‘As the saturating colors of sun-life fade from sight, the ominous moon reaches out its long arm and applies the dark dyes of night,’ opined Daniel J. Rice.
Perhaps, out of the countless tempting destinations in India, it is Pauri that gives true meaning to his words—magnificently so. Walking down memory lane, Pauri in Uttarakhand becomes a journey of rediscovery within yourself.
Pauri, an appealing tourist destination in Uttarakhand, is renowned worldwide for its enchanting views of majestic peaks like Bandar Poonch, Swargarohini, and Sumeru. Sparkling like a gem in the Garhwal region, Pauri is original, rustic, and relatively unexplored. It is located on the northern slopes of the Kandoliya Hills. Surrounded by Haridwar, Dehradun, Chamoli, Almora, Rudraprayag, and Nainital, Pauri offers a peaceful escape and the chance to explore lesser-known tourist attractions—especially those that remain unwritten in guidebooks.
The bewitching land of Pauri can best be described by words such as ‘leisure destination,’ ‘hill station,’ ‘peaceful ambiance,’ and ‘rustic beauty.’ It also boasts the highest literacy rate in the entire Garhwal region. Pleasant surprises and fulfilling journeys add immense value to Pauri Tourism.
Do not miss exploring the religious heritage of the Kandoliya Devta Temple and Nagdev Temple in Pauri. Surrounded by pine and oak forests, these temples have a captivating history and bless thousands of pilgrims every day. And who knows—your heartfelt wish may just be granted. The ambiance becomes even more enchanting during the Devi Fair in April, when Pauri is immersed in spiritual fervor.
Following are the main travel attractions of Pauri
Kandoliya Devta Temple
Ringed by wild oak and pine forests, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the Lansdowne Road, it hosts an annual 'Bhandara' that attracts thousands of people from Pauri and nearby areas.
Nagdev Temple
This temple is dedicated to the serpent deity 'Nag' and is nestled amidst dense pine and rhododendron forests. Its peaceful surroundings make it an ideal retreat, far from the noise of the town.
Nagdev Evergreen Forest
These sacred groves around the Nagdev Temple remain lush and green throughout the year, adding to the natural beauty of the region.
Khirsu
The snow-capped mountains of Khirsu offer a panoramic view of the central Himalayas. It is a peaceful, pollution-free spot, made even more captivating by the cheerful chirping of birds. The ancient Ghandiyal Devta temple nearby is also worth a visit.
Doodhatoli
One of the most beautiful tourist spots in the region, Doodhatoli offers mesmerizing views of the lofty Himalayas. A memorial dedicated to the great freedom fighter Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali is also located here.
Lansdowne
Set amidst blue pines and tall oaks, Lansdowne is a scenic hill station within Pauri district. The residents here strongly believe in preserving nature and practice eco-friendly living, helping keep the area clean and green.
Tara Kund
A beautiful sightseeing option in Pauri, Tara Kund is a small and serene lake surrounded by lofty mountains. An ancient temple nearby enhances the charm of this picturesque spot.
Kankaleshwar Temple
This eighth-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayas. The presiding deity is accompanied by the idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Parvati.
Chaukhamba View Point
A panoramic vantage point, it overlooks the Idwal Valley and the majestic Chaukhamba Peak.
Ransi Ground
One of the highest points in Pauri, Ransi Ground is a beautiful picnic spot and home to a sports stadium—the second-highest stadium in Asia—where various games and tournaments are held.
Excursions from Pauri
Adwani (17km) and Rudraprayag (65km) are ideal nearby getaways.
Shopping in Pauri
Travelers can shop for decorative items, brassware, and other metal utensils at local markets—all available at comparatively affordable prices.
When to Reach
The ideal time to visit Pauri is during October–November and March–June, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The Devi Fair in April is also a wonderful time to experience the town’s vibrant spirit.
How to Reach
Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, offering flights to Delhi and Lucknow.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Kotdwar, well connected to major Indian cities and linked to Rishikesh.
Road: Buses and taxis are available from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Kotdwar.
With the warmth and hospitality of the people of Pauri, exploring this hill station often becomes a deeply personal and memorable experience. Many travelers find themselves rediscovering cherished memories that feel like home through Pauri Tourism. So go ahead—travel, explore, and be captivated.
