Pauri Garhwal is a beautiful district in Uttarakhand, surrounded by tall mountains, green valleys, and old temples. It is a peaceful place that offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure. Visitors can explore hidden spots, see stunning Himalayan peaks, and experience the rich culture of the Garhwali people. As part of the Garhwal Division, Pauri Garhwal shares its heritage with other historic districts like Tehri, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag, making it an essential stop for those wanting to explore the heart of Uttarakhand.
History of Pauri Garhwal District
Pauri Garhwal, situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, has a rich history that traces its roots back to ancient times. The region was initially part of the Katyuri dynasty, which ruled over Uttarakhand from 800 to 1100 AD.
In the mid-15th century, the Garhwal kingdom started to form under the leadership of Jagatpal. He brought together several smaller states and created a unified principality. Later, in the 16th century, Ajaypal successfully unified the region and moved the capital to Srinagar.
A key event in the district’s history was the Gorkha invasion in the early 19th century. The Gorkhas took control of Garhwal in 1804, and their rule lasted for twelve years. In 1815, the British East India Company defeated the Gorkhas and took control of the region.
In 1839, Garhwal became a separate district under British rule, with its headquarters moved from Srinagar to Pauri. The district remained part of the Kumaon division until 1969, when the Garhwal division was created. In 1998, Rudraprayag district was formed by separating it from Pauri Garhwal.
How to Reach Pauri Garhwal District
Pauri Garhwal, located in the heart of Uttarakhand, is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, offering beautiful landscapes and a peaceful environment. Here’s how you can reach Pauri Garhwal:
1. By Road
The most convenient way to reach Pauri Garhwal is by road. The district is well-connected to major cities in Uttarakhand and nearby states through a network of highways.
- Delhi to Pauri Garhwal: The distance is about 325 kilometers, and the drive takes around 7-9 hours via NH 58 and NH 34, passing through Haridwar and Kotdwar.
- Dehradun to Pauri Garhwal: The distance is around 150 kilometers, and the journey takes about 5-6 hours. The route passes through the Dehradun-Kotdwar road and continues on the Kotdwar-Pauri route.
- Haridwar to Pauri Garhwal: The distance is about 136 kilometers, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours. The road is well-maintained and offers scenic views along the way.
There are also regular buses operated by Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation (UTC) and private bus services connecting Pauri Garhwal with other towns and cities.
2. By Train
The nearest railway station to Pauri Garhwal is Kotdwar, located around 40 kilometers away. Kotdwar is well-connected to other parts of Uttarakhand and nearby states.
- Delhi to Kotdwar: You can take a train from Old Delhi Railway Station to Kotdwar, with a travel time of about 5-6 hours. Several trains operate on this route.
- Haridwar to Kotdwar: Kotdwar is about 68 kilometers away, and you can take a local train or taxi to reach Pauri Garhwal.
Once you arrive at Kotdwar, taxis or buses are available for the scenic 1-2 hour drive to Pauri Garhwal.
3. By Air
The nearest airport to Pauri Garhwal is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 150 kilometers away. It is the main airport in Uttarakhand and is well-connected to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
- From Delhi: Jolly Grant Airport is connected to Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) by regular flights. The flight duration is around 1 hour. After reaching Dehradun, you can take a taxi or bus to Pauri Garhwal, which takes around 4-5 hours.
Alternatively, you can also fly into Pantnagar Airport, which is around 200 kilometers from Pauri Garhwal, but flights to this airport are limited.
Best Places to Visit in Pauri Garhwal District
1. Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an important religious site located in the dense forests of the Pauri Garhwal district. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple attracts pilgrims year-round. It provides a calm and peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent place for meditation and spiritual reflection. The temple is around 70 kilometers away from Pauri town, and visitors can enjoy a scenic drive to reach it.
2. Kandoliya Temple
Located 3 kilometers away from Pauri, Kandoliya Temple is perched on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is a popular spot for both devotees and trekkers. The trek up to the temple is around 30-40 minutes, and the temple’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view of the Himalayan peaks.
3. Pauri Hill
Pauri Hill is the town’s highest point, located about 5 kilometers from Pauri. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. This location is perfect for photography and nature walks. Pauri Hill also has a well-maintained park, making it an ideal location for a peaceful picnic with family and friends.
4. Srinagar (Garhwal)
Srinagar is a historic town that was once the capital of the Garhwal Kingdom. Located 35 kilometers away from Pauri, it is home to several attractions, including the Srinagar Fort and Kandali Lake. The town offers stunning views of the Alaknanda River and the surrounding hills. Srinagar is an excellent base for trekking and provides insight into the region’s rich history and culture. The town also holds cultural significance as a center for local traditions and is an important stop for tourists exploring the Garhwal region.
5. Devprayag
Devprayag, located around 80 kilometers away from Pauri, is renowned for the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which is believed to be the origin of the Ganga. The town is home to sacred temples, including the Raghunath Temple and Brahma Kund, where many devotees come to take a holy dip. Devprayag also offers stunning views of the rivers and the surrounding mountains, making it a peaceful place to visit.
6. Chopta
Chopta is a well-known hill station located around 100 kilometers away from Pauri Garhwal. Famous for its lush meadows, Chopta serves as the starting point for treks to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak. The area is surrounded by dense forests and is home to a variety of plants and animals. It is also popular for its trekking trails. In winter, Chopta becomes a snow-covered wonderland, attracting adventure seekers and nature lovers.
7. Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar, located at an altitude of 3,490 meters, is one of the sacred Panch Kedar temples. The trek begins at Ransi Village, about 20 kilometers away from Chopta. The temple is set amidst alpine meadows and is a popular destination for both trekkers and pilgrims. The trek is challenging and usually takes around 3-4 days to complete.
8. Nag Tibba
Nag Tibba, located near Tehri, is the highest peak in the Garhwal region, standing at 3,022 meters. The 2-day trek to Nag Tibba offers a moderate challenge and provides stunning views of the Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Nanda Devi mountain ranges. Though the trek is relatively short, it passes through beautiful forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a weekend adventure.
Languages
In Pauri Garhwal district, the primary language spoken is Garhwali, used by approximately 83.3% of the population. This language is deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the region and is widely used in daily communication, traditional songs, and local literature.
Hindi is also prevalent, spoken by about 13.3% of the residents. As the official language of Uttarakhand and one of the official languages of India, Hindi is commonly used in education, government communications, and media.
Other languages spoken in the district include Nepali (1.2%) and Kumaoni (0.7%). Nepali speakers are primarily found in areas bordering Nepal, while Kumaoni speakers are more common in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Tehsils
- Pauri
- Lansdowne
- Kotdwara
- Thalisain
- Dhumakot
- Srinagar
- Satpuli
- Chaubattakhal
- Bironkhal
- Chakisain
- Jakhanikhal
- Pauri
- Rikhanikhal
- Yamkeshwar
Development blocks
- Kot
- Kaljikhal (largest block in Pauri Garhwal)
- Pauri
- Pabau
- Bironkhal
- Dwarikhal
- Dugadda
- Jaihrikhal
- Ekeshwer
- Rikhnikhal
- Yamkeswar
- Nainidanda
- Pokhra
- Khirsu
- Thalisain
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