Pauri city is an integral part of the district, which is renowned for scenic vistas of the Himalayas and serene natural beauty. Its pleasant weather makes it feasible for tourists to visit round the year. Its rich culture, festival, costumes, cuisines, fairs, folk dance and legacy inherited from their ancestors are easily evident in the festivals celebrated here.
It is the administrative headquarter of Pauri Garhwal district, situated about 150 km from Dehradun. Pauri city is easily accessible by road with the services available from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. The nearest airport and railway station are located in Dehradun and Haridwar respectively.
Pauri is one of the six administrative divisions that comprises six Nyay panchayats, 63 Nagar panchayats with 214 villages. Its splendour gives you a natural paradise experience that can behold from one’s eye. Visitors can enjoying views of some popular peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trisul, the Gangotri Group, Thalaiya Sagar, Nilkantha, Bandar Poonch, Swarga Rohini, Kedarnath, Satopanth, Chaukhamba, Hathi Parvat. Additionally, Chaukhamba viewpoint, Ransi Ground, and Khirsu draw many visitors.
Chaukhamba viewpoint, located around 4 km from Pauri is a vantage point, surrounded by sprawling rhododendron and oak forest, offering a surreal view. Ransi ground, one of the highest points in Pauri, is often used as a picnic spot and a sports stadium. Nestled in the midst of a deodar tree and perched at a height of 7,000 feet, it is the second highest stadium of Asia, hosting various local sports events.
Beyond its majestic beauty, the city is home to numerous deities like Laxmi Narayan Temple, Kandoliya Devta Mandir, Shri Kyunkaleshwar Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Laxman Temple, Sita Mata temple, Nag Dev mandir and others. There are some other temples in the vicinity that are frequented by the visitors. As per the census 2011, town population is around 25,000, who predominantly use Garhwali as their first language.
Historically, Pauri was ruled by Katyuri Kings during the period from 800 to 1100 AD. During their reigns, Katyuri Kings established many temples, whose remains can be found in the inscription form. After the downfall of Katyuri Kings, King Ajaypal annexed the area. The 300 year dominance of King Ajaypal and his successor was shattered by Gorkha rulers. Later, Gorkha’s 12 year rule was ended by the British. Pauri's rich cultural heritage and tradition is evident from fairs and festivals celebrated here. It provides an opportunity for the people living away from the town to gather and celebrate their festivals.
Among the festivals organised here Gindi Festival and Binsar Mela are prominent. Gindi mela is celebrated on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, whereas Binsar Mela is celebrated on the occasion of Vaikunth Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima. While participating they perform their folk dances namely Thadiya, Chauffulla, Holi, Sarron etc. on the beats of Dhol and Damoun, Daur andThali, Ransingha, Dholki, Masak Baja etc. wearing traditional costumes and ornaments.
Their delectable cuisine are also popular across the state among which Manduwa chapati, Jhangora kheer, Chainchya, Bhattwani, and items like Dal ki Pakori, Arsa, Swale, and Halwa prepared on special occasions are mouth watering.