Pauri Garhwal District: Tehri Dam, Places, History and Travel Guide
- Written by: UK Sports
- Published on:
- Read Time: 20 min
Table of Contents
Introduction
Pauri Garhwal district is a hill district in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal division. It is best known for Lansdowne, the cantonment town that is home to the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, the hill retreat of Khirsu, the old Garhwal capital of Srinagar, and temples such as Dhari Devi, Neelkanth Mahadev, Binsar Mahadev and Jwalpa Devi. The district headquarters is Pauri, also spelled Pauri Garhwal town, which is also the seat of the Garhwal Divisional Commissioner.
The district lies partly in the lower Himalaya and partly in the foothill plain near Kotdwar, the gateway town and the only railhead in the district. Pauri Garhwal is one of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. It should not be confused with the wider Garhwal region, of which it is only one part.
This guide covers the district’s history, map and location, tehsils and blocks, places to visit, travel, weather, sports, education, culture and public services. Srinagar (Garhwal), Lansdowne, Kotdwar and Khirsu are all in Pauri Garhwal district, and so is the Dhari Devi temple.
District at a Glance
- State: Uttarakhand; division: Garhwal.
- Headquarters: Pauri, at an elevation of about 1,650 metres.
- Area: About 5,230 square kilometres according to the district administration; some sources give about 5,329 square kilometres.
- Population: 6,87,271, according to the 2011 Census. This is a historical census figure, not a current estimate.
- Sex ratio (Census 2011): 1,103 females per 1,000 males; literacy: about 82 per cent.
- Languages: Garhwali is the first language of about 83 per cent of the population, followed by Hindi.
- Tehsils (13): Bironkhal, Chakisain, Chaubattakhal, Dhumakot, Jakhanikhal, Kotdwar, Lansdowne, Pauri, Rikhanikhal, Satpuli, Srinagar, Thalisain and Yamkeshwar. Older district pages list fewer tehsils, so check the district website for the current list.
- Development blocks (15): Bironkhal, Dugadda, Dwarikhal, Ekeshwar, Jaihrikhal, Kaljikhal, Khirsu, Kot, Nainidanda, Pabau, Pauri, Pokhra, Rikhnikhal, Thalisain and Yamkeshwar.
- Parliamentary constituency: Garhwal; assembly constituencies: Srinagar, Pauri, Yamkeshwar, Chaubattakhal, Lansdowne and Kotdwar.
- Vehicle registration: UK-12.
- Main attractions: Lansdowne, Khirsu, Srinagar, Dhari Devi, Neelkanth Mahadev, Binsar Mahadev, Jwalpa Devi, Tarkeshwar Mahadev, Kanvashram and Doodhatoli.
Location and Geography
Pauri Garhwal lies in the southwestern part of Garhwal, between about 29°45′ and 30°15′ north latitude and 78°24′ and 79°23′ east longitude. It is bordered by Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh on the southwest and, going clockwise from the west, by the Uttarakhand districts of Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora and Nainital.
The district sits in the Shiwalik range, the outermost range of the Himalaya, and its hills are rugged. Except for a narrow strip of the Bhabar foothill plain near Kotdwar, the whole district is mountainous. Important rivers include the Alaknanda, which flows past Srinagar, the Nayar River in the Pauri area, and the Ganga near the Rishikesh side of the district.
Altitudes vary a great deal. Kotdwar and the Bhabar belt are low and hot, Pauri is at about 1,650 metres, Lansdowne and Khirsu are at roughly 1,700 metres, and Binsar Mahadev is at about 2,480 metres. Doodhatoli, one of the highest points, is at about 3,100 metres. Hill roads are slow, so plan journeys by road corridor rather than by distance on a map.
History of Pauri Garhwal District
According to the district administration, the Katyuri kings were the first historical dynasty to rule a unified Uttarakhand, from about 800 to 1100. After their decline, Garhwal split into many small principalities. In the 15th century, Chandpurgarh grew powerful, and Ajaypal later united the principalities into a kingdom that became known as Garhwal. Its capital was moved from Chandpur to Devalgarh and then to Srinagar.
The Gorkhas invaded Garhwal in 1803, and King Pradyumna Shah was killed in the Battle of Khurbura near Dehradun. Gorkha rule lasted about twelve years. The British drove the Gorkhas out in 1815 and took the eastern half of Garhwal, east of the Alaknanda and Mandakini, as British Garhwal. The western half was returned to Sudarshan Shah as the princely state of Tehri.
In 1839, Garhwal was formed into a separate district under an assistant commissioner, with its headquarters first at Srinagar and, after 1840, at Pauri. Chamoli was carved out of the district in 1960, and the Garhwal division, headquartered at Pauri, was formed in 1969. Rudraprayag district was created in 1997 partly from Pauri Garhwal’s area, and the district took its present form. Pauri Garhwal became part of the new state of Uttarakhand in 2000.
Famous Places to Visit in Pauri Garhwal District
Distances in this guide are approximate. Opening days, entry rules and seasonal access can change, so check the current arrangements for each place before you travel.
Religious and Heritage Sites
- Dhari Devi: A shrine on the Alaknanda that houses the upper part of the idol of Goddess Dhari; the lower half is worshipped at Kalimath in Rudraprayag district. The shrine was shifted in June 2013 to make way for the 330 MW Alaknanda hydropower project, and a new temple has since been built.
- Neelkanth Mahadev: A Shiva temple between the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers, believed to mark the place where Shiva drank the Halahala poison.
- Binsar Mahadev: A forest temple traditionally linked to Maharaja Prithu, with a large fair on Baikunth Chaturdashi.
- Jwalpa Devi: A Siddha Peeth where, according to local tradition, Shachi worshipped the goddess to win Indra as her husband.
- Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev: An 8th-century Shiva temple on the outskirts of Pauri.
- Danda Nagraja: A hilltop shrine to Nagraja in Lasera village, about 35 km from Pauri, where devotees hang bells after their wishes are fulfilled.
- Kandoliya Devta: The local guardian deity of Pauri, with a temple in a deodar forest.
- Ekeshwar Mahadev and Tarkeshwar Mahadev: Shiva shrines in the hills near Satpuli and Lansdowne.
- Garhwal Rifles War Memorial, Lansdowne: A memorial at the regimental parade ground, set up in 1923, honouring the regiment’s fallen soldiers.
Many of these are active places of worship, and some are reached only on foot. Dress modestly, follow temple rules, and take care on steep hill paths.
Lansdowne, Khirsu and the Garhwal Rifles Connection
Lansdowne was founded in 1887 and named after Lord Lansdowne, then Viceroy of India. It was earlier known as Kaludanda, from the Garhwali words for black hill. The Garhwal Rifles were raised on 5 May 1887 at Almora and moved to Kaludanda later that year, and the town developed as the regiment’s recruit training centre. The Regimental Centre was established there in 1921, and it is still an active military cantonment, which has kept the town quiet and uncrowded.
Lansdowne is at about 1,700 metres, surrounded by oak and blue pine forest. Visitors usually see Bhulla Tal, an army-built lake, the Tip-in-Top viewpoint near St Mary’s Church, the Darwan Singh Sanghralaya (regimental museum) and the war memorial. The Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple is a popular excursion. From Kotdwar, the last 40 km of road to Lansdowne is a steep climb.
Khirsu is a small hill settlement about 19 km from Pauri at roughly 1,700 metres, and a quiet alternative to the busier hill stations. Uttarakhand Tourism lists it as an offbeat hill station with Himalayan views. A local fair is held in April or May.
Access to parts of the Lansdowne cantonment is controlled by the military, so check current visitor arrangements before you go.
How to Reach Pauri Garhwal
By air: The district has no regular air services. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, about 155 km from Pauri and about 120 km from Kotdwar.
By rail: Kotdwar is the only railway station in the district, and the line was built by the British in the 19th century. Hill terrain makes any extension difficult. Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun are other major railheads for the northern and western parts of the district.
By road: Bus and shared-taxi services reach most parts of the district. The main highways include NH 58, NH 121 and NH 534. Kotdwar is about 234 km from Delhi, and Lansdowne is about 40 km from Kotdwar. Pauri is roughly 120 km from Dehradun. Operators include Uttarakhand Roadways and private unions such as GMOU and GMU.
Other approximate distances: Khirsu is about 19 km from Pauri, Jwalpa Devi is about 34 km from Pauri, Neelkanth Mahadev is about 32 km from Rishikesh, and Binsar Mahadev is about 114 km from Pauri. These are approximate route distances, not guaranteed travel times. Landslides can delay journeys during the monsoon, so confirm current bus or shared-taxi services before departure.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Pauri Garhwal’s weather depends on altitude. Kotdwar and the foothill belt are hot in summer and can go well above 40°C, while Pauri, Lansdowne and Khirsu at about 1,650-1,700 metres are cooler. Many parts of the district can see snowfall in winter, and the average annual rainfall is around 1,500 mm.
Live weather and temperature for Pauri. Kotdwar and the foothills are much warmer, and higher places such as Binsar Mahadev and Doodhatoli are colder.
The best season depends on the destination and activity.
- Winter (December to February): Cold in the hills, with possible snowfall in some areas. The foothills around Kotdwar stay mild.
- Spring and early summer (March to June): Pleasant in the hills and generally the best time for sightseeing. Uttarakhand Tourism lists April, May, June, and September as the best months for Lansdowne. The foothills become very hot in May and June.
- Monsoon (July to September): The hills turn green, but heavy rain can cause landslides and delays on hill roads.
- Autumn (October to November): Often clear and comfortable, with good mountain views.
The best time to visit Pauri Garhwal for most travellers is March to June and September to November. Check the forecast for your actual destination and dates rather than relying on a district-wide temperature estimate.
Pauri Garhwal Map and Location
On the Pauri Garhwal district map, the district lies in the southwest of Garhwal, with Pauri near the centre. Its neighbours include:
- North: Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, and parts of Dehradun.
- East: Chamoli and Almora districts.
- South: Nainital district and Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh.
- West: Haridwar and Dehradun districts.
Neighbouring districts touch Pauri Garhwal at different points, so the compass directions above are approximate. Use an official map or a navigation app for road distances and current route conditions.
Accommodation and Where to Stay
Choose your overnight base around the main purpose of the trip:
- Lansdowne: Hotels, resorts and guesthouses for a quiet hill-town break.
- Pauri and Khirsu: Hotels, tourist rest houses and homestays with mountain views.
- Srinagar: Convenient on the Char Dham route and for the university and medical college.
- Kotdwar: A practical stop on the way to Lansdowne and Kanvashram.
- Thalisain and Binsar: Basic stays, with dharamshala rooms near some temples.
Options include hotels, guesthouses, homestays, resorts, and government rest houses. Confirm heating, meals, hot water, parking, road access, and cancellation terms directly. Remote stays may offer fewer services than town hotels, and winter snow can affect access.
Suggested Itineraries
These are planning examples, not fixed packages or confirmed operating routes.
- Two to three days at Lansdowne: Bhulla Tal, Tip-in-Top, the regimental museum, the war memorial, and Tarkeshwar Mahadev, with the road from Kotdwar allowed for.
- Pauri and Khirsu: Kandoliya Devta, Chaukhamba View Point, and a night at Khirsu.
- Srinagar and Dhari Devi: Combine the Alaknanda valley temple with a stop at Srinagar, often as part of a Char Dham or Rudraprayag trip.
- Neelkanth Mahadev: A day trip from Rishikesh.
- Binsar Mahadev and Doodhatoli: A multi-day hill trip from Thalisain for people comfortable with long walks.
Adjust the plan to your starting city, fitness, transport, and season. Covering the entire district in a weekend is unrealistic.
Sports in Pauri Garhwal
Pauri Garhwal’s sporting life is rooted in its schools, colleges, and the army culture around Lansdowne, where the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre has trained recruits since the 19th century. Athletics, football, volleyball, cricket, kabaddi, badminton and boxing are played at college level, and the hill terrain makes running and mountaineering natural fits for young people.
The district’s stadiums host local tournaments and fairs. Pauri has the Ransi Stadium, set among deodar trees, and Kandoliya Ground is used for many local sports events. In Srinagar, a new stadium at Srikot Gangnali has been built with night-play facilities and was reported to be named after General Bipin Rawat.
Students and parents should enquire through their school, college or the District Sports Office about coaching and the pathway to recognised competitions. A disciplined routine, qualified guidance and a record of performances help athletes prepare for trials. Coaching availability differs by sport and location, so confirm the current programme before travelling to a facility or enrolling a child.
Trekking and Outdoor Activities
Pauri Garhwal offers walking and trekking rather than large-scale adventure sports. Popular routes include the walk to Binsar Mahadev, the long trek from Thalisain to Doodhatoli, the trek to Tarakund (a small lake and temple at about 2,200 metres, reached by roughly 8 km on foot from the road), and the forest paths around Lansdowne and Khirsu.
The Kalagarh Tiger Reserve area near Lansdowne is listed by Uttarakhand Tourism among the attractions of the region. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and entry, safari, and permit rules are set by the forest authority.
Some routes need a local guide and early starts. Check weather, road access and permissions beforehand, carry water, and avoid unmarked tracks in the monsoon. If you want river rafting, Rishikesh is the nearest established base.
Sports Facilities, Training and Athlete Opportunities
The Sports Department of the Government of Uttarakhand runs district-level programmes through the District Sports Office, Pauri Garhwal. Use the district website to find the current contact details, and ask about coaching, trials, age groups, and documents required.
Facilities reported in the district include the Ransi Stadium in Pauri, Kandoliya Ground, and the Srikot Gangnali stadium in Srinagar. In August 2026, the Speaker of the state assembly, who represents Kotdwar, directed officials to build an indoor stadium at the GIC Kanvghati in Kotdwar, according to a news report. Dr PDBH Government PG College, Kotdwar, offers football, boxing, volleyball, cricket, kabaddi and badminton.
For mountaineering, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi offers formal courses; check its official website for schedules, medical requirements and eligibility. For scholarships, hostel admissions or equipment assistance, refer to a current official notice from the Department of Sports. Keep age, residence and achievement records ready; availability and eligibility differ between programmes.
Sportspersons from Pauri Garhwal
Kanhaya Lal Pokhriyal was born on 10 January 1949 in Sachkhil village in Pauri Garhwal district. A police officer who served in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, he climbed Mount Everest in 1992 and is the only Indian mountaineer to have climbed Kanchenjunga by two routes, from Sikkim and from Nepal. He received the Padma Shri in 2003.
Pauri Garhwal is also the home district of several well-known figures outside sport, including General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, and Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor. This reflects the strong tradition of army and public service in the district.
This list is not exhaustive, and more athlete profiles from the district will be added as they are verified. Young players and climbers can start with school, college and club programmes and learn about formal mountaineering and sports pathways.
Education, Training and Research Institutions
Pauri, Kotdwar, Lansdowne and Srinagar are the main education centres. Institutions in the district include:
- Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar: A central university with campuses in Srinagar and Pauri; the Pauri campus was established in 1971.
- National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand, Srinagar: A national technical institute.
- Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Medical College, Srinagar: The district’s medical college.
- Govind Ballabh Pant Engineering College, Ghurdauri: An engineering college about 11.5 km from Pauri.
- Dr PDBH Government PG College, Kotdwar: A degree college established in 1971.
- Messmore Inter College, Pauri: One of the older schools in the Garhwal region, established in the British period.
- Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, Lansdowne: The regiment’s recruit training centre.
Students should check current courses, admissions, fees, and eligibility directly with each institution.
Administrative Structure
The District Magistrate heads the district administration from the Collectorate at Pauri. For the current officer and contact details, use the district website. Revenue administration operates through tehsils, while development blocks support local planning and programme implementation.
The district has 15 development blocks: Bironkhal, Dugadda, Dwarikhal, Ekeshwar, Jaihrikhal, Kaljikhal (the largest), Khirsu, Kot, Nainidanda, Pabau, Pauri, Pokhra, Rikhnikhal, Thalisain and Yamkeshwar. It has 13 tehsils: Bironkhal, Chakisain, Chaubattakhal, Dhumakot, Jakhanikhal, Kotdwar, Lansdowne, Pauri, Rikhanikhal, Satpuli, Srinagar, Thalisain and Yamkeshwar. Older pages show fewer tehsils, so check current district notices, as administrative units have been added over time.
Urban bodies include the municipalities of Pauri, Srinagar, Kotdwar and Satpuli. For a certificate or local service, first identify the relevant village, block, tehsil or municipal office. The district falls under the Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency, and its six assembly constituencies are Srinagar, Pauri, Yamkeshwar, Chaubattakhal, Lansdowne and Kotdwar.
Important Towns and Settlements
- Pauri: District headquarters and the seat of the Garhwal Divisional Commissioner.
- Srinagar: A large town on the Alaknanda, with the university, NIT, and medical college.
- Kotdwar: The gateway town and the only railhead in the district.
- Lansdowne: A cantonment town and the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre.
- Satpuli: A tehsil headquarters and market town on the Nayar River, on the road between Pauri and Kotdwar.
- Thalisain: A remote block centre and the last bus stop for Doodhatoli.
- Khirsu: A quiet hill village near Pauri.
- Yamkeshwar and Neelkanth area: The part of the district nearest Rishikesh.
These places lie along different travel corridors. Select accommodation and transport according to the destination you intend to explore.
Nature and Biodiversity
As part of the western Himalaya, Pauri Garhwal has forests, meadows, grasslands, marshes and rivers. Oak, blue pine, deodar and rhododendron cover the middle hills, and the foothills near Kotdwar and Kalagarh have a very different, warmer forest. Forest cover is highest in Thalisain block and lowest in Pauri block.
The area near Kalagarh is part of the wider Corbett landscape, and Lansdowne’s forests support birdlife. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Follow forest rules, take your waste back, and avoid disturbing the lakes, meadows, and village forests.
High routes such as Doodhatoli can be demanding and may need local guidance. Check the relevant forest authority’s arrangements before you plan an excursion.
Culture, Traditions, Festivals and Fairs
Pauri Garhwal’s culture is rooted in Garhwali traditions, and Garhwali is the first language of most residents. Village shrines, temple fairs and the service tradition of the Garhwal Rifles shape community life.
Notable events include the Baikunth Chaturdashi fair at Binsar Mahadev, the Chitra and Shardiya Navratri fairs at Jwalpa Devi, and the annual bhandara at the Kandoliya Devta temple. Pauri has celebrated Sharadotsav since 1974, and its Ramlila has a long history in the Garhwal region. Villages near Khirsu hold a spring fair in April or May.
Dates and programmes differ from year to year. Village celebrations also vary across the district, so ask local hosts about the customs of the place you are visiting rather than assuming every community follows the same practice.
Local Food
Food in Pauri Garhwal reflects the mountain cuisine of Garhwal and locally available crops. Depending on the household and season, meals may feature mandua, jhangora, pulses, leafy vegetables, and simple home-style preparations.
Regional dishes to ask about include kafuli, phaanu, and chainsoo. These belong to Uttarakhand’s broader culinary tradition and may not appear on every restaurant menu. Hill-town eateries mostly serve North Indian and tourist-friendly food.
Homestays can be a good place to learn about household food traditions. Confirm meals in advance, especially if you have dietary requirements or will arrive late.
Livelihoods and the Local Economy
Agriculture on terraced fields supports many rural households. Military service is a major source of income, since the Garhwal region has a long tradition of recruitment into the Garhwal Rifles and other forces. Government service, education and health institutions in Srinagar, Pauri and Kotdwar also employ many people.
Tourism, pilgrimage and trade create seasonal work in stays, transport, guiding and food services. The 2011 Census recorded a small fall in population between 2001 and 2011, from 6,97,078 to 6,87,271, and out-migration from hill villages is a recognised concern in the district.
Visitors can support the local economy through locally operated stays, produce and skilled services. Young people considering work in tourism, adventure or sports should enquire about training, qualifications and the operating requirements for the activity they want to pursue.
Healthcare, District Administration and Emergency Contacts
Emergency assistance: 112 | Ambulance: 108 | Disaster helpline: 1077.
Pauri, Srinagar and Kotdwar have government hospitals and clinics, and Srinagar has the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Medical College. Larger hospitals are also available in Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. Facilities in remote hill areas are fewer and farther apart, so plan travel and medical needs, especially for treks and winter travel. For district office and department numbers, use the directory on the District Administration website.
Contacts and facilities were reviewed on 12 October 2026; telephone availability has not been tested. Use 112 for immediate emergencies, and take extra care on steep hill roads and near rivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand: where does it lie?
Pauri Garhwal is a district in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand, in the southwest of the Garhwal region.
Which state is Pauri Garhwal in?
Pauri Garhwal is in Uttarakhand, in northern India.
What is the location of Pauri Garhwal?
It lies in the Shiwalik range and lower Himalaya, bordered by Haridwar and Dehradun to the west, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Chamoli to the north and east, Almora and Nainital to the east and south, and Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh to the southwest.
What is the headquarters of Pauri Garhwal district?
The district headquarters is Pauri, at an elevation of about 1,650 metres. It is also the seat of the Garhwal Divisional Commissioner.
What are the tehsils of Pauri Garhwal district?
The 13 tehsils are Bironkhal, Chakisain, Chaubattakhal, Dhumakot, Jakhanikhal, Kotdwar, Lansdowne, Pauri, Rikhanikhal, Satpuli, Srinagar, Thalisain and Yamkeshwar. Check the district website for the current list, as older pages show fewer.
What are the blocks of Pauri Garhwal district?
There are 15 blocks: Bironkhal, Dugadda, Dwarikhal, Ekeshwar, Jaihrikhal, Kaljikhal, Khirsu, Kot, Nainidanda, Pabau, Pauri, Pokhra, Rikhnikhal, Thalisain and Yamkeshwar.
What is the population of Pauri Garhwal district?
The Census 2011 district total is 6,87,271. It should not be presented as a current estimate.
What is the history of Pauri Garhwal district?
The area was part of the Garhwal kingdom, with its capital at Srinagar, and came under Gorkha rule from 1804 to 1815. The British took the eastern half of Garhwal in 1815 and formed Garhwal into a district, with its headquarters at Srinagar and later Pauri. Chamoli was separated in 1960, and Rudraprayag in 1997, and the district became part of Uttarakhand in 2000.
What is Pauri Garhwal famous for?
It is known for Lansdowne and the Garhwal Rifles, Khirsu, Srinagar, the temples of Dhari Devi, Neelkanth Mahadev, Binsar Mahadev and Jwalpa Devi, and its tradition of army service.
What is the Pauri Garhwal PIN code?
Different towns have different PIN codes, and there is no single code for the whole district. Use the India Post PIN code search for the exact town or village.
Where is Satpuli, Pauri Garhwal?
Satpuli is a tehsil headquarters and market town on the Nayar River in Pauri Garhwal district, on the road between Pauri and Kotdwar.
Who is the DM of Pauri Garhwal?
The District Magistrate heads the district administration. Reports from June 2025 named Swati S. Bhadauria as DM, but officers change with postings, so check the district website for the current DM and contact details.
What is the weather in Pauri Garhwal?
It depends on altitude. Pauri and the hill towns are cool, with cold winters and occasional snow, while Kotdwar and the foothills are hot in summer and can reach 40°C. Check the live forecast for your dates.
What is the temperature in Pauri Garhwal?
Temperatures vary widely across the district. Pauri weather and temperatures are cooler than Kotdwar, and high places such as Binsar Mahadev and Doodhatoli are colder still. Use the live forecast for the place and date you plan to visit.
What is the weather in Pauri?
Pauri, at about 1,650 metres, has mild summers, a cool monsoon and cold winters. Winter snow is possible in some parts of the district.
What is the best time to visit Pauri Garhwal?
March to June and September to November are generally the most comfortable. Uttarakhand Tourism lists April, May, June, and September as the best months for Lansdowne. The monsoon can disrupt roads.
Is Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal district?
Yes. Srinagar (Garhwal) is a tehsil and town in Pauri Garhwal district, on the Alaknanda. It is different from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.
Is Lansdowne in Pauri Garhwal district?
Yes. Lansdowne is a cantonment town and tehsil in Pauri Garhwal district, and it is the home of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre.
Is Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district?
Yes. Kotdwar is a tehsil and town in Pauri Garhwal district, and it has the district’s only railway station.
Is Khirsu in Pauri Garhwal district?
Yes. Khirsu is a hill village and development block in Pauri Garhwal district, about 19 km from Pauri.
Which district is Dhari Devi in?
The Dhari Devi temple is on the bank of the Alaknanda, between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, in Pauri Garhwal district, near Srinagar. Its idol is shared with the Kalimath temple in Rudraprayag district.
What are the places to visit in Pauri Garhwal?
Popular places include Lansdowne, Khirsu, Srinagar, Dhari Devi, Neelkanth Mahadev, Binsar Mahadev, Jwalpa Devi, Tarkeshwar Mahadev, Kanvashram, and Doodhatoli.
How to reach Pauri Garhwal?
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun (about 155 km from Pauri), and the only railway station in the district is Kotdwar. The rest of the journey is by road.
What is Lansdowne known for?
Lansdowne is a quiet cantonment hill town at about 1,700 metres, founded in 1887. It is known for the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, Bhulla Tal, Tip-in-Top, and its colonial-era churches.
What is Khirsu known for?
Khirsu is a peaceful hill village known for Himalayan views, forest walks, and the nearby Ghandiyal Devta temple.
What is the Dhari Devi temple?
Dhari Devi is a shrine to Goddess Dhari on the Alaknanda, revered as the guardian of Char Dham pilgrims. The shrine was shifted in 2013 for the Alaknanda hydropower project, and a new temple has since been built.
What is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple known for?
It is a Shiva temple at about 1,330 metres, roughly 32 km from Rishikesh, linked to the legend of Shiva drinking the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan.
What sports are popular in Pauri Garhwal?
Athletics, football, volleyball, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, boxing and mountaineering are the sports most visible in the district’s schools, colleges and stadiums.
Which sportspersons are from Pauri Garhwal?
Mountaineer Kanhaya Lal Pokhriyal, who climbed Mount Everest in 1992 and received the Padma Shri in 2003, was born in Pauri Garhwal district.
Where can I find current openings and permissions?
Use district administration notices, official tourism information, and the relevant forest authority for treks and reserve areas.
Useful Official Links
District Administration | Uttarakhand Tourism | Khirsu | Pauri Garhwal (Wikipedia) | Garhwal Rifles | Department of Sports | Disaster Management | Char Dham Registration
Population: Census 2011. Area, blocks, tehsils, and history: Pauri Garhwal district administration and district records. Garhwal Rifles and Lansdowne: regimental and published sources. Elevations and distances: published sources and may vary. Information reviewed: 12 October 2026.