Kathgodam is a suburb of Haldwani city in Nainital district of Kumaon division of Uttarakhand state. Kathgodam has been historically called the gateway of Kumaon. This city is situated in the lower part of the mountain, a few kilometers away from Haldwani city of Uttarakhand, surrounded by forests, this small village where Chauhan Pata was named Kathgodam due to the presence of warehouses of “Kaath” i.e. wood. But now there is neither wood nor its warehouses left here. Big buildings have come up everywhere. Kathgodam, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is the gateway of Kumaon and also the last station of the North Eastern Railway. Like Kotdwar, the gateway of Garhwal, which is in Pauri Garhwal district.
The hills start from here in Kathgodam, so it is also the departure point of the road for pilgrims and tourists going to pilgrimage and tourist places. Situated on the banks of the Gaula (Gargi/Kichha) River in the lower part of Nainital, Kathgodam used to be a small village with a population of 375 till 1901 and had large dense forests around it. Located near the towering hills of Nainital, Kathgodam is an ancient gem of Uttarakhand and serves as an entry point for those visiting Nainital. Although there are very few tourist places to visit here but still the unblemished charm and rustic charm of this small town will convince you to while away your days. Most of the attractions here are religious temples that can be visited during the festive season as many festivals are organized for tourists.
Gaula River
The Gaula River is a river flowing in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is about 500 km (310 mi) long. It is also known as Kichha. This river originates from Sat Tal in the state of Uttarakhand and merges with the Ramganga River 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. This river originates from the water sources of the high mountain ranges of Bhidapani, Mornaula-Shahar Phatak. After that, it became a very big river by Haidakhan due to the joining of small rivers coming from the lakes of Bhimtal, and Sat Tal. Towns like Kathgodam, Haldwani, Kichha, Shahi, etc. are situated on its banks. The Gaula Dam built on this river attracts a lot of tourists for picnics.
Sheetla Devi Temple and Kalichaud Temple
Sheetla Devi Temple and Kalichaud Temple are two famous places in Kathgodam. Since these are not very famous, the festival season in India is the most popular time for tourists to visit these temples, which are dedicated to the major Hindu deities of Uttarakhand and thus they should stay in Kathgodam.
Sat Tal
Sat Tal is an assortment of seven domed lakes and is just 23 km from Kathgodam. It is surrounded by oaks and pines and is a haven for abundant migratory bird species that flock to these freshwater lakes during their migration phase. A perfect escape into nature with the chirping of birds, this lake cluster is sure to take away all your tiredness. The seven compound lakes are named Laxman Tal, Purna Tal, Sita Tal, Ram Tal, Sukh Tal, Garud Tal, and Nal Damyanti Tal, another amazing fact about Sat Tal is that this cluster is also known as one of the ancient lakes in India that are unspoiled and unspoiled.
Hanuman Gadhi
Located at a distance of 21 km from Kathgodam, Hanuman Gadhi is a famous stop for those traveling around Nainital. It was constructed by Baba Neem Kirauli and the picturesque temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This place is one of the most popular sunset points in Uttarakhand as you will be mesmerized by the beauty and attractive sky colors in the evening at Hanuman Garhi.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet is the abode of the Naga and Kumaon regiments of the Indian Army. The word Ranikhet stands for ‘Queen’s Meadow’. It was recorded that it was the abode for Rani Padmini as per the history of Ranikhet. It is a spellbinding place with stunning valleys and fascinating mountain views and is also a famous trekking destination. You can go for religious tours in the town and also amidst the beautiful escapades of nature where you can be more close to the charm that Ranikhet boasts.
Naukuchhiya Tal
This is a wonderful place to lose yourself in the intense beauty of the Himalayas and come to your senses only with the melodious chirping of the birds around you. You can walk around this beautiful lake contemplate its alluring charm and be a part of the authentic offering of the Himalayas in India. Naukuchhiya Tal is an idyllic destination for those who love lakes, snow-capped mountains, flora, and fauna, and here you will find everything in its perfection!
Almora
Located in Uttarakhand, Almora has snow-capped mountains spread far and wide, cotton-white snow scattered on them, fragrant trees full of flowers, soft grass, waterfalls falling like silver, and captivating picturesque scenery. It feels as if 'Almora' is resting in the lap of beautiful huge mountains. Tourists can visit Zero Point, Nanda Devi Temple, Martola, Deer Park, Govind Banlabh Pant Museum, etc. here.
Binsar
Binsar is a place which is known for its untouched natural splendor and peaceful surroundings. This place is no less than a paradise for nature lovers. Passing through dense deodar forests, the path leads to the peak, from where the unmatched view of the Himalayan mountain range and the valley around can be seen. From Binsar, the 300-kilometer-long chain of the Himalayas namely Kedarnath, Chaukhambha, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot, and Pancholi peaks is visible, which is amazing in itself and is also the biggest attraction of Binsar.
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