Top 5 Temples in Pauri Garhwal You Must Visit in Uttrakhand India

 Introduction

The Morning mist wraps the hills of Pauri Garhwal, containing the soft chime of temple bells through the cool mountain air. For centuries, this Himalayan district of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, has been a sacred haven where faith meets nature’s beauty. Along winding roads and forest trails, you’ll find hilltop shrines overlooking snow-clad peaks and ancient temples guarding stories of saints, kings, and legends. Pauri Garhwal temples are so rich, each site invites you to pause, reflect, and connect with something timeless. In this guide, we uncover the top temples in Uttarakhand to visit in Pauri Garhwal—and the journeys that lead to them.

1. Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev Temple

Intro: A peaceful 8th-century Shiva shrine nestled in pine & deodar forests, just 2–3 km from Pauri town.

History: Believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya. Housing idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. The mythology says the Lord Yamraj meditated for God Shiva's blessing, and he got the blessing as Kyunkaleshwar.

How to Reach: A Short 10-15 minute drive or a frost walk from Pauri bus stand. Opens daily 6 AM to 8 PM

Surroundings: Panoramic views of Alaknanda Valley and snow-clad Himalayas. Serenity & fresh mountain air.

Festival: Maha Shivaratri sees a surge of devotion and pilgrims.

Photo: VIGA / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

2. Danda Nagraja Temple

Intro: A hilltop Krishna temple (in the snake form) perched 34 km from Pauri at Lasera village.

History: Legend says Lord Krishna has appeared here as a snake, and devotees hang bells when wishes come true, and offer jaggery (gurh).

How to Reach: Accessible via road from Pauri by taxi or limited bus service; better via taxi.

Surroundings: Open forest area with changing glimpses of the valley; stalls with refreshments outside.

Festival: The annual Danda Nagraja Mela (April 13–14) is a vibrant local gathering.

3. Jwalpa Devi Temple

Intro: A riverside Shakti temple on the Pauri-Kotdwar road and 34 km from Pauri, devoted to Goddess Parvati in fiery form.

History: Skanda Purana recounts that Shachi meditated here; Parvati appeared as Jwala to grant her wish. Adi Shankaracharya is also said to have visited. It is Kuladevi of the Raturi, Thapliyal, and Bisht clans.

How to Reach: Drive from Pauri or Satpuli via highway; the nearest station is Kotdwar (~75 km) and Dehradun airport (~146 km).

Surroundings: On the banks of the Nayar River; soothing riverside vibes and nearby eateries.

Festival: Navaratris and Janmashtami bring vibrant fairs and devotional rituals; dharamshalas are available for stay.

Photo: Banessh / (license on Wikimedia Commons)

Shidhbali Temple, Kotdwar - History, Architecture, Annual Mela (Fair) & Travel Guid

4. Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Intro: A high-altitude Shiva temple at 1,800 m near Lansdowne, surrounded by lush conifer forests.

History: Linked to demon Tarkasur, who worshipped Shiva here. Legend says Parvati transformed into seven cedar trees to spare the forest.

How to Reach: Drive through Duggada to Lansdowne, then take a short forest walk to the temple.

Surroundings: Tall deodar trees, crisp mountain air, perfect for nature walks.

Festival: Liveliest during Maha Shivaratri; guesthouses available nearby for overnight stay.

Photo: Mr. Guide07 / CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Intro: A Dravidian-style Shiva shrine 32 km from Rishikesh, 120 km from Pauri.

History: Site where Shiva drank the Samudra Manthan poison, turning his throat blue (“Neelkanth”) and meditated for millennia.

How to Reach: Scenic drive from Rishikesh; taxis and shared vehicles are common.

Surroundings: Dense forests, rivers, and valleys; tranquil and spiritually charged.

Festival: Flourishes during Maha Shivaratri and Shravan month, a major stop on the Kanwar Yatra.

Photo: Rahuldewangan / (license on Wikimedia Commons)

F&Q

Q1: Which is the most famous temple in Pauri Garhwal?
A: Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev Temple is most renowned for its ancient history, forest setting, and majestic Himalayan views.

Q2: How do I reach these temples from Delhi/Dehradun?
A: Take a bus or train to Kotdwar or Rishikesh, then hire a taxi or local bus to reach Pauri. From there, local cabs reach each temple.

Q3: Are these temples open year-round?
A: Yes. Best to visit between March–June and September–November for pleasant weather and good visibility of the Himalayas.

Q4: Do any visits involve trekking?
A: Most are road-accessible. However, Tarkeshwar Mahadev requires a short forest walk (~15–20 min).

Q5: Which festivals should I plan around?
A:
Kyunkaleshwar & Tarkeshwar: Maha Shivaratri
Jwalpa Devi: Navratri & Janmashtami
Danda Nagraja: April 13–14
Neelkanth Mahadev: Shravan month & Maha Shivaratri