10 Best Tourist Places in Haldwani

Haldwani in Uttarakhand is known as the Gateway to Kumaon for its scenic views and pleasant climate. Haldwani refers to the forests of Haldu trees, which were once abundant in the region (also known as Kadamb). The town is located in the Nainital district and is surrounded by dense forests and the Gaula River. It has a rich cultural and historical heritage that draws ecologists and historians.

The town has served as a trading post because of its strategic location between the hilly terrain of the Kumaon regions and the Indo-Gangetic plain. It is one of the largest food and vegetable production centres in north India. Haldwani is ideal for trekking and hiking, and its trails provide stunning views of the valley and the Himalayas, making it a photographer's dream. Here is a list of Tourist places in Haldwani.

1. Kathgodam

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December, Kathgodam is one of the best Haldwani tourist destinations to visit because of its natural beauty. Kathgodam is a Kumaoni word that means "timber depot." Kathgodam may be a railway station for most tourists on their way to more popular destinations, but it has an interesting history. Direct trains from cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Jammu Tawi to Kathgodam make it easy for visitors to reach the Kumaon Himalayas.

When you exit the station and wait for your cab to take you to Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, or any of the other destinations accessible from Kathgodam, take a moment to appreciate what may be India's most beautiful railway station. Kathgodam, surrounded by hills and with views of the Lower Himalayas, is the ideal starting point for your magical journey into Kumaon. It is one of the best places to visit in Haldwani and is only 30 minutes away by public transportation.

2. Gaula Dam

Shitla Devi Temple is a must-see for religious visitors because it is one of the best Haldwani tourist attractions for connecting with God. The Gaula River is thought to have its origins in the Lesser Himalayas. It eventually merges with the Ramganga river, which becomes a tributary of the holy Ganges. The river itself runs right through Kathgodam, providing several scenic spots for your next picnic outing, especially when combined with the surrounding hills. The beautiful Gaula Dam, however, is the real icing on the cake for both locals and tourists who have decided to spend the night in Haldwani.

If you are religious, you should know that in ancient texts, the river Gaula or Gargi was associated with Markandeya Muni. Given its immense popularity, the Gaula Dam should be one of Haldwani's most well-known attractions.

3. Shitla Devi Temple

This is a Durga temple and is one of the most popular tourist places near Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The temple is located on a small hill, and the climb is easy. You should visit the Shitla Devi, the goddess of sore and pustules and all kinds of diseases if you are a worshipper. Also, enjoy the amazing views of the sunset in the evenings that draws crowds.

The woods surrounding the temple and the low backdrop of mountains provide the perfect backdrop, making this a popular spot for lazy picnics. There is no admission fee, but you should not stay late after dark. There are also a lot of monkeys on the property, so stay away from them before they steal your stuff!

4. Khurpatal Lake

The emerald blue-green lake of Khurpatal is nestled in Uttarakhand's Nainital district. It is surrounded by tall pine and old cedar trees and offers a stunning view of the mountains. Khurpatal, tucked away at an astonishing height of 1,635 metres above sea level, is only 12 kilometres away from Nainital and is easily accessible.

There are plenty of sights and places around Khurpatal Lake that might interest you. You can visit nearby places in Nainital, Bhimtal, Pangot, Ranikhet, Mukteshwar to name a few. There are many adventurous activities which you can also do nearby.

5. Naukuchitatal

This charming hill station, known as the Lake of Nine Corners, is one of the best places to visit near Haldwani and should be at the top of any Haldwani sightseeing tour. The lake is only 33 kilometres from town and is set among hills, providing a beautiful view of the Kumaon Himalayas. The lake is 4000 feet above sea level, so you will be ascending when travelling from Haldwani.

A day trip from town is the best way to see the lake, and you can easily drive home after watching the sunset behind the hills.

6. Bhimtal

Bhimtal is a town and nagar panchayat in the district of Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. It is about 22 kilometres from Nainital and is located at an elevation of 1370 metres above sea level. The Bhimtal Lake, which has an island in the middle, is the main attraction in Bhimtal. Aside from tourism, Bhimtal has now become a mini-district headquarters, with the majority of district administration offices relocating to the newly constructed Vikas Bhawan, a district administrative building complex.

Bhimtal's climate is pleasant and salubrious in the summer but bitterly cold in the winter. Summer temperatures range from 15 to 29 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures range from 4 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Nal Damyanti Tal, a small natural lake, is about 2 kilometres from Bhimtal. The palace of famous king Nala is said to have drowned in this lake. It is a very sacred place for the people who live in the area. Sattal, a famous group of lakes about 5 kilometres from Bhimtal, is a popular destination for nature lovers. Fresh lake water surrounded by dense forest and the sound of birds is a beautiful experience. Hidimba Parvat is a hill near the lake named after the Mahabharata demon Hidimba. Vankhandi Maharaj, a monk and environmentalist who lives on the hill, has established a sanctuary for the hill's wild animals. Vankhandi Ashram is the name of the area.

Karkotaka Hill is named after Karkotaka, a mythical cobra. The hill is famous in the region for its Nag temple, and thousands of people visit the temple every Rishi Panchami to worship the Nag Karkotaka Maharaj. This is one of the most well-known nag temples in the Uttarakhand region.

Every Thursday, people from all over Bhimtal and the surrounding area gather at Sayad Baba ki Mazar to worship. People of various religions (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian) visit this site, demonstrating unity in diversity. From this mazar, one can see the entire lake, island, and dam, as well as nearby places such as Jhangaliyagaon and Nakuchiyatal.

7. Hanuman Garhi Temple

The temple is located approximately 3.5 kilometres from Tallital Mall Road, which is well-connected by road. The temple has mythological significance because it was built by Neem Karoli Baba, a famous saint in the 1950s. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is regarded as the embodiment of strength, loyalty, and devotion. Lord Hanuman dedicated his entire life to his mentor and idol, Lord Rama. The temple contains a massive statue of Lord Hanuman, who is said to protect and guard the area and its inhabitants. A golden umbrella has also been installed above the statue.

An idol of Lord Hanuman opens his chest, revealing images of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita in his heart, in the inner shrine. Lord Hanuman is the son of Lord Pawan (Air) and Anjani Mata. He is also known as Maruti Nandan. There are also shrines to Lord Shiva and Lord Rama in the temple.

The temple is strategically located on a hill with a beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset. The temple also provides an excellent view of the Tarai Valley. The shrines of Shitala Mata and the Ashram of Lila Sah Bapu are located within the complex on the other side of the hill.

Almost throughout the year, the temple is decorated. During Ram Navami and Navratri, the temple is decorated and a small fair is held. Every Tuesday and Saturday of the week, the locals flock in to receive the Lord's blessing.

8. Kainchi Dham

The Kainchi Dham is a well-known Hanuman temple in the Kumaon mountains. The location provides an ideal balance of beauty and spirituality. Kainchi Dham, surrounded by mountains and forests with a river running alongside, is a haven for those seeking peace and tranquillity.

Neem Karoli Baba, a local and profound saint, founded the temple in the 1960s. It also serves as an ashram for Neem Karoli Baba, who is thought to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. Devotees claim to sense Lord Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba's divine presence at the ashram.

The ashram gets its name from its location, which has a scissor-like (Kainchi in Hindi language) shape because the two hills in which it is located cut and cross each other. Neem Karoli Baba attained samadhi in 1973 and is now regarded as Lord Hanuman's incarnation.

The Kainchi Dham became well-known after Steve Jobs, the former CEO of Apple Inc, visited the temple in 1973. During a stressful period in his career, Steve Jobs travelled to India in search of answers to his questions and the ultimate truths of life, Nirvana and Prajna. Later, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg visited the Kainchi Dham in search of peace and enlightenment.

Every year on Neem Karoli Baba's birthday, June 15th, a fair is held at the ashram, which is well attended by both locals and tourists. This ashram on the Nainital-Almora road is picturesque and one of India's most important pilgrimage sites, located at the height of 1400 metres above sea level. The ashram was originally built in tribute to Sombari Maharaj and Sadhu Premi Baba, who used to perform Yajnas there.

9. Hidimba Parvat

Hidimba Parvat is a lush green terrain 5 kilometres from Bhimtal. The hill is named after Hidimba, a demon who was Bhima's wife. Hidimba Parvat is a lush green terrain located only 5 kilometres from Bhimtal. The hill was named after Hidimba, a demon who was the wife of Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers from the famous mythological story Mahabharata. Climbing the Hidimba Parvat is ideal for those looking for a physical challenge. The temple, dedicated to Bhima's wife, is about 5 kilometres from Bhimtal and has beautiful views of the hills from its grounds.

However, you should be aware that the area is crawling with rowdy monkeys, and you should be prepared to defend yourself. Furthermore, because the oxygen becomes thinner as you ascend, the trek up the mountains is not suitable for people with heart or respiratory problems.

10. Sanjay Van

It is 23 kilometres from Haldwani and 30 kilometres from Kathgodam. Sanjay Van is a place where you can hear the birds sing, smell the grass, and listen to the wind rustle through the trees. It is also a popular picnic spot and is frequently crowded with other day trippers. Sanjay Van, which is part of the Tanda Region, is nothing short of a nature lover's paradise. Sanjay Van, surrounded by thousands of trees and foliage, is the best place to visit in Haldwani for a family picnic. It is home to a variety of birds and animals, including antelopes. You might even get lucky during the migratory season and see birds you haven't seen before. There are also numerous adventurous activities available in Sanjay Van. It is a perfect place for nature lovers.