✦ Districts of Uttarakhand
Pauri District
A central Garhwal district shaped by forested ridges, river valleys, temples, hill towns, and Himalayan viewpoints.
Overview
Pauri Garhwal is a hill district in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, known for forested mountains, river valleys, temple towns and wide Himalayan views. The district includes places such as Pauri, Srinagar, Khirsu, Lansdowne, Satpuli and Kotdwar, giving it a varied tourism identity across pilgrimage, nature, heritage and quiet hill travel.
The district is important for both religious and leisure tourism. Temples such as Kandoliya, Kyunkaleshwar and Kamleshwar Mahadev are locally significant, while Khirsu and Lansdowne attract travellers looking for peaceful mountain stays, forest walks and views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. Pauri town itself is known for its ridge setting and viewpoints.
Pauri Garhwal is mainly reached by road from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Kotdwar. Kotdwar and Rishikesh are the nearest major railheads, while Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport. Local movement depends on buses, shared jeeps and taxis, especially for temples, villages and hill viewpoints.
Places to visit
Khirsu
Khirsu is a peaceful hill station near Pauri, known for forests, orchards and wide Himalayan views. It is suitable for quiet stays, nature walks, birdwatching and travellers who prefer less crowded hill destinations.
Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a calm cantonment hill town in Pauri Garhwal district, known for pine forests, colonial-era surroundings and its connection with the Garhwal Rifles. It is popular for weekend travel, short walks and peaceful mountain stays.
Pauri Town
Pauri town is the district headquarters and a quiet hill destination known for its ridge location, temples, forested surroundings and Himalayan views. It serves as a base for visiting Kandoliya, Kyunkaleshwar, nearby villages and several scenic viewpoints.
Kandoliya Temple
Kandoliya Temple is dedicated to Kandoliya Devta and is located on the Pauri-Lansdowne road. The area is known for forested surroundings, sunset views, Himalayan scenery and its importance for local worship.
Regional Highlights
Central Garhwal Location
Pauri Garhwal sits in the central part of Garhwal and connects hill settlements, river valleys and road routes towards both the plains and the higher Himalayas.
Himalayan Viewpoints
Places such as Pauri, Khirsu and Lansdowne are known for clear-weather views of Himalayan peaks. These ridge locations give the district strong appeal for peaceful scenic travel.
Things to do
Explore Khirsu’s Forested Hills
Khirsu is suitable for slow travel, short walks, birdwatching and peaceful stays. Its forests, orchards and open mountain views make it one of Pauri Garhwal’s quieter hill destinations.
Visit Kandoliya Temple And Viewpoints
Kandoliya Temple combines local faith with scenic value. Visitors come for worship, forest surroundings, sunset views and wide views of the Gangwarsyun valley and Himalayan ranges.
Local Specialties
Garhwali Food Culture
Pauri Garhwal’s food traditions include seasonal grains, pulses, mountain vegetables and simple Garhwali meals. Homestays and local kitchens are good places to experience regional food.
Hill Markets And Local Produce
Local markets in Pauri, Srinagar, Kotdwar and nearby towns support everyday hill life, seasonal produce, woollens, household items and religious travel needs.
Popular Events
Vaikunth Chaturdashi Fair — Kartik Month
Vaikunth Chaturdashi fair is organised at Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple in Srinagar. It is associated with worship, local traditions and devotees praying with lighted diyas during the night.
Sharadotsav — October/November
Sharadotsav is associated with Pauri town and is celebrated during the autumn season. It brings cultural activities, local participation and seasonal gatherings in the district headquarters area.
Stays
Hill Town Hotels
Pauri, Lansdowne, Srinagar and Kotdwar have hotels and lodges suitable for families, road travellers, pilgrims and weekend visitors exploring different parts of the district.
Village Homestays
Homestays around Khirsu, Pauri and nearby villages offer simple rooms, local meals and a closer experience of Garhwali village life and mountain culture.
Pauri More Info
Season Highlights
Summer
Summer is pleasant in Pauri, Khirsu and Lansdowne, making it suitable for sightseeing, forest walks, temple visits and relaxed hill stays. Lower valley towns may feel warmer during the day.
Monsoon
Monsoon brings greenery across forests and villages, but hill roads can face rain-related delays, landslides and slippery conditions. Travellers should check weather updates before long road journeys.
Autumn
Autumn offers clearer skies, comfortable temperatures and good Himalayan visibility. It is suitable for Khirsu, Pauri viewpoints, Lansdowne stays, temple visits and local cultural events.
Winter
Winter is cold in Pauri, Khirsu and Lansdowne, especially during mornings and evenings. Higher ridges may experience frost, while snowfall is occasional and depends on weather conditions.
Pauri Weather
Pauri Garhwal has a pleasant hill climate in most upper areas, while lower valleys like Srinagar and Kotdwar can feel warmer during summer. From March to June, places such as Pauri, Khirsu and Lansdowne remain comfortable for sightseeing, forest walks and quiet hill stays. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and fresh greenery, but road delays and landslides can occur in hilly stretches. Winters are cold, especially in Pauri, Khirsu and Lansdowne, with chilly mornings and nights. Snowfall is not regular in Pauri town, but nearby higher ridges may receive occasional snow during strong winter spells.
How to reach
By Road
Pauri is connected by motorable roads with Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kotdwar and other towns of Uttarakhand. Buses and taxis are available from major nearby centres.
By Rail
Kotdwar and Rishikesh are the nearest major railheads for Pauri. The district administration lists Kotdwar at about 108 Km and Rishikesh at about 117 Km from Pauri.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport for Pauri. The district administration lists the airport at about 155 Km via Rishikesh-Srinagar or 131 Km via Rishikesh-Devprayag.
Local Transport
Local travel depends on buses, shared jeeps and private taxis. Interior villages, temples and hill destinations may require route-specific vehicles and early planning.
Distance Chart
- Delhi to Pauri – Approx. 330 Km
- Dehradun to Pauri – Approx. 155 Km
- Rishikesh to Pauri – Approx. 117 Km
- Haridwar to Pauri – Approx. 135 Km
- Jolly Grant Airport to Pauri – Approx. 155 Km