From Kotdwar, the road climbs steeply north to Lansdowne (40 km), the old British cantonment hill station, and continues to Pauri (115 km), the district headquarters.
Sidhbali temple, perched above the Khoh river on the edge of town, is the most significant religious site in Kotdwar and draws large numbers of devotees, particularly on Sundays and during Navratri. The nearby Kalagarh area serves as one entry point for the Corbett Tiger Reserve from the west. For most visitors, Kotdwar is a transit point rather than a destination in itself, but it marks the symbolic threshold between the hot dusty plains and the cooler, greener Garhwal hills — a threshold that has historical significance as the point where the mountains begin.
Explore around
Places near Kotdwar
Quiet colonial hill station — headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles, with a museum and forest walks
Pauri115 kmDistrict headquarters with sweeping Himalayan views and the Kandoliya temple
Rishikesh110 kmYoga and adventure capital of India on the Ganga; onward connections throughout Garhwal
Roadside town on the Kotdwar–Lansdowne route with forest surrounds
What to do
Activities at Kotdwar
Sidhbali Temple
The Sidhbali Hanuman temple is Kotdwar's most important religious site — a powerful Hanuman shrine set beside the Khoh river. Tuesday and Saturday see massive crowds of devotees. The temple is particularly significant for those seeking success in new ventures, court cases, and personal challenges.
Durga Devi Temple
The Durga Devi temple in Kotdwar is another active Shakti shrine visited by local devotees. It sits above the town with good views of the valley and Siwalik hills.
Market Bazaar
Kotdwar's market is a functional Garhwal foothills town bazaar — the bustle of commerce, buses, and pilgrims gives the town its energy. The market provides supplies and connections for those heading into the higher hills.
Lansdowne Day Trip
Lansdowne (40 km) is a perfectly preserved colonial hill station and the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles regiment. The War Memorial Museum, forest walks, Bhim Pakora rock, and the unhurried atmosphere make it one of the best unchanged hill stations in Uttarakhand.
Before you go
Kotdwar travel tips
- Kotdwar functions primarily as a transit town — plan it as a junction point rather than a destination in itself
- The railway at Kotdwar connects via Najibabad to Moradabad and the Delhi-Haridwar rail network; check schedules for the Kotdwar-Najibabad-Delhi route
- Sidhbali temple is extremely crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays — visit on other days for a calmer experience
- The road from Kotdwar to Lansdowne (40 km) passes through pleasant forest — the drive is scenic and takes about 1.5 hours
- Kotdwar has a full range of shops, ATMs, and services — stock up before heading into the higher hills
Getting there
How to reach Kotdwar
Delhi to Kotdwar is 260 km (5–6 hrs via NH58 to Najibabad and then Kotdwar). Rishikesh to Kotdwar is 110 km (3 hrs). Regular buses and shared taxis from Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Kotdwar has its own railway station with trains connecting via Najibabad to the main Delhi–Haridwar network. The Kotdwar–Delhi route takes approximately 7 hours; check IRCTC for current train schedules.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (130 km) is the nearest airport. Hire a taxi from the airport to Kotdwar; alternatively, connect from Haridwar by road.
Where to stay in Kotdwar
- Kotdwar has a range of mid-range and budget hotels in the town centre near the bus stand and railway station
- Lansdowne (40 km) is the preferred overnight destination for those wanting a more scenic and quieter stay — the Garhwal Rifles Mess Guest House and private hotels are available
- GMVN has a property in the area; budget travellers use hotels near Kotdwar bus stand
- Most visitors use Kotdwar as a transit stop and overnight at Lansdowne or continue to Pauri
Food & dining
- Kotdwar has a lively food market — dhabas, sweet shops, and restaurants line the main bazaar area serving north Indian thali, chaat, and snacks
- The bus stand area has reliable quick-service food stalls for transit travellers
- Sidhbali temple area has prasad stalls and small sweet shops
- Lansdowne (40 km) has restaurants and cafes suitable for a more relaxed meal in a hill station setting
Background
History of Kotdwar
Kotdwar — 'gateway to the Kother region' (an alternate name for this part of Garhwal) — has functioned as the natural entry point to the Garhwal hills from the plains since the pre-modern period. Its position at the base of the Siwalik hills, where the Khoh river exits the mountains into the plains, made it the natural termination of the Lansdowne–Pauri road route from the highlands and the starting point for the flat journey to Delhi and Haridwar.
The British established Lansdowne (40 km above Kotdwar) in 1887 as a hill station and regimental headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles — one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. Kotdwar's railway connection, built in the early 20th century, was essential for supplying and connecting the Lansdowne cantonment. The town grew as a commercial and transit centre in tandem with Lansdowne's military function.
The Sidhbali temple at Kotdwar is among the most famous Hanuman shrines in the Garhwal region, with a tradition of worship predating the colonial period. The temple's position beside the Khoh river, which flows directly out of the forested hills, gives it a powerful natural setting. The Sidhbali tradition emphasises Hanuman's role as the granter of 'siddhi' (accomplishment and success), making the temple particularly popular for those undertaking new endeavours.
Plan your trip
Suggested Kotdwar itinerary
- Day 1Arrive Kotdwar by train from Delhi or bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh. Morning: Sidhbali temple, Khoh river. Afternoon: drive to Lansdowne (40 km, 1.5 hrs). Garhwal Rifles Museum, Bhim Pakora rock, forest walk. Overnight Lansdowne.
- Day 2Lansdowne sunrise walk. Drive to Pauri (75 km from Lansdowne) for Himalayan viewpoint and Kandoliya temple. Or return to Kotdwar for train/bus onward.
Common questions
Kotdwar FAQ
- Why is Kotdwar called a gateway?
- Kotdwar is the last large town at the foothills before the Garhwal mountains begin in earnest. It sits where the Khoh river exits the hills, making it the natural road and rail entry point from the plains for Lansdowne, Pauri, and the broader Garhwal region. The name itself means 'gateway' in local usage.
- Is the Sidhbali temple famous?
- Yes — Sidhbali Hanuman temple is one of the most important religious sites in Pauri Garhwal. It is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays and draws pilgrims from across Garhwal and beyond. The temple is famous for granting 'siddhi' (accomplishment) and is sought by those facing challenges or starting new ventures.
- How do I reach Kotdwar by train?
- Kotdwar has its own railway station with trains connecting via Najibabad to the Delhi–Haridwar network. The journey from Delhi to Kotdwar takes approximately 7 hours. Check IRCTC for current schedules and availability.
- How far is Lansdowne from Kotdwar?
- Lansdowne is 40 km from Kotdwar — approximately 1.5 hours by road on a winding mountain route through forest. Regular shared taxis and buses run between Kotdwar and Lansdowne.
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