Top 10 Places To Visit In Kathgodam: Gateway To The Kumaon Hills

Feel the exquisite beauty of Uttarakhand with these places to visit in kathgodam

As one of the picturesque towns in Uttarakhand, Kathgodam extends a warm welcome to its visitors. Not many visit this town as it is tucked away and is often overlooked, but it doesn’t negate its beauty. In the Nainital District, Kathgodam is the gateway to many hill stations, including Ranikhet, Bhimtal, and Nainital. So, if you have plans to visit any of these places, you can easily spend a few days in Kathgodam. To make your stay even more worthwhile, you should check out the popular places to visit in Kathgodam.

10 Places To Visit In And Around Kathgodam

With lush greenery all around, Kathgodam offers a pleasant stay and experience to its visitors. But to make the most of your trip, you should start your journey with the following places.

1. Maa Sheetla Mandir

Image of Hindu Deity Statue in Gold and Red Floral Dress - Maa Sheetla Mandir

Photo: Curry 2Night / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Maa Sheetla Mandir, is a religious site that is one of the top tourist attractions in Kathgodam. Dedicated to Goddess Sheetla, the temple is frequented by both locals and tourists. Once you reach the shrine, the first thing you will notice is the architecture. Unlike other temples, Maa Sheetla Mandir doesn’t feature an extravagant architectural design. Despite that, the temple offers a special feel to its visitors. While you are at the temple, you can offer prayer to the goddess and also explore the peaceful surroundings. However, the best time to visit this place is during the Navratri celebration, when the temple is adorned with beautiful lights and flowers.

Location: Ranibagh – Haldwani Rd, near Shitla Mata Temple, Fatehpur Range, Uttarakhand
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free

2. Kali Chaur Hindu Temple

Image of an ashram and the temple surrounded by lush green hills under clear blue sky

Photo: maneesh bhatt / Wikimedia Commons

Another temple that needs to be on your Kathgodam tourist places list is Kalichaud or Kali Chaur Hindu Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple holds great significance for Hindu devotees. People from all across the suburb visit the shrine to seek blessings and offer prayers to Goddess Kali. The temple is known for its spiritual energy and vibe. When you visit the shrine, you will notice that the entire place is surrounded by lush greenery. This creates a tranquil environment, which is perfect for people who want peace. As long as you are at the temple, you can partake in the rituals and also enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Location: Kisan Range, Uttarakhand 263126
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free

3. Hanuman Garhi

Image of Hanuman Garhi Temple, a major religious site under clear blue sky

Photo: Prashant Kharote / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you search for well-known Kathgodam tourist places, you will surely come across Hanuman Garhi. Located 21 km away from Kathgodam, Hanuman Garhi is a popular stopover for those who want to visit Nainital. Based on reports, the temple was built several years ago by Baba Neem Karoli and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Besides the religious significance, the temple offers scenic views during sunset. So, if you want to see the sky coloured in charming hues, you should visit the shrine at dusk. Also, don’t forget to carry your camera and capture beautiful photos.

Location: Kathgodam, Kisan Range, Uttarakhand
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free

4. Sat Tal

Image of Sattal lake in Nainital district Uttrakhand surrounded by lush greenery and small boats for rides

Photo: Vipinvasudeva / Wikimedia Commons

There are many places to visit in Kathgodam, Uttarakhand, but if you want to see something unique, you should visit Sat Tal, an assortment of seven lakes. Although this place is located 31.6 km away from Kathgodam, you can easily access the location by private car. Once you reach the site, you will see the seven lakes, including Purna Tal, Lakshman Tal, Sukh Tal, Garud Tal, Ram Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, and Sita Tal. Each lake is unique and surrounded by dense oak and pine forests. This makes it a great spot for both nature lovers and photographers.

Location: 31.6 km from Kathgodam
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free

5. Naukuchiatal Lake

Nakuchia Tal is a lake in Nainital, known for having nine corners. This lake is still untouched by majority of the tourist population

Photo: Dr Satendra / Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to must-visit tourist places in Kathgodam, you simply cannot miss Naukuchiatal Lake. Positioned in a picturesque setting, Naukuchiatal Lake is surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests. It is because of this reason that the lake has become a popular hang-out spot for tourists. When visiting the lake, you can expect to see unspoiled natural beauty, tranquil waters, and chirping birds. However, for the best experience, you should take a boat ride on the waters. This will allow you to experience the essence of the place in a better way.

Location: 21 km from Kathgodam
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free

6. International Stadium

Image of the stadium, one of the best places to visit in International stadium

Photo: Huy Phan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Located in Greater Kathgodam, International Stadium happens to be a prominent facility in the suburb. As per records, the stadium first opened its doors in 2014 and was established by Chief Minister Harish Rawat. Occupying about 30 hectares of land, the International Stadium hosts various sports, including football, cricket, badminton, hockey, and others. Additionally, the stadium has a hostel and swimming pool for athletes. Be it tourists or locals, the stadium is open to everyone. However, you get the best experience if you visit the stadium during a sports event.

Location: Greater Kathgodam
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A

7. Gaula Barrage

Image of a Barrage - used for irrigation and flood control purposes, you can visit the barrage to spend quality time

Photo: Chaniljain / Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for places with lush greenery in Kathgodam, Gaula Barrage could be a great choice. As one of the stunning spots in the suburb, Gaula Barrage allows you to enjoy a serene environment on the banks of the Gaula River. Even though the structure is mainly used for irrigation and flood control purposes, you can visit the barrage to spend quality time. Once you reach the spot, you can either relax in the lush green surroundings or capture the beauty of the place. If you want, you can also organise a picnic with your family.

Location: Kathgodam, Uttarakhand
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free

8. Aryabhatta Research Institute Of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

Image of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences in Uttarakhand

Photo: MOSSOT / Wikimedia Commons

Despite being located 31.2 km away from Kathgodam, many tourists visit ARIES mainly because of its reputation. As a leading research institute in the region, ARIES contributes to research in astronomy, astrophysics, and atmospheric sciences. However, to explore this place, you need to plan your visit. That’s because the institute is accessible to visitors only for a limited time. So, if you miss the visiting hours, you won’t be able to enter the institute. But once you get in, you will be amazed to see the variety of technologies available at the facility.

Location: 31.2 km from Kathgodam
Timings: 2 PM – 4 PM (Monday to Friday); closed on weekends
Entry Fee: Free

9. Sanjay Van

Image of refreshed the wild and made the jungle Sanjay Van more beautiful

Photo: Pushpeshpant.10 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you haven’t been to a forest before, you should take the opportunity to visit Sanjay Van, which is located only a short drive away from Kathgodam. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, Sanjay Van is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Once you reach the forest, you get the chance to witness nature up close. From watching birds to trekking, and hosting picnics, you can do plenty of things in Sanjay Van. However, for the best experience, you should visit the place early in the morning. During that time, the forest looks magical and allows you to breathe in fresh air.

Location: 35.1 km from Kathgodam
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 for onwards

10. Eco Cave Park

Image of a cave for travellers and visitors to explore in Eco cave park

Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Located in Sukhatal, Eco Cave Park offers a perfect blend of adventure and education. Most people visit the park to see the network of interconnected caves and pathways. The speciality of these rocky caves is that they offer a glimpse into the natural underground formations of the region. Once you start exploring the place, you will realise that each cave is unique and has its charm. Not only that, but they also vary in size and difficulty, making it an exciting experience for visitors.

Location: 40.2 km from Kathgodam
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday to Saturday); 10 AM – 5 PM on Sundays
Entry Fee: ₹10 from onwards

Despite being a small suburb, there are plenty of places to visit in Kathgodam. All you have to do is plan your trip, so you can cover the top attractions at your own pace. In case you are not sure where to start or how to book your tickets, you have TripXL to help you out and make countless memories with your family and friends.

Cover Photo: SHUVADIP / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Kathgodam is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and serves as the gateway to Nainital and other hill stations.
The most popular places to visit in Kathgodam include Maa Sheetla Mandir, Kalichaud Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Gaula Barrage.
In Kathgodam, you can enjoy a mix of North Indian, Kumaoni, and popular Indian dishes.
You don’t need a permit to visit Kathgodam.
The best time to visit Kathgodam is between October and June when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploration.

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