Pauri Garhwal District Overview :

Pauri Garhwal District is an administrative district in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Pauri city which is situated at an altitude of 1814 metres above the sea-level on the northern slopes of Kandoliya hills is the headquarters of the district and the Garhwal Division. The headquarters of all government departments are located in Pauri. 

Location :

Pauri Garhwal District is surrounded by Chamoli District, Rudraprayag District and Tehri Garhwal District in the north, Bijnor and Udham Singh Nagar District in the south, Almora District and Nainital District in the east, Dehradun and Haridwar in the west. 

History :

King Ajaypal and his successors ruled the region of Garhwal for nearly three hundred years even during this period they had faced a number of attacks from Kumaon, Mughals, Sikhs and Rohillas. An important event in the history of Pauri Garhwal District was Gorkha invasion. It was marked by extreme brutality. After conquering Doti and Kumaon, Gorkhas attacked Garhwal despite stiff resistance put up by the Garhwali forces. But in the meantime, news came of a Chinese invasion and the Gorkhas were forced to lift the siege. However, in 1803, they again mounted an invasion. After capturing Kumaon, they attacked Garhwal in three columns. Eventually, the Gorkhas became the masters of entire Garhwal in 1804 and ruled the territory for twelve years. 

The rule of Gorkhas in Garhwal area ended in 1815 after the British invasion in the region. After the defeat of Gorkha army, the British rulers on 21st April 1815, decided to establish their rule over the eastern, half of Garhwal region, which lies east of Alaknanda River and Mandakini river. The remaining part of Garhwal in the west was restored to King Sudarshan Shah who established his capital at Tehri. Initially the administration was entrusted to the commissioner of Kumaon and Garhwal with headquarters at Nainital, but later Garhwal was separated and formed into a separate district in the year 1840 under an assistant commissioner with his headquarter at Pauri. In early 1960, Pauri Garhwal District and Chamoli District was curved out of Garhwal district. 

Pauri Garhwal District was initially formed as a part of Garhwal kingdom. At the time of Independence of India, Pauri Garhwal District, Almora District and Nainital district were administered through the commissioner of Kumaon Division. In 1969 Garhwal division was formed with its headquarters at Pauri. After curving out of seventy-two villages of Khirsu block of Pauri Garhwal District in 1998 for creation of new district of Rudraprayag, the district reached in its present form. 

Geography :

Pauri Garhwal District encompasses an area of 5230 sq km. Pauri Garhwal District is situated between 29 degree 45 minutes to 30 degree 15 minutes latitude and 78 degree 24 minutes to 79 degree 23 minutes east longitude. Pauri Garhwal District is blessed with a splendid view of the snow-bound peaks of the Himalaya Mountains, scenic valleys and surroundings, meandering rivers, dense forests and hospitable people with a rich culture. Pauri Garhwal District varies from foothills of the 'Bhabar' areas of Kotdwara to the soul-lifting meadows of Doodhatoli, sprawling at an altitude of 3,000 metres, which remains snow-bound during the winter months. Filled with places of tourist interest, most locations in Pauri Garhwal District offer a breathtaking view of the snow laden Himalayan splendour. 

Demography :

According to the Population Census in the year 2011, the total population of Pauri Garhwal District is 6, 97,078 with male population of 3, 31,061 and female population of 3, 66,017. The majority of the population lives in villages as indicated by the rural population of 6, 07,203. 

 Tourism :

Pauri Garhwal District is one of the popular tourist places of Uttarakhand. Tourism of Pauri Garhwal District attract travelers from different parts of the country. Some of famous places are : 

Khirsu: The snow covered mountains of Khirsu offer a panoramic view of the Central Himalayas and attract a large number of tourists. From here one can get a clear view of many named and unnamed beautiful peaks. Located 19 kms away from Pauriat an altitude of 1,700 metres, Khirsu is a peaceful spot, free from any hustle and bustle. Only the chirping of birds breaks the tranquility of the adjoining thick Oak and Deodar forests and apple orchards. The ancient temple of Ghandiyal Devta in the vicinity is well worth a visit. 

Doodhatoli: Doodhatoli situated at an altitude of 3100 metres, is covered with dense mixed forests. One of the most picturesque places, it commands a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding area. 

Binsar: Binsar is situated at an altitude of 2480 metres and is at a distance of 114 kms from Pauri. Set amidst dense forests of Oak, Deodar and Rhododendron, it is a celebrated place of worship and natural beauty. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is of archaeological significance. 

Adwani: Connected by a well-maintained 17 kms long road from Pauri, Adwani is an ideal picnic spot, as it is surrounded by thick forest and is devoid of the hustle and bustle of the town. 

Tara Kund: Situated at a height of 2,200 metres, Tara Kund is a picturesque spot amidst lofty mountains. A small lake and an ancient temple adorn the place. Teej Festival is celebrated here with great gaiety and enthusiasm. 

Kandoliya: At a distance of 2 kms from Pauri, Kandoliya is a spectacular spot surrounded by dense forest. The temple of Kandoliya Devta, the local 'Bhumi-Devta', is located here. One can have a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks and Gangwarsyun valley. One can have a walk along 4 kms long road from Kandoliya to Buwakhal through oak and pine forest that is really refreshing. 

 Kanvashram: Situated on the bank of river Malini at a distance of 14 kms from Kotdwara, Kanva Rishi Ashram is an important place from the historical and archaeological point of view. It is believed that Sage Vishwamitra meditated here. 

Bharat Nagar: 22 kms away from Kotdwara and at a height of 1,400 metres, Bharat Nagar abounds in immense natural beauty. It is mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts that once this place was full of medicinal herbs. From here one can have a beautiful view of the Balawali bridge of Ganga, Kalagarh dam and Kotdwara town. 

Kalagarh: Situated at a distance of 48 kms from Kotdwara, Kalagarh is an ideal place for nature lovers. The dam across Ram Ganga River is also worth visiting. 

Neelkanth: As the name suggest this place is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva consumed venom which emanated during the Samudra Manthan. This place is 32 kms from Rishikesh and has a great religious, mythological significance among the devotees. The place is surrounded by the dense forest of Oak and Deodar and offers a panoramic view of the nature. 

Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary: Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, a heaven for animal watchers is just 8 kms from Haridwar and 21 kms from Rishikesh. Located on the banks of the Ganga River in the heart of Shivalik hills, Chilla is a part of the famous Rajaji National park. It is rich in diverse species of flora and fauna. 

Dhikala: Dhikala tourist place is a part of famous Corbett National Park. This part is famous for its bio-diversity and wildlife. 

Pauri Garhwal District is also famous for offering scopes of adventure tourism. Pauri is a paradise of adventure seekers interested in sports like Trekking, Moonlight Trekking, Cycling, Jungle Camping, Wildlife Adventure, Aero- sports, Angling, Rock-climbing, Rafting, etc.