Pauri Garhwal
Serene oak forests, colonial hill stations, and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints
All Destinations
Dhari Devi Temple — Guardian Deity of Uttarakhand
Perched dramatically on a raised concrete pillar over the sacred rushing waters of the Alaknanda River at Kalyasaur (between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on NH7), Dhari Devi is revered as the guardian protector of the Char Dham and the presiding deity of Uttarakhand. According to ancient lore, the idol of Goddess Kali changes appearance thrice daily—from a maiden in the morning, to a fierce warrior woman in the afternoon, and an elderly matriarch by dusk. It is deeply believed that no pilgrimage into the high shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath is complete without stopping here to seek Maa Dhari Devi's blessings and protection for safe passage across the mountain roads.
Lansdowne Hill Station
A quiet, unspoiled cantonment town established in 1887 and named after Lord Lansdowne (Viceroy of India). Perched at 1,706m amidst thick blue pine and oak forests, it serves as the regimental headquarters of the renowned Garhwal Rifles. Famed for its peaceful, uncommercialized colonial ambiance, heritage stone churches, Bhulla Tal lake, and Tip-in-Top viewpoint.
Khirsu Mountain Village
A tranquil hamlet nestled amidst dense deodar, oak, and apple orchards 15 km from Pauri town, offering one of the widest panoramic vistas in Garhwal with over 300 snow-capped Himalayan peaks visible on clear autumn and winter horizons.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Deodar Sanctuary
An ancient Shiva shrine secluded in a thick virgin forest of towering deodars and blue pines near Lansdowne in Pauri Garhwal. Believed to be the place where the demon Tarakasura meditated on Lord Shiva to attain invincibility, the temple is adorned with thousands of brass bells offered by devotees whose prayers were answered.