Discover Haldwani: Gateway to Kumaon
Haldwani is the most important commercial and transit city of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of just 412 metres. The name Haldwani derives from the Hindi word “haldi” (turmeric), reflecting the area's historical importance as a trading post where spices and forest produce from the hills were traded with the plains. Today, with a population of over 300,000, it is Uttarakhand's most populous city and the natural gateway for tens of thousands of hill-bound travellers every year.
The city is strategically located at the junction of National Highway 9, which connects it to Delhi (300 km), Bareilly (110 km), and the hill districts of Nainital (35 km), Almora (90 km), and beyond. Kathgodam Railway Station, just 8 km from Haldwani's city centre, is the railhead for the entire Kumaon region and is the terminus for multiple daily trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities. The close proximity of an airport at Pantnagar (25 km) makes Haldwani the most accessible base for exploring the Kumaon Himalayas.
Haldwani itself has a great deal to offer the curious traveller. The city's Bhotiya Bazaar is one of the most vibrant markets in the hills, selling everything from Tibetan carpets and Buddhist artefacts to fresh mountain herbs, handwoven shawls, and the famous Almora copper utensils. The wholesale market (Mandi) is a fascinating sight at dawn, when trucks from across the hills unload fruit, vegetables, and forest produce. Haldwani's food scene is excellent — dhabas along the old Bareilly road serve legendary mutton curries and local breads, while modern cafes in the city centre offer continental fare.
The Gaulapar Forest Division, just outside Haldwani, is an important and relatively unexplored wildlife corridor connecting the Terai forests with the lower Himalayan range. Leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, and dozens of deer species are resident here, and the area is a favoured birding spot for species that bridge the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan zones. The Gaula River, which flows through Haldwani, offers excellent mahseer angling and riverside picnicking.
Perfect Hotels recently launched Blu Sky in Haldwani — a sophisticated contemporary hotel offering business-class amenities, a rooftop restaurant with views toward the hills, and a premier base for travellers exploring the Kumaon region. Whether you're arriving by train, road, or flight to Pantnagar, Blu Sky positions you perfectly for onward journeys to any Perfect Hotels destination in the hills.