They say the journey is the real delight and not the destination. If that is true (and it is true!), then the city of Haldwani should be full of wonderful surprises. And you are not wrong in thinking that. This town in Uttarakhand is the gateway to the magical kingdom of Kumaon and often only appears on travel itineraries online as a mere transit town. Let us change tracks and look at some of the finest places to visit in Haldwani rather than just passing through. After exploring these places you will surely agree that Haldwani is worth being on the list of your travel-musts.
Top 12 Places To Visit In Haldwani
Some of the places to visit in Haldwani are the best for the weekend getaway if you are looking out for one- or two-days trip. Haldwani is a hidden paradise of Uttarakhand. Here are the best places you can explore in this otherwise undiscovered part of the mountainous state of India:
- Kathgodam
- Gaula Dam
- Shitla Devi Temple
- Jeolikot
- Naukuchiatal
- Bhimtal Lake
- Hanuman Garhi Temple
- Kainchi Dham
- Walkway Mall
- Hidimba Parvat
- Devbhoomi Adventureland
- Sanjay Van
1. Kathgodam
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December then Kathgodam is indeed one of the finest Haldwani tourist spots to visit as you will be charmed and captivated by the natural beauty of the place. In Kumaoni, Kathgodam stands for timber depot. Kathgodam may be a railway station for most tourists traveling on to more popular destinations, but it has an interesting history. Direct trains from cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Jammu Tawi to Kathgodam provide easy access to travelers to the Kumaon Himalayas. When you step out of the station and wait for your cab to take you to Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora or any of a number of places that are accessible from Kathgodam, take a step back to appreciate what may be the most beautiful railway station in India.
Surrounded by the hills and with the Lower Himalayas often in view, Kathgodam provides the perfect beginning to your magical journey into Kumaon. It is one of the best places to visit in Haldwani and you can reach it in 30 minutes by public transport.
Location: Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Distance from Haldwani: 8 km
Entry fee: INR 5 for station ticket
Must Read: 10 Best Resorts in Bhimtal: An Oasis Of Natural Beauty And Tranquility
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2. Gaula Dam
For religious people, Shitla devi temple is a sure shot hit as it is one of the best Haldwani tourist places where you can connect with God. Gaula River originates somewhere in the Lesser Himalayas. It eventually joins the Ramganga river that goes on to become a tributary to the holy Ganges. The river itself cuts right through the town of Kathgodam and provides several scenic spots for your next picnic outing combined with the surrounding hills. However, the real icing on the cake is the beautiful Gaula Dam that is the most popular Haldwani tourist place for locals as well as tourists who have decided to stay in Haldwani for the night.
If you are religious, you must know that the river Gaula or Gargi was associated with Markandeya Muni in the ancient texts. Given the enormous appeal of this place, the Gaula Dam should be one of the famous places in Haldwani.
Location: Gaula Dam, Kathgodam, Uttarakhand 263126
Distance from Haldwani: 8 km
Suggested Read: 6 Beautiful Resorts Near Haldwani Where You Can Have A Comfortable Stay
3. Shitla Devi Temple
The Durga temple is one of the 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 around the temple and the low backdrop of mountains provide the perfect backdrop and make this a popular spot for lazy picnics. There is no entry fee, but you should not stay late after dark. Also, there are plenty of monkeys on the premises and you might want to steer clear of them before they snatch your stuff!
Location: National Highway 87, Fatehpur Range, Uttarakhand 263126
Distance from Haldwani: 9km
Suggested Read: Picnic Spots Near Haldwani: 5 Recreational Retreats For Avid Travelers!
4. Jeolikot
About 23 kilometres away from Haldwani, it takes about 30 minutes to get to this small village, which is located on the road to Nainital. The village is one of the best places to visit in and around Haldwani and is the perfect embodiment of the peace offered by the Himalayas. In fact, locals claim that yogis like Swami Vivekananda meditated here. There is a wonderful Victorian era cottage where you can spend the night for not much money.
Location: Jeolikote, Uttarakhand 263127
Distance from Haldwani: 23 km
Suggested Read: 19 Amazing Places To Visit In Uttarakhand In Winter
5. Naukuchiatal
Literally the lake of nine corners, this charming hill station is one of the best places to visit near Haldwani and should be on the top of the list of places to see on a Haldwani sightseeing tour. Only 33 km from the town, the lake is set amongst hills and offers a beautiful peek into the Himalayas of the Kumaon. The lake is at a height of 4000 feet above sea level, so you would be ascending when you travel from Haldwani.
A day-long trip from the town is the best way to see the lake, and you can easily drive home after watching the sunset behind the hills.
Distance from Haldwani: 33 km
6. Bhimtal Lake
This lake is around 15 km from Haldwani and is significantly bigger than the Naukuchiatal. In fact, at a height of 4500 feet above sea level, Bhimtal is the largest lake in Kumaon, which is often called the lake district of India. Bhimtal does not have the quiet beauty of the smaller lakes, but you can find places around the lakeshore where you would feel like the only people in the world. Tourists have also often seen pheasants and exotic deer around the lake. Bhimtal should definitely be on your list of best places to visit in Haldwani.
Distance from Haldwani: 15 km
Suggested Read: 28 Offbeat Places In Uttarakhand
7. Hanuman Garhi Temple
Around 40 km from Haldwani and on the road to Nainital, the Hanuman Garhi is a peaceful and clean establishment situated at the top of a small hill. It is actually very close to the Naukuchiatal, and you may want to club both the places together on your itinerary.
Location: Haldwani Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002
Distance from Haldwani: 40 km
Suggested Read: 15 Best Things To Do In Nainital For An Amazing Holiday
8. Kainchi Dham
This is one of the most famously spiritual places to visit in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Around 44 km from the city center, and also on the road to Nainital, the temple is dedicated to the famous Neem Karoli Babaji, who inspired a number of celebrities with his philosophy of bhakti-yoga. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have visited the Kainchi Dham in search of peace, so whether you like them or not, the Kainchi Dham should make your list of top Haldwani tourist places.
Location: Kainchi Dham, Uttarakhand 263132
Distance from Haldwani: 44 km
Suggested Read: 8 Amazing Things To Do In Bhimtal For A Refreshing Break In The Hills
9. Walkway Mall
Walkway Mall is one of the ideal places to visit in Haldwani, Uttarakhand if you want to go shopping on this hill vacation. On the Bareilly Nainital road, the Walkway is the only commercial mall in Haldwani. While it makes sense not to have malls rising out of every corner of this sleepy hill town, the Walkway is a great place to chill out after a long day of visiting the Haldwani tourist places.
Location: Seesh Mahal, National Highway 87, Thapa Colony, Haldwani, Uttarakhand 263126
Timings: 10 am – 10 pm
Suggested Read: 16 Enthralling Places To Visit In Almora
10. Hidimba Parvat
If you are raring for a physical challenge, climbing the Hidimba Parvat is for you. Around 5 km from Bhimtal, the temple, dedicated to Bhima’s wife, offers gorgeous views of the hills from its premises. However, you should be advised, the place is crawling with rowdy monkeys and you should be ready to protect yourself. Also, the trek up the mountains is not suitable for people with heart or respiratory issues, as the oxygen gets thinner as you ascend.
Distance from Haldwani: 20 km
11. Devbhoomi Adventureland
If you are looking for some fun places to see in Haldwani then you must explore Devbhoomi Adventureland. It is a perfect place to have a fun day trip with your families and friends. You can opt for the many adventurous rides after which you can head to the refreshment area and relish both Indian and Chinese dishes. Make sure that you have a lot of fun there with your friends and click pictures for memory.
Location: Bera Pokhara, Haldwani 263139, India
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm (All Days)
Website | Reviews
Suggested Read: 17 Best Cottages In Uttarakhand Ideal For Your Next Vacay In Mountains
12. Sanjay Van
Forming a part of the Tanda Region, Sanjay Van is nothing less than a paradise for nature lovers. Surrounded by thousands of trees and foliage, Sanjay Van is the best place to visit in Haldwani for a picnic with the family. It is home to several birds and animals out of which antelopes are a common sight. You can even get lucky in the migratory season and see birds that you may have not seen before.
Location: Sanjay Van, Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Distance from Haldwani: 23 km
Further Read: 15 Best Places To Visit Near Mussoorie For An Unending Affair With Nature
While Haldwani might not boast of the same roster of popular places as Nainital or Ranikhet, the lazy town in the foothills of beautiful Kumaon has its charms. The locals are friendly and the culture is frankly an educational experience. Book your trip to Uttarakhand and explore all these fascinating places to visit in Haldwani.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Haldwani
Is it safe to visit Haldwani during Covid times?
You need to be careful while traveling and make sure that you wear proper masks before stepping out. Get yourself tested at least 72 hours before your journey and carry your negative RT-PCR report for a safer experience. Immediately get yourself tested if you get symptoms while holidaying and self-quarantine if required. Avoid crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands regularly.
What is famous in Haldwani?
Wedged between the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Kumaon region, Haldwani is a hilly terrain which is the main producer and supplier of vegetable and grain to the Kumaon region. It is a quiet place where travelers plan to resort to for at least a day.
How do I get to Haldwani?
Haldwani is easily accessible as it is located near the Kathgodam Railway Station at a distance of 5 kilometers only. One can book a train from their region to Kathgodam station and reach the destination. It is well-connected with several cities in India. Apart from this, Kathgodam is connected to Delhi via Highway No. 87 so one can also reach Haldwani via a bus or a car.
How far is Nainital from Haldwani?
Nainital is just 43 kilometers away from Haldwani and can be reached within 1.5 hours by hiring a taxi or boarding a state transportation bus from a nearby station.
How far is Haldwani from Delhi?
The distance between Haldwani and Delhi comes out to be around 331 kilometers which can be covered in an overnight journey via bus, car, or a train. Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest rail head, if you are planning to travel by train.
How do you get from Kedarnath to Haldwani?
As there is no direct transport from Kedarnath to Haldwani, one has to reach Dehradun by taxi and then cover the remaining distance to Haldwani via a State Transport Bus.
How can I reach Almora from Haldwani?
The cheapest way to reach Almora from Haldwani is by taking a ride in the State Transport Bus. It takes around 2 hours to cover this distance. However, if you want the fastest way then you can book a taxi and reach the destination earlier.
What can I do in Haldwani?
Haldwani is ideal for those who love to spend their time amid nature. The following are the popular things to do in Haldwani:
1. Enjoy the serenity at the Gaula Barrage
2. Get mesmerized by the lush greenery of Sanjay Van
3. Take a spiritual tour to Haidakhan Ashram
4. Attend prayers at SitlaDevi Temple
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
