Things To Do
in Kotdwāra
Kotdwāra is a gateway town at the southern foothills of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India, known for its relaxed small-town atmosphere and proximity to forests and national parks. It serves as a transport hub for visitors heading to Lansdowne, Rajaji National Park and hill villages further north. The town blends everyday market life, railway heritage and temple spots with views of the Shivalik foothills.
Kotdwāra is practical as a short stopover and base for nature outings rather than a destination for long urban stays.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with an early morning visit to the ancient temple of Kanak Sukh, where the serene environment and the sound of the gushing river create a peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Khoh River, enjoying the lush greenery and the chirping of birds. Capture the beautiful sunrise over the hills, providing an ideal backdrop for your morning photos.
Head to the local market to experience the vibrant culture of Kotdwāra, sampling delicious local snacks such as kachoris and sweets. After lunch, visit the nearby Pauri Garhwal district, where you can explore traditional Garhwali handicrafts and interact with local artisans. Engage in a short trek to the nearby scenic viewpoint, perfect for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot near the river for a tranquil evening picnic. Enjoy the cool breeze while listening to local folk music performed by talented musicians. Conclude your day with a visit to a nearby tea stall for a cup of masala chai, soaking in the local ambiance.
Begin your day with a guided nature walk in the nearby Corbett National Park, where the fresh air and the sounds of wildlife awaken your senses. Look out for various species of birds and animals as your guide shares fascinating insights about the local ecosystem. Capture stunning photographs of the flora and fauna while enjoying the beauty of nature.
After your morning adventure, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the designated picnic spots in the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon on a jeep safari, venturing deeper into the park to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. The thrill of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience you won't forget.
Return to Kotdwāra as the sun begins to set, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Have dinner at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Garhwali cuisine that features dishes like aloo ke gutke and bhatt ki churdkani. Share stories of your wildlife encounters with fellow travelers, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $10-18 |
| 🚌Local bus/short shared taxi fare | $0.20-1 |
| 🚕Taxi or private cab (per 10 km) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Rajaji National Park and picturesque hill destinations like Lansdowne
- Authentic small-town Uttarakhand experience with easy access to nature
- Lower costs compared with bigger hill stations and Dehradun
- Good base for birdwatching, short hikes and quiet retreats
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities or shopping options
- Monsoon can make travel difficult due to landslides and slippery roads
- Public transport can be infrequent for some remote destinations
- Healthcare and specialized services are limited locally compared to Dehradun
- "Namaste" - Hello / Greetings
- "Dhanyavād / Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Kripya madad kijiye" - Please help me
- "Kitna hua? / Kitne ka hai?" - How much is this?
- "Kya aap angrezi bolte/bolti hain?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Kotdwāra
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning safaris and forest edges provide opportunities for wildlife and bird photography; dramatic misty forest scenes in the monsoon and winter mornings are especially photogenic.
Quiet colonial-era cantonment viewpoints and ridges offer panoramic shots of the Shivalik range, tree-lined roads and sunset vistas.
Candid street scenes, colourful market stalls, and the rustic charm of a small-town railway station make for authentic documentary photography.
A wooded temple setting with mossy rocks, tall pines and small streams — good for nature and cultural shots, especially early or late in the day.
Food in Kotdwāra
Kotdwāra Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Garhwali spinach and fenugreek-based curry, creamy and nutritious — commonly found at local home-style eateries and some dhabas.
Must-Try!
Spiced, sautéed potatoes that are a regional favorite; you'll find them in small restaurants and as a snack at street food stalls.
Sweet specialities from the Kumaon/Garhwal region — look for them in local sweet shops and markets as take-home treats.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Busy morning and evening market with roadside stalls selling samosas, chaat, pakoras, freshly made parathas and local sweets — great for tasting inexpensive local snacks.
Dhabas around the bus/railway stand serve hot dals, rotis, sabzi and seasonal vegetable curries; ideal for an authentic, budget-friendly meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or rural areas — cover shoulders and avoid very short clothing.
Remove shoes before entering temples, show quiet respect, and follow any posted rules; photography may be restricted in some places.
A simple 'Namaste' with folded hands is appreciated. Polite behavior toward elders and small acts of deference are valued.
Avoid pointing feet at people or religious images; ask before photographing individuals, especially women and elders.
Safety
Tipping in Kotdwāra
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up small bills at cafes/dhabas, tip 5–10% at nicer restaurants, and give small tips to drivers and guides (INR 50–200 depending on service).
Cash (Indian rupees) is the most widely accepted method in Kotdwāra, especially for small vendors and dhabas. Many restaurants and hotels accept cards and UPI/mobile payments, but keep cash for remote areas and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
May–June temperatures are warm but milder than the plains; daytime highs can be in the high 20s–low 30s °C. It’s a pleasant escape from lowland heat; pack light cottons and a light jacket for evenings.
July–September brings heavy rains, verdant forests and some landslide risk on hill roads; expect slippery trails and occasional transport delays — carry a rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
October–November offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent visibility for mountain views — one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities.
December–February are cool to cold with chilly nights (near freezing in some years) and occasional morning fog; bring warm layers, especially for early safaris and hill viewpoints.
March–April brings flowering trees, pleasant days and good trekking conditions — a great time for nature walks and birdwatching.
Kotdwāra at Night
Hiking in Kotdwāra
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided nature walks and forest-edge trails offer wildlife viewing, birdwatching and shaded pine-oak forest scenery; ideal with a guide or park escort.
Gentle to moderate ridge trails and colonial-era pathways around Lansdowne provide panoramic views and peaceful forest walks.
A pleasant wooded path leading to the Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple area, good for a half-day hike with shaded trails and occasional streams.
Short hikes exploring terrace fields and hamlets around Kotdwāra give a glimpse of rural life and easy walking terrain suitable for most visitors.
Airports
How to reach Kotdwāra by plane.
Approximately 80–100 km away (about 2–3 hours by road depending on traffic); the closest major airport with flights to Delhi, Mumbai and other cities. From the airport you can hire taxis or take buses toward Kotdwāra.
Around 100–140 km away, serves some regional flights and is an alternative depending on schedules; road connections onward to Kotdwāra are available via state highways.
Major international hub about 220–260 km from Kotdwāra (5–7+ hours by road, depending on traffic); many visitors arrive in Delhi and travel by train or bus/drive to Kotdwāra.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The core regional community with roots in Garhwal; many families involved in agriculture, small trade and services.
People from neighboring states and regions who work in commerce, transportation and hospitality.
Nearby Lansdowne and cantonment influences bring veteran and defense-related communities, visible in local social life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across India, played casually in fields and formally in local clubs and school grounds.
Traditional games like kabaddi and football are common in schools and village tournaments, especially during local festivals.
Traditional wrestling has cultural roots in the region and occasional local competitions or akharas (wrestling arenas) can be found.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kotdwāra.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available; many dhabas and restaurants offer daily vegetable curries, dals and paneer dishes. Ask for 'sabzi bina masala' if you prefer milder spice, and communicate clearly if you avoid onion/garlic (some local cooking may omit them for religious reasons).
Vegan options exist (rice, lentils, vegetable curries) but cross-contamination in small kitchens is possible — request oil-only preparations. Gluten-free choices are mainly rice- and millet-based dishes; carry snacks if you have strict requirements.
Language barriers mean it’s wise to carry allergy cards in Hindi explaining ingredients to avoid. Pharmacies are available for basic antihistamines in town.