Haldwani City is known as the Gateway of Kumaon. It is the 3rd most populous city of Uttarakhand. The city was named after ‘Haldu’ or Haldina Cordifolia which is a kind of tree once found in this city in the ancient time. But because of modernization and population and city growth, you will find very few trees. Haldwani is said to be the financial capital of the Kumaon region, having the most commercial, economic and industrial activities in Uttarakhand.
Haldwani city is located at an elevation of 424 meters and it is an important business hub of Uttarakhand. The city comes under the township of Kathgodam and the city is administered by Haldwani – Kathgodam Municipal Board. The municipal board office is in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the 8 subdivisions of Nainital district.
History of Haldwani
The history of Haldwani is very old and this place was dominated by Chand Dynasty. Later Haldwani was attacked by Gorkhas and later snooched by Britishers in 1816. The war between the Britishers and Gorkhas was held from 1814 to 1816, this war is known as the Anglo-Napalese War.
After that, George William Trail became the commissioner and he re-named the Haldwani as Haldwani in the year 1834. Also, some historic documents suggest that Haldwani City was established in 1834.
In the year 1882, Nainital City was connected with Kathgodam by road around 1883 – 1884, then a railway track was laid between Bareilly and Kathgodam. On April 24, 1884, the first train arrived at Haldwani from Lucknow (modern-day name – Prayagraj). Haldwani – Kathgodam Municipal Council is the 3rd largest Municipal council in Uttarakhand, Dehradun is at number 1 and Haridwar is at position 2.
Geography of Haldwani
Haldwani City is located between the hilly terrain of the Kumaon region and the Indo-Gangetic plains. This city is known as the former trading point of Kumaon. The city is well-developed and there are the biggest vegetables, grain and food markets. You can easily find big food brands such as KFC, Domino, etc.
Haldwani is also an industrial hub of Uttarakhand and one of the important revenue centers and serves as the base depot for goods in transit to the hills.
Activities to do in Haldwani City
Shopping
Haldwani is one of the biggest cities in Uttarakhand, due to the growing urban population in Haldwani, there are many malls and shopping complexes here. You can find your favorite brands easily and shop for your favorite things.
Picnicking
There are some pleasing picnic spots in Haldwani where you can spend quality time and enjoy with your friends, family, or loved ones. Gaula Barrage in Haldwani is one of the best locations for picnickers and nature lovers. The views are so pleasing and beautiful here, you are going to love this place.
Nightlife
Haldwani city doesn’t sleep early unlike other small cities and you can go for a night ride. I personally love night walks and city rides. There are a few bars and movie theatres that remain open till late at night, where you can enjoy some drinks with your friends or catch late-night movies.
Stay in Haldwani
There are many luxury and budget hotels and restaurants in Haldwani. As we know that Haldwani City is the gateway to Kumaon, so this place flocks with tourists all year. It is the 3rd most populous city of Uttarakhand.
You can easily find luxurious hotels and resorts with all modern facilities and amenities. For budget travelers, there is a wide range of hotels and resorts.
Haldwani Food Guide
There are many premium restaurants that offer various types of Indian dishes as well as continental food items. Popular fast food chain outlets such as Domino, KFC and McDonald’s are also available here. 5 star and other premium hotels are also here, it’s obvious because it is the 3rd largest city of Uttarakhand and industrial hub also. Also, you will get Kumaoni and Garhwali food items here at good price rates.
Why visit Haldwani?
Haldwani is a popular well-developed city in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, there are some prestigious educational institutes, lively cafés and restaurants. If you want to explore Nainital then you must start your journey from Haldwani, also there are some beautiful places to visit in Haldwani. Summer days are hot in Haldwani as it is a hilly city but due to rapid growth in construction and population, you will feel like you are in Dehradun city in terms of weather conditions and city vibes. Personally, I prefer to visit small towns where which give you a pure nature feel and vibes.
Haidarkhan Ashram is a popular site which is located approx 35 Km east of Haldwani. If you love adventure and trekking then there are some popular trekking sites that pass through the dense forests, you are going to love it.
The views of the Himalayan range from here are really mesmerizing. For photographers and nature lovers, the nearby locations in Haldwani are just perfect.
If you are planning to visit Haldwani and don’t know how to reach Haldwani then read our detailed guide on how to reach Haldwani Uttarakhand. Also, cab service to Haldwani is available at the best rates in the market.