Kotdwara
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| ?Kotdwara कोटद्वार Uttarakhand • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| District(s) | Pauri Garhwal |
| Population | 25,400 (2001) |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone |
• 246149 • +91-1382 |
Coordinates: Kotdwara is a town in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
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[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census, Kotdwara had a population of 25,400. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kotdwara has an average literacy rate of 70% - higher than the national average of 59.5% - Male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 66%. In Kotdwara, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] About the town and its history
Kotdwara is a small town, situated at the border of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, on the foothills of lush green Shivalik Range of Himalayas. It is locked by hills from three sides. The name Kotdwara indicates the gateway (dwara) to the Abode of God (Dev Bhoomi), since this is the place from where the pilgrimage to two famous temples Kedarnath (Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu) starts. It is situated on the banks of three seasonal rivers namely Khoo, Malin, and Sukhro. This area was the place of meditation for many sages and rishis. Ashram of Karnav Risihi is situated at the bank of Malin river and is about 13 km from the main town, and finds description in ancient literatures. Shakuntala, daughter of Karnva Rishi, had lost her ring, gifted by King Dushyant at this place. She later gave birth to Bharat who became a famous king (India was named BHARAT after him). Other famous temples are Sidhbali Mandir & Durga Devi . These temples are famous for their natural beauty and the holy spirits which they spread among the people. People from all over India come to pay visit to these temple; especially Sidhbali Mandir.
Kotdwara is also known for its distinguished Public Sector Unit - Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
[edit] Education
Kotdwara has one Postgraduate college affiliated with the Hemwati Nandan Bhuguna Garhwal University. It has many English Medium and Uttarakhand Boards Medium schools like Blooming Vale Public School, St. Joseph's Convent, D.A.V., Shri Guru Ram Rai Public school, GGIC, GIC, Arya Kanya Inter College etc. The city is surrounded by many small villages and towns which are generally termed as Bhabar area such as kashirampur Padampur. The Garhwal Regiment also has its base at Kotdwara.
[edit] Transport
Kotdwara can be accessed from Delhi by train (distance about 240 km) or by road (distance about 210 km). Trains such as Mussouri Express and Garhwal Express are available from Old Delhi Railway Station). A computerised railway reservation counter is available here. Bus services from Uttaranchal Roadways and UP roadways can be used from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, though for some time the UP roadways is running its operations from Kaushambi, near Anand Vihar ISBT. UPSRTC bus service is also available daily from NOIDA, Kotdwara, located at an altitude of 650 meters, has carved a niche for itself as the biggest center of trade and commerce in the district. Kotdwara acts as an entrance to the hills. All the items of daily use for the neighboring areas pass through this place. So, it goes without saying that this place has a tremendous industrial potential. Amidst the beautiful ‘Bhabar’ section at the foothills of Himalaya, Kotdwara positioned on the bank of ‘Khoh’ river will bring out the poet in you for sure!
The emergence of Kotdwara as a commercial center does not date back to an ancient era. In fact, the place was nothing but a small market till 1953 A.D. as the key business center was Duggada. However, in 1953 A.D., a major change came when Kotdwara became connected to the railway route. This saw a radical shift amongst the business groups, a majority of which shifted base from Duggada to Kotdwara. This was beginning of Kotdwara’s phenomenon rise as a hub of trade and commerce, which is still continuing. Kotdwara can be reached via air through the airport of Jollygrant, which is the nearest one from this place. Jollygrant lies close to Deharadun, 115 km away enroute to Haridwar. Kotdwara is also quite well connected via rail and road to all the key towns and cities of India.
Apart from soaking the natural beauty of the place, you may also target some of the famous places of tourist attraction in and around Kotdwara. The prominent religious locations around the city like Durgadevi and Siddhbali Temple are a huge draw among the tourists. Some other places of interest in Kotdwara are the shrine of Medanpuri Devi, Kanvashram, Chila, Bharat Nagar, Kalagarh and the temple of Shri Koteshwar Mahadev.
So, make sure to book yourself for a Tour to Kotdwara so that you can enjoy the natural brilliance of the area to the optimum.
[edit] References
Kotdwara is headquarters of largest bus service i.e.G.M.O.U.Ltd. It is anothere way of exploring uttranchal hills. You can go Shri Badri kedar through this exciting route too and can explore the unseen beauties of uttranchal.
