Kotdwara
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Kotdwara | |
| State - District(s) |
Uttarakhand - Garhwal |
| Area | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population (2001) - Density |
1,25,400 - |
Kotdwara is a town in Garhwal District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Kotdwara had a population of 25,400. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kotdwara has an average literacy rate of 70% - higher than the national average of 59.5% - Male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 66%. In Kotdwara, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Kotdwara is a small town, situated at the border of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, on the foothills of lush green Shivalik Range of Himalayas. It is locked by hills from three sides. The name Kotdwara indicates the gateway (dwara) to the Abode of God (Dev Bhoomi), since this is the place from where the pilgrimage to two famous temples Kedarnath (Lordh Shiva) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu) starts. It is situated on the banks of three seasonal rivers namely Khoo, Malin, and Sukhro. This area was the place of meditation for many sages and rishis. Ashram of Karnav Risihi is situated at the bank of Malin river and is about 13 km from the main town, and finds description in ancient literatures. Shakuntala, daughter of Karnva Rishi, had lost her ring, gifted by King Dushyant at this place. She later gave birht to Bharat who became a famous king (India was named BHARAT after him). Other famous temples are Sidhbali Mandir & Durga Devi . These temples are famous for their natural beauty and the holy spirits which they spread among the people. People from all over India come to pay visit to these temple; especially Sidhbali Mandir.
Kotdwar has one Postgraduate college affilated with the Hemvati Nadan Bhuguna Garhwal University. It has many English Medium and Uttarakhand Boards Medium schools like St. Joseph's Convent, D.A.V., Shri Guru Ram Rai Public school, GGIC, GIC, Arya Kanya Inter College etc. The city is surrounded by many small villages and towns which are generally termed as Bhabar area or kashirampur. The Garhwal Regiment also has its base here at Kotdwar.
Kotdwara is also known for its distinguished Public Sector Unit - BEL ( Bharat Electronic Limited). It is one of the five BEL unit of India.
Kotdwara can be accessed from Delhi by train (distance about 240 km) or by road (distance about 210 km). Trains such as Massouri Express and Garhwal Express are available from Old Delhi Railway Station). A computerised railway reservation counter is available here. Bus services from Uttaranchal Roadways and UP roadways can be used from Kadshmiri Gate ISBT, though for some time the UP roadways is running its operations from Kaushambi, near Anand Vihar ISBT.
manu 12:39, 30 March 2007 (UTC)
