Kotdwar

Gurkhas reigned Kotdwar for almost 12 years, after which the British defeated them and took control over the region. The Kotdwar Railway Station established by the Britishers is one of the oldest in India. Being a Gateway to Garhwal it was used for transporting timber from Garhwal. The first passenger train ran in 1901.

The climate of Kotdwar is generally temperate, although it varies from tropical; from hot in summers to severely cold, depending upon the season and the altitude of the specific location. The nearby hilly regions often get snowfall during winter but the temperature in Kotdwar is not known to fall below freezing. Summer temperatures can often reach 43 °C whereas winter temperatures are usually between 4 and 20 °C.The highest temperatures of Pauri district has been recorded at Kotdwar at 45 °C During the monsoon season, there is often heavy and protracted rainfall. Kotdwar and other plains areas of Uttarakhand see almost as much rainfall as Coastal Maharashtra. The weather is considered to be good during winter in the hilly regions. Agriculture benefits from fertile alluvial soil, adequate drainage, and plentiful rain.

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is May (36°C). The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (20°C).The coldest month (with the highest average low temperature) is January (6°C).

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (361mm). The driest month (with the lowest rainfall) is November (10mm).

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h). The month with shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10.3h).

Hinduism is the dominant religion in Kotdwar. Other religions with a significant presence include Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikh.[5]

As of 2011-2020 India census, Kotdwar had a population of 1,75,232.[6] Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kotdwar has an average literacy rate of 79.63% - higher than the national average of 64.83% - Male literacy is 88%, and female literacy is 75.5%. In Kotdwar, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.[7]

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Kotdwar situated at a distance of 110 km. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Kotdwar.

Kotdwar is well connected by railways with major cities of India. One of the oldest Railway Station of India is situated at Kotdwar.

Kotdwar is well connected with roads to major destination of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Kotdwar from Delhi is easily available. Kotdwar is well connected with National Highway 119.

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest national parks in India, covering 1318 km2. Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Deer, Elephants, Bear can be easily seen in the park. On 27 November 2017, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the Jim Corbett National Park entry from Kotdwar. Ecotourism and operation of safari vehicles will help attract lots of tourists to Kotdwar and other Garhwal regions.

Lansdowne (town) is one of the quietest hill stations of India and is popular since the British came to India. Lansdowne is unlike other hill stations as it is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700 m above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state. Lansdowne got its name from Lord Lansdowne, who was the then Viceroy of India during the period of 1888 - 1894. Presently, Lansdowne has the command office of the Garhwal Rifles division of the Indian Army. Lansdowne is one of the most popular hill stations of Garhwal region when it comes to a weekend destination.

Kanvashram is an important place both historically, culturally and archaeologically in the history of India. It is located on the bank of river Malini about 14 km from Kotdwar. It is believed that Indra, the king of Gods, was scared by Sage Vishwamitra's meditation, sent a beautiful heavenly damsel named Menaka to the earth to disrupt his meditation. She succeeded in disturbing Vishwamitra's meditation. With their union, she gave birth to a girl child. Menka having succeeded in her purpose left the child on the bank of river Malini and went back to her heavenly abode. This child was found by sage Kanva and brought up in his ashram called Kanvashram. She was named Shakuntala by the sage. She later married the King of this region named Dushyanta. She gave birth to a boy child who was called Bharata, the prince after whom India was named as Bharatavarsha. About 10,000 pupils used to get an education in the ashram of Kanva Rishi in ancient time and since then the valley or ghati is known as Kanvaghati. [self-published source?]

At a distance of 3.4 km from Kotdwar's main market i.e. from Bus stand and Railway Station, the Siddhabali temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on the bank river Khoh. It's almost 50 meters above from the river bank. When you'll go there, a strong positive vibe and positive feelings will start flowing through your mind and body. A large number of devotees visit the place round the year. One of the world-renowned places and truly worth a visit. Not only Hindus but people from other Communities also visit the temple.

Situated at a distance of 10 km from the main town, the Durga Devi temple is one of the most important places of worship of the town. Durga Devi temple attracts numerous visitors traveling to Lansdowne. Durga Devi temple is situated 11 km ahead Kotdwar and 4 km before Duggada.

Durga Devi Temple is located in Near Kotdwar. Durga Devi Temple is located at 11 km from Kotdwar bus stand, on the road to Dugadda. one more famous temple located in Kotdwar & name is Sidhhabali Temple. This Place is very much popular as the best picnic spot. There are several small waterfalls and hills forest makes this place more spectacular.

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 have 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 also known as the entrance towards Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

Situated at an elevation of 1657 m, the temple is popularly known as the Medanpuri Devi temple. 'Medan' literally means curd and it is believed that the Goddess showers Her devotees with milk, curd, and whey by way of blessings. Legend has it that the Goddess had appeared in a curd-bowl in the hearth of a family living in village Marora. The Goddess revealed to the head of the family the place where she would appear and a temple dedicated to the Goddess was then erected in her honor. Special offerings are made during the Navratras, followed by a big fair on Ashtami. Jeeps and taxis are available at Rishikesh (37 km), Chandighat and Haridwar (42 km). Accommodation is available in Tourist Rest Houses at Chila (36 km).

This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva surrounded by thick Cedar trees. It is located 38 km from Lansdowne at an altitude of 1800 m to the northeast of Lansdowne on-road Lansdowne-Deriyakhal. Tarkeshwar temple is one of the most visited tourist places in the district and is approximately 75–80 km from Tarkeshwar Temple. It is surrounded by deodar trees. The way to Tarkeshwar Temple was diverted from Chaukhuliyakhal to Bironkhal highway.

At a distance of 135 km from Kotdwar. Large number of devotees visit the place round the year. Devi Bhagwati temple is one of the most important places of worship of the Garhwali people (Especially Chandkot, Pauri Garhwal)

St. Joseph's Church

At a distance of 1.3 km from Kotdwar bus stand, this is Asia's second largest church at this altitude. It is opened everyday for people from all communities.[9]