Haldwani and Kathgodam

Haldwani and Kathgodam are twin towns in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, at the banks of the Gaula River.

Haldwani is the capital and the largest city of Kumaon. It is the gateway of Kumaon, as it is the starting point of many tourist circuits of the region.

Kathgodam, literally "timber depot", is blessed by the surrounding mountains.

There's nothing much to see in the twin towns, other than the panoramic views of the mountains with the Gaula River flowing by.

• 🌍 Gaula Barrage. This is a dam adjoining the railway station. Very peaceful. The dam houses a reservoir and is surrounded by mountains covered with trees. 

• Nainital, a very popular hill station in Kumaon, is 35 km from Kathgodam. Bhimtal, usually not as crowded as Nainital, is another very beautiful hill station nearby, just 23 km from Kathgodam. Taxis and buses to Nainital and Bhimtal are available throughout the day at the Kathgodam Railway Station.
• 🌍 Sattal (Seven Lakes) (Approximately one hour's drive away from Kathgodam). Set amongst dense forests of oak and pine trees, Sattal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is home to a few camps being operated mostly by local people catering to tourists looking for outdoor vacations. (updated Dec 2023)