Kotdwar

Kotdwar is the principal gateway town to the Pauri Garhwal region, the point where the railway from the plains meets the road into the Garhwal hills. Sitting at the foot of the Shivalik ranges on the Khoh river, it is the main railhead for travellers heading up to Lansdowne and the surrounding hill country.

The town has deep mythological roots: nearby lies Kanvashram, the ancient hermitage of the sage Kanva, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Bharata — the emperor after whom India is said to be named 'Bharat' — and the setting for the legend of Shakuntala immortalised by Kalidasa.

Pilgrims visit the revered Sidhbali temple on a hill above the town, dedicated to Hanuman, while for most travellers Kotdwar is the practical first step of a Garhwal journey, the place where the plains give way to the mountains on the road to Lansdowne and beyond.

October to March is most comfortable; the foothills are hot in summer and wet in the monsoon.