Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Haldwani

Haldwani is a beautiful city located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The places to visit in Haldwani are full of surprises for discerning tourists who love to experience the feel of a place. As soon as one sets foot in the city, it seems as if the magical world of Kumaon, as beautifully penned by the famous novelist Shivani, opens up. The amazing music of Kumaon artists seems to reverberate in the valleys and gives an insight into the rich Garhwali culture. Smiling and friendly faces will make you feel comfortable at once and encourage you to check out the age-old hidden gems of the place. Get ready to enjoy this beautiful destination and check out some of the most stunning attractions it has to offer. From ancient temples to lakes, we have listed the 10 famous places to visit in Haldwani.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Haldwani

Check out the beautiful tourist attractions and enjoy mouth-watering Kumaoni cuisine, amazing architectural marvels, and scintillating Kumaon dances.

1. Kathgodam

Kathgodam, or "Timber Depot," is the last train station before Nainital. This quaint city gives you an entry to the magnificent Kumaon region. It was used as a timber logging station to transport wood logs to the main station; today, it has become a bustling railway station connecting various parts of the Kumaon region with Delhi and other major cities with direct trains plying its services, giving easy access to the travelers to Kumaon Himalayas. Travelers can catch glimpses of lower Himalayan regions and verdant hills from the train, enjoying a simply magical journey. It is one of the best tourist places in Haldwani. Haldwani is located at a 30 minutes distance from Kathgodam.

2. Gaula Dam

It is a magnificent dam constructed over the Gaula River that originates from the Lesser Himalayas. A lot of devotees visit the famous Shitla Devi Temple located in this area. It is frequented by people to seek divine blessings. Eventually, the Gaula River joins with the Ramganga River, a tributary of the Holy Ganges. The river bifurcates Kathgodam city, creating a lot of scenic vistas for tourists. Verdant hills overlooking the river create a picture-postcard vista that is cherished forever by the visitors. There are many picnic spots around the area, perfect for family outings.

3. Shitla Devi Temple

People with a religious bent of mind would love to visit the famous Shitla Mata Temple, located in the vicinity of Kathgodam Railway Station, Haldwani. It is perched atop a mountain. A festival is organized every year in September or October during Navratri. Goddess Shitla Mata is considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is revered by many devotees around the area. The deity is offered a red chunni, coconuts, and sweets, and her blessings are sought. It is located in a vast expanse of area which many visitors use to plan a picnic and have a great time in the lap of nature.

4. Bhimtal Lake

It is one of the most famous Haldwani tourist places among nature lovers. It is approximately 15 km away from Haldwani and is located at the height of 4500 m above sea level. It is the largest lake in the Kumaon region. It is such a huge lake that few people are around in some lakeshore areas. Visitors can spot exotic deer and pheasants around this area. Spend some time close to this lake, and you will feel a deep connection with the Mother Nature showering her blessings upon you.

5. Jeolikot

A trip to Jeolikot is sure going to make you fall in love with this mesmerizingly beautiful place. Located amid a peaceful and calm environment, it showcases the rich flora and fauna of the region. Plan a weekend getaway to this awe-inspiring place. Here, you can spot some rare faunal species in their native habitat. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in the area while enjoying some most magnificent views. You can also check out typical Kumaon architectural style in the village houses located in Jeolikot.

6. Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is one of the famous tourist attractions in Haldwani. This lake has nine corners; hence the name is given, "Naukuchiatal." It is a quaint area frequented by a lot of visitors traveling to Haldwani. It is 33 km away from the city and commands magnificent views of the shining peaks of lower Himalayan peaks. Do not miss out on watching the beautiful sunset from this vantage point. When the sun sets behind the hills, it leaves the lake looking saffron-colored.

7. Hanuman Garhi

Located at an elevation of 1950 m, 3 km away from Nainital, a famous Hanuman Temple called Hanuman Garhi stands tall. Neem Karoli Baba built it in 1950 with an impressive statue of Lord Hanuman with his chest open, showing Lord Rama residing in his heart. It is best to visit the temple during the evening hours when the dusk is falling, bathing the area in vibrant orange hues. Every Tuesday and Saturday, many devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from the Lord. 

8. Hidimba Parvat

Adventure lovers love trekking and climbing the Hidimba Parvat, located 20 km away from Haldwani. Enjoy truly gorgeous views of the gigantic Himalayas from the premises of a temple dedicated to Hidimba, wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. People with respiratory or heart troubles must stay away from this challenging trek. As we climb higher, the oxygen levels drop, tax seniors and people with health issues. Travelers must also look out for rowdy monkeys and keep their belongings safe.

9. Devbhoomi Adventureland

When traveling with family, especially kids, add Devbhoomi Adventureland as a must-visit attraction to the list of places to visit in Haldwani. Plan an exciting and fun day trip with your family. You can spend the whole day enjoying and riding various rides. There are many cafes and eating joints where you can enjoy a diverse array of lip-smacking food.

10. Sanjay Van

Last on our list of popular tourist places near Haldwani is Sanjay Van, a verdant forest, truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts. A lot of foliage and trees make it a perfect place to feel a deep connection with nature's marvels. Spot native animals, birds, and plants while exploring this area. It is very common to spot antelopes in Sanjay Van. The charm of this place is unmatched, which attracts a lot of tourists.

Wrapping up our list of places to visit in Haldwani. If you are traveling to Haldwani then make sure to check out customized Uttarakhand tour packages on Adotrip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Haldwani

Q1. Is it safe to visit Haldwani?

Ans. Yes, visiting Haldwani is completely safe though visiting a few regions is allowed with some extra warnings. It is always better to pay heed to weather warnings to avoid getting caught up in foul weather.

Q2. What is famous in Haldwani?

Ans. Haldwani is a beautiful destination with a lot of attractions worth exploring. Sanjay Van, Gaula Dam, the lovely lakes, etc., are some of the most famous attractions worth checking out when visiting this place.

Q3. Why is Haldwani referred to as Haldwani?

Ans. The name Haldwani is derived from Haldu-Vani. It is an anglicized version of the Kumaon word, Halduvani, where Haldu means Kadamb trees and Vani means forest. In essence, it means the forest of Kadamb.

Q4. What is so special about Haldwani?

Ans. The pleasant weather and natural and scenic views make this destination truly special. Haldu trees cover the area giving dense forests bordered by beautiful lakes. It is truly a paradise for nature aficionados.