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Kotdwara Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Kotdwara


  • Kotdwara
Kotdwara At a Glance
  • Average Climate:10°C - 18°C
  • Best Time to Visit:September - March
  • STD Code:01382

Kotdwara Travel Guide

Kotdwra, located at an altitude of 650 meters, has carved a niche as the district's most important center of trade and commerce. Kotdwara acts as an entrance to the hills. All the daily use items for the neighboring areas pass through this place. So, this place has tremendous industrial potential. Amidst the beautiful 'Bhabar' section at the foothills of the Himalayas, Kotdwara, positioned on the bank of the 'Khoh' river, will surely bring out the poet in you!

The lively town of Kotdwara is also known for being an important commercial center as it supplies the necessary things to the upper Himalayan districts of Uttarakhand. While visiting Kotdwara, remember to buy local handicraft items and souvenirs. 

Places to visit in Kotdwara

There are many tourist spots in Kotdwar where travelers can spend their leisure time. Here you will find a list of all the Kotdwar sightseeing options you must visit, and you can plan your itinerary accordingly. Explore the hidden jewels of Kotdwar through this well-researched list, and learn about the most happening places, things to do, and famous picnic spots for a memorable vacation in Kotdwar.

  • Sidhbali Temple
  • Durga Devi Temple
  • Kanvashram
  • Tarkeshwar Mahadev
  • Lansdowne

Things to do in Kotdwara

There are few things to do in Kotdwar; however, some are better in beauty, geographical location, and transport convenience. Below is the list of things to do in Kotdwara:

  • Kotdwara has shops and markets to purchase handicrafts, souvenirs, religious idols, and other artifacts. Malini Market and the District Board Shopping Center are famous. 
  • Kotdwara is home to revered temples and shrines that are visited by a large number of devotees. Siddhabali temple, Durga Devi temple, and Koteshwar Mahadev are revered temples.

Best time to visit Kotdwara

Worried about crowds of tourists or Kotdwara's closing hours as you plan your trip? The best time to visit Kotdwara would be when you can thoroughly soak in the experience and not worry about such hassles. Furthermore, the weather of Kotdwara is favorable, along with the best activities during this particular time in Kotdwara. So, if you are considering when to go to Kotdwara, visit Kotdwara at its best time, where you can have a memorable experience without worrying about minor issues.

How to reach Kotdwara

Kotdwar is well connected with most of Uttarakhand's important towns and cities. Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Kotdwara, at 110 km. Jolly Grant Airport is well-linked to Delhi with daily flights. Railway networks connect Kotdwara well with major cities in India as it is the gateway to the hills of the Garhwal region. Regular trains are running to Kotdwar from significant destinations in north India. Also,  Kotdwara is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations in Uttarakhand state.

Accommodations in Kotdwara

All avid travelers know that accommodations and transportation are two crucial factors determining the quality of your trip and your budget. Accommodation is essential to a trip because you'll spend more time in a hotel than on a plane or car. Due to its importance as a commercial town, plenty of accommodations have mushroomed in the city. There are semi-deluxe, budget, and guesthouses with limited amenities at Kotdwara. However, finding luxury accommodation can be difficult.

Where to eat in Kotdwara?

There are abundant roadside dhabas and local restaurants at Kotdwar, where one can find North Indian cuisine and popular Chinese dishes at affordable prices. Being a small town, finding good restaurants serving delectable cuisines takes a lot of work. Tourists traveling to Kotdwara must taste every sweet shop's iconic Bal-mithai and Singauri. Some famous restaurants in Kotdwara are The Grand Republic Restaurant, kafal restaurant & Cafe, My Choice Family Restaurant, Tandoori Bites, and more.

How to get around Kotdwara? 

Kotdwara is a small town and for that reason there is a limited number of transportation available like autorickshaws, bus. But it is advisable to explore the town on foot. 

Travel tips for kotdwara

  • Kotdwara is a pristine destination with natural beauty, and keeping it clean and preserving its ecological balance is essential.
  • Kotdwara being a small town, it's advisable to make accommodation arrangements in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
  • The mountainous regions can have dry air and low humidity, so staying hydrated means drinking plenty of water.
  • The people of Kotdwara are known for their warmth and hospitality. Interact with the locals, learn about their culture, and try to engage in conversations.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty by taking nature walks, hikes, or treks to nearby places like Sidhbali Temple, Durga Devi Temple, and Kanvashram.