Pauri Garhwal : Where Mountains Meet Magic

Pauri Garhwal, a district in the Garhwal region, is one of Uttarakhand's major administrative divisions. Its headquarters is located in the city of Pauri. It's essential to distinguish between Pauri Garhwal and Garhwal, as the latter encompasses seven districts, and all its inhabitants are known as Garhwalis.

Photos From Pauri Garhwal

Origin and Meaning

Pauri derives its name from the Hindi word 'pavri,' meaning 'stair' or 'step.' This refers to Kotdwara, the gateway to Garhwal, where one enters the region, or the steps leading to temples in Devbhoomi.

Geography

Pauri Garhwal spans 5230 sq km, partly located in the lower Himalayas and the Ganga Plain. The district features:

1. Steep slopes

1. Deep valleys

1. High peaks

1. Rocky outcrops

1. Fertile lands

It shares borders with:

• Bijnor district (Uttar Pradesh)

• Uttarakhand districts: Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora, and Nainital

Climate

Pauri Garhwal's climate varies:

• Warm summers (not extremely hot)

• Cold winters

• Cool rainy season

Temperature differences exist across regions:

• Kotdwara (Bhabar area): hot summers

• Duggada region: hot summers

• Lansdown area: moderate temperature

• Higher elevations: snowfall in winters

Locals in hilly areas often don't require refrigerators or fans due to the climate

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Pauri Garhwal: A Rich History

Pauri Garhwal boasts a glorious past, with ancient roots tracing back to the Mahabharata era. It was known as Panchari in ancient Hindu scriptures and Panchur in medieval texts. The name "Pauri" originates from the Hindi word "pavri," meaning "stair" or "step."

Gateway to Garhwal

Pauri is often referred to as the Gateway to Garhwal, although this title is disputed. However, Kotdwar, in the Bhabar area of Pauri district, is widely recognized as the gateway to Garhwal Mandal.

Vyas Nagar

Pauri is also known as Vyas Nagar, paying homage to Ved Vyas, one of Hindu mythology's seven immortals and author of the Mahabharata, Vedas, and Puranas.

Historical Evolution

• Ancient era: Part of Kuru Kingdom and the Silk Route

• Medieval era: Pauri Garhwal, Fort of Pauri

• British era: Officially named Pauri Garhwal

• Post-independence: Pauri Garhwal district, with chamoli and Devprayag regions initially part of it

• 1960: Chamoli district carved out

• 1969: Garhwal division formed, headquartered at Pauri

• 1998: 72 villages from Khirsu block carved out to form the new Pauri Garhwal district

Rulers and Dynasties

Pauri Garhwal was ruled by various ancient dynasties, including:

1.  Katyuri

1.  Parmar

1.  Chand

Archaeological Significance

The region is home to numerous ancient temples, artifacts, and Sanskrit inscriptions, attesting to its rich cultural heritage.
Places to Visit in Pauri District
Pauri District, divided into 15 tehsils, 6 subdivisions, 15 development blocks, and 3,142 villages, offers endless adventure and historical tales. In this blog, we'll explore lesser-known yet fascinating destinations.
Must-Visit Places in Pauri District by Tehsil

We'll cover notable places in each tehsil, development block, and subdivision.

1. Kotdwara Tehsil

Kotdwara, situated in Pauri District's Bhabar area, holds significant historical importance. According to Ved Vyasa, this region is the origin of India's name, "Bharat."

Recommended Attractions in Kotdwara:

• Shidbali Temple: A well-known temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman
• Karnav Ashram: The birthplace of Shakuntala and King Dushyant's son, Bharat
• Major Rivers: Kho River and Malini River

2. Lansdowne Tehsil

Named after Viceroy of India Lord Lansdowne in 1887, Lansdowne is a popular destination and cantonment area.

Recommended Attractions:

• Parade Ground of Garhwal Rifles

• Bhoola Tal

• Tip & Top

• Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple

• Tarkeshwar Mahadev

• Regimental Museum

• Dhountiyal Mahadev

• St. Mary Church

• Nausena Devi

3. Thalisain Tehsil

Thalisain, situated on the Nayar River, boasts natural beauty and ancient history. Temples here showcase ashlar-style architecture, while old houses are known as 'tibaari'.

Recommended Attraction:

• Bindeshwar or Binsar Mahadev temple

• Ghandiyal Devta Temple

• Tara kund Mahadev temple

• Budaa Bharsar Temple

• Tibaari Old houses of Garhwali peoples 

4.Dhumakot Tehsil

Dhumakot is a scenic tehsil in Pauri Garhwal, bordered by Kotdwara, Lansdowne, Thalisan, and Bironkhal. It offers breathtaking views and historical significance.

Places to Visit in Dhumakot:

• Dhumakot-Baijro Highway

• Khirsu-Dhumakot Trek

• Local Market in Dhumakot

• Dhuma Devi Temple

• Deeba Devi Temple

• Chinbo Waterfall

• Badiyargarh

5. Srinagar Tehsil

Srinagar, a tehsil in Pauri Garhwal, was the ancient capital of the Garhwal Kingdom. This picturesque destination is ideal for trek lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those fascinated by ancient mythology.

Must-Visit Places in Srinagar:

• Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple

• Devalgarh Road

• Gaura Devi Temple

• Dhari Devi Temple (a crucial stop for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims)

• Ghasiya Mahadev

• Kikileshwar Mahadev Temple

• Kirti Nagar

• Gola Bazar

6. Satpuli Tehsil

Satpuli, a famous tehsil in Pauri Garhwal, is named after its state it has seven bridges (Saath Pul) on its way to kotdwara.

Places to Visit in Satpuli:

• Jwalpa Devi Temple

• Bhuvneshwari Devi Temple

• Bhairav Garhi

• Ekeshwar Mahadev

7. Yamkeshwar Tehsil

 Yamkeshwar, has an intriguing story behind its name. According to local legend, Markandeya Rishi was saved from Yamraj by Lord Shiva.

Places to Visit in Yamkeshwar:

• Yamkeshwar Temple

• The Beatles Ashram

• Devi Dand Sidh Mandir

• Shiva Waterfall

Customs and Traditions of Pauri Garhwal

The people of Pauri Garhwal primarily speak Garhwali language, which is blended with Hindi. They frequently use the word 'bal'. The region follows Hinduism, with Lord Shiva and Maa Durga being widely revered.

Religious Beliefs

People of Garhwal strongly believe in superstitions and have faith in God. They offer their first crop to God and worship during marriage, birth, and other significant life events. Besides Lord Shiva and Maa Bhagwati, local deities like Shidha, Bherav, Narshing, Naag Devta, and Narankar are worshipped.

Tantra and Mantras

Garhwalis believe in Tantra and mantras, using them to overcome troubles and cure diseases.

Animal Sacrifices

In some areas, animal sacrifices (goat, buffalo, sheep) are offered to appease Gods, especially during festivals. But Presently it is banned by the goverment.

Witches and Ghosts

Locals believe in witches and ghosts, sharing numerous stories about them. And  one of the famous name is "Mashan"

Cuisine

Garhwali cuisine is a diverse blend of Punjabi and Indo-Chinese flavors, featuring dishes like:

• Chensu ki dal

• Phaanu

• Aalu k gutke

• Alu ki thichwani

• Alu mula saag

• Dhabdi

• Bhaang ki chutney

Costumes

Traditional Garhwali costumes are:

1. Nath

1. Hasuli

1. Mala

1. Kandi

1. Dhagule

1. Jhivara

1. Gulband (Galoband)

1. Murkhala

Conclusion

Pauri Garhwal's rich culture is reflected in its customs, traditions, cuisine, and costumes.

Sharing Some Photos  Of Pauri Garhwal