Kotdwar is a quiet, soul-soothing town that is tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a great place to visit for those who seek peace, divinity, and a close connection with nature. My journey to this serene town has been a memorable combination of natural beauty, spiritual energy, and heartfelt simplicity.

As soon as we entered Kotdwar, the first thing that greeted us were the far surrounding forested hills. After de-boarding the train, a short drive from the station took us to the majestic Siddhbali Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

The Tranquil Majesty of Siddhbali Temple Kotdwar

The temple is perched on a hillock with the Khoh River winding around it. It offers a striking view and a deeper spiritual experience. You don’t just walk into Siddhbali — you feel it. The air was filled with the fragrance of incense and the ambience was filled with purity. Devotees climbed the stairs with quiet reverence. As we reached the top, a sudden calm took over us. The idol of Lord Hanuman exuded an aura of strength and protection. It is no wonder that people from far and wide visit here to seek blessings for courage, stability, and spiritual clarity.

The temple’s surroundings are equally captivating. It boasts lush green trees, echoing hymns, and the sound of the river far below creating a timeless ambiance. We spent hours there, not praying constantly, but just being — something we rarely do in our daily lives.

A Wholesome Meal – Siddhbali Temple Kotdwar

After spending some tranquil moments at the Siddhbali Temple, we stopped by the temple’s food distribution stall. It runs selflessly throughout the year, serving thousands of devotees. The simplicity and flavor of the meal left a lasting impression. We were served puris, two types of sabzi, and a generous portion of halwa. The volunteers were warm and polite, adding to the soulful atmosphere of the place.

When Monkey Clung to Me – Siddhbali Temple Kotdwar

After the meal, we decided to carry a bit of the halwa with us to feed the monkeys we had seen on the way up. While climbing down the stairs, a baby monkey clung to my leg just like a child cling to its parent.

It seemed almost like a child asking for affection or a treat. His innocent touch tugged at my heart; I felt an urge to lift him and hold him close. However, caution reminded me that he was still a wild animal, so I avoided doing that. Instead, we offered him the halwa, and to our amazement, he ate it like a human child. After finishing it, he covered his head with the bowl in the cutest manner. This incident added an unexpectedly emotional highlight to our visit.

The Embrace of the Khoh River – Kotdwar

After the affection received from the monkey, we climbed down a bit to experience the flow of the Khoh River closely. Though it had less water, it was glistening under the sunlight and flowing like gushing torrents often seen in the hills.

We stopped by and sat there, dipping our feet in the cool, clear water. I could feel every bit of city stress melt away. It wasn’t just a river; it felt like a living entity, whispering ancient tales of the forest and faith. I could not stop myself from dipping into it; therefore, I got undressed to lie down on the thin layer of the flowing water.

I enjoyed the touch of nature in the form of water for about an hour and then headed towards the railway station along with my travel mates.

How to Reach Kotdwar

Getting to Kotdwar is simple and scenic:

● By Road: It’s well-connected by road to Delhi (approx. 230 km). The journey takes you through winding roads, forest stretches, and occasional dhabas.
● By Train: Kotdwar has its own railway station, one of the oldest in the region, with direct trains from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
● By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approx. 110 km), from where one can hire a cab or take a bus.

A Journey to Remember – Weekend Kotdwar Trip

Kotdwar may not be on every tourist’s radar, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a town that speaks in silence through the rhythm of the Khoh River. It also speaks through the peaceful breeze coming from Siddhbali Baba and the warm smiles of Kotdwar’s people. If you’re looking to reconnect with your inner self, nature, or the divine, Kotdwar is your weekend gateway from Delhi.