Gangolihat is a small town located in the Pithoragarh district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It’s renowned for its religious significance and natural beauty. The town is situated amidst the Himalayan ranges and is known for its serene environment and picturesque landscapes.
Gangolihat In Pithoragarh
Gangolihat is a small town located in the Pithoragarh district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated amidst the picturesque Himalayan foothills and is known for its serene natural beauty and religious significance. The town is renowned for its ancient temples, including the popular Hatkalika Temple dedicated to Goddess Hatkalika, which attracts devotees and tourists alike.
Gangolihat is also famous for its annual fair, the Hatkalika Fair, held during the Navratri festival, which is a major attraction for pilgrims and visitors from nearby areas.
Mythology about Gangolihat
According to local folklore, Goddess Kali, a fierce deity in Hindu mythology, was once traveling through the area. Feeling tired, she decided to rest for a while. She was so pleased by the beauty and serenity of Gangolihat that she blessed the place and decided to stay there permanently. The locals built a temple dedicated to her, known as Haat Kalika Temple, which became a sacred site and a center of worship.
Another mythological tale linked to Gangolihat involves the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is said that during their exile, the Pandavas visited this region and had interactions with the local deities. It’s believed that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, established the nearby town of Dunagiri, where the Dunagiri Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is situated.
Activities in Gangolihat
Visit the Temples: Gangolihat is famous for its ancient temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. The most prominent ones include the Hat Kalika Temple, Chamunda Temple, and Vaishnavi Temple. These temples are not only religious sites but also architectural marvels.
Trekking and Nature Walks: The surrounding Himalayan landscape provides ample opportunities for trekking and nature walks. Explore the lush green forests, serene valleys, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with the friendly villagers, tasting authentic Kumaoni cuisine, and witnessing traditional folk performances.
Bird Watching: Gangolihat is home to a diverse range of bird species due to its rich biodiversity. Bird watchers can spot various Himalayan and migratory birds in the surrounding forests.
Village Walks: Take leisurely walks through the nearby villages to experience the rural way of life, interact with locals, and witness age-old traditions.
Excursions to Nearby Attractions: Explore nearby attractions like Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple, Berinag Hill Station, and Chaukori Tea Gardens for a complete experience of the region.
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How To Reach Gangolihaat
By Road
Gangolihat is well-connected by road. You can either drive or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Kathgodam, Haldwani, or Almora. There are also regular bus services from these cities to Gangolihat.
By Train
The nearest major railway station to Gangolihat is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM), which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gangolihat. The road journey takes around 6-7 hours.
By Air
The nearest airport to Gangolihat is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located approximately 200 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Gangolihat.