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Kathgodam, Photo: Nitin Bhardwaj/ Flickr

Kathgodam

Kathgodam - The Timber Depot of Kumaon

Studded like a precious gem in the Himalayan necklace of Uttarakhand, the town of Kathgodam is cradled on the banks of Gaula River. This toy town is perched at an average elevation of 554 meters about 1,817 feet above sea level in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand

The name Kathgodam literally suggests ‘timber depot’ as it is one of the important collection centers for the forest products, obtained from the Kumaon Himalayas.

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Why Visit Kathgodam? 

Exhibiting its profound beauty, the pristine hamlet of Kathgodam serves as an important hub for trade and commerce in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. This minion village features some of the famous tourist attractions that can be easily accessed from here such as the Sheetla Devi temple, Hedakhan Ashram, Kalichaud temple and the Corbett Falls. One can also visit the huge dam erected on the tranquil Gola River, where many migratory birds flock during winters. 

Since Kathgodam is located in the proximity of Nainital, the tourists can explore places like the Mall Road, Snow View, Astronomical Observatory, Hanuman Garhi or enjoy a shopping spree at The Flatts. One can also go for excursions to nearby places like Sattal and Bhimtal.

Places to See in Kathgodam

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Activities in Kathgodam

There are quite a few places of interest in Kathgodam where one can spend quality time with his family and friends. Nainital Hill Station and Nainital Zoo are popular tourist attraction and is located in the hills named as Sher ka Danda and is just 24 Kms from Kathgodam. Kalichaud Temple is a well-known temple in Kathgodam and attracts large number of devotees. The famous Gaula Barrage which is considered as an ultimate picnic spot is another attraction in Kathgodam. 

Nature Walk: Kathgodam is situated on the foothills of Kumaon Himalayas and thus makes it a perfect destination to explore various nature trails in and around Kathgodam. Tourists can take leisure walking in the morning and evening in the calm environment.          

Picnicking: Tourists visiting to Kathgodam prefer to picnic with family and friends along the banks of Gaula River. There is also a barrage built on Gaula River which is another popular tourist destination in Kathgodam.  

Since Kathgodam is the ‘Gateway to the Kumaon Himalayas’, there are many accommodation options and places to stay for tourists. Kathgodam is the last train station in the Kumaon region and tourists have to reach Kathgodam to travel to higher altitudes. As a result, many hotels and guesthouses have mushroomed at Kathgodam. One can find luxury as well as budget accommodation at Kathgodam.

Since tourists going to higher reaches of Kumaon Himalayas must reach Kathgodam, there are many restaurants that have opened in Kathgodam that serve delicious North Indian cuisines. One can find few fast-food chains as well. Several luxury hotels and resorts also have in-house restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines like Indian, Continental, and Chinese according to the taste and liking of their guests.

Kathgodam literally suggests 'timber depot' and it became popular when the railway line was extended here, in the late 19th century. The region was earlier known as 'Bamori Ghati' and 'Chauhan Patta'. It was later renamed as Kathgodam on April 24, 1884, when it was made the terminal station of Rohilkhand and Kumaon Railways. 

About Kathgodam

Kathgodam forms a part of Haldwani - Kathgodam Municipal council which was established in 1942. This is now the second-largest municipal council of the state, the first one being Haridwar. The word Kathgodam literally suggests timber depot. Previously, Kathgodam was only a small village and it became popular when it was brought on the Railway Map of India by Britishers.

Kathgodam Railway Station has proved to be a boon for the tourists coming to Nainital, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Ranikhet, and Kausani.

What is Kathgodam famous for?

Kathgodam is famous among tourist as Gateway to Kumaon.

Kathgodam is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Others.

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