Pauri Garhwal is one of the 13th districts of Uttarakhand, known for its rich culture and history. Located around 150 km from Dehradun, the district has produced the highest number of Chief Ministers since the Uttarakhand was formed. Its rich history, culture, sacred sites, and scenic places attract a significant number of tourists round the year. Pauri is mainly accessible through road, though the nearest railhead and airport are not too far.
The district offers picturesque landscapes along with breathtaking views of its valleys. Its cool and moist weather, except some places, makes it an ideal destination for visitors. However, the Bhabar region is quite hot and humid during summers. On the other hand, winters are exceptionally cold, which gives you a spine chilling experience. Pauri Garhwal is partially located in Gangetic plain and partly in the lower Himalayas. During winters, its higher altitude places receive heavy snowfall.
The natural glimpse of Pauri Garhwal can be experienced from its prominent places like Khirsu, Dhudhatoli, Binsar, Bharat Nagar, and Kalagarh. Whereas, wildlife enthusiasts can explore Rajaji National Park ‘Chilla range’ and Corbett national park ‘Dhikala’ range. Pauri Garhwal shares its boundaries with the districts of Chamoli, Nainital, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Moreover, its southeast part shares a border with the Uttar Pradesh Bijnor district.
The Katyuri dynasty ruled most of Uttarakhand including Pauri Garhwal from 800 to 1100, whose remains can be found in the form of inscriptions and temples. After the downfall of Katyuris, King Ajaypal annexed the area. The then Ajaypal and his successors ruled the area for almost three hundred years before they were defeated by Gorakha’s. The 12 years long Gorkha dominance was ended by the British in 1815.
During independence the districts of Garhwal, Almora and Nainital were administered by the Kumaun Division Commissioner. In 1969, the Garhwal division was formed, whose headquarters is situated in Pauri. With a population of around 7 lakhs, Pauri is the fifth most populated district of Uttarakhand. Garhwali language is predominant in the state with some speakers of Hindi, Nepali and Kumauni.
Pauri Garhwal economy is highly dependent on agriculture and tourism. District sacred sites, valleys and mountain peaks draw a number of tourists. On the other hand, local inhabitants indulge in agricultural activities, usually growing pulses, vegetables, and rice.
Region is an integral part of the Garhwal division, and is home to many religious sites. Prominent among them are Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Jwalpa Devi Temple, Kandoliya Devta, Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev, Ekeshwar Mahadev, Binsar Mahadev, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and the renowned Dhari Devi Temple.
Every year in the month of Sawan, lakhs of Shiva devotees visit the Neelkanth Mahadev to offer water. Additionally, places like Kanvashram, Tara Kund, Doodhatoli, and Chaukhamba viewpoint attract tourists from afar. The Essence of the Garhwali culture is evident in the fairs and festivals celebrated here, where locals perform their folk dances wearing traditional attire with great pomp and enthusiasm. The popular Gindi fair celebrated during Makar Sankranti, and Binsar fair celebrated on the pious day of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima are significant for the locals.
Besides its religious and natural significance, the region has produced many notable personalities. Of these, the first CDS of India, Bipin Rawat, NSA Advisor Ajit Doval, former HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, and renowned folk singers Narendra Singh Negi and Meena Rana. Furthermore, Pauri has also provided many Chief Ministers to the state. Notably, the ancestral village of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also located in Pauri.
