Bageshwar History

Bageshwar has the extreme significance of religion and history. Bageshwar is also glorious to trekkers as Bageshwar district is a starting point or the base for several treks. Some of the popular treks near Bageshwar are Pindari Glacier Trek, Sunderghunga Trek, Kafni, and Pandusthal Trek. According to mythology, this place got its name after the well-known Baghnath Temple of Lord Shiva here said to be built by the Kumaon King. Bageshwar has several holy shrines and temples. It is believed that the Bageshwar town is in existence since the era of Mahabharata and finds its mentions in Manskand of Shiva Purana and many other Puranas being associated by Lord Shiva. It is said This is the place where Sage Markhandaya worshipped Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva came in the form of Tiger to bless him. Bageshwar’s history states that it was formally known as Danpur under the rule of Kutyuris from the 7th till the 13th century. In 1565, Danpur was conquered along with Pali, Barahmandal, Mankot to Kumaon by King  Balo Kalyan Chand. Later the region was under the rule of Gorkhas for 24 years before the Gorkhas got defeated by the East India Company and was the part of Almora District. Finally, in 1997 it became a district itself after the demands of many parties and regional people. Along with the Bageshwar’s temples, Bageshwar is also famous for its Shivratri Celebrations and Uttrayani Fair or Uttaryani ka Mela which is annually held on the occasion of Makar Sankrant in January.

Geography of Bageshwar

Bageshwar in Uttarakhand is a district and district administration with three blocks; Bageshwar, Garur, and Kopkat in the luxuriant valley of the eastern region of Kumaon. Bageshwar’s longitude and latitude coordinate 29.8404° N, 79.7694° E. It is located on the confluence of River Gomati, Bhagirathi, and Saryu River, the huge Bileshwar and Nileshwar mountains guard in the east and the west and have Agnikund and Surajkund in the south and north respectively. The neighboring Districts are Pithoragarh in the North-East and East, Almora in the South, and Chamoli in the North- West, and West. Bageshwar’s elevation is 1004 meters.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places to Visit in Bageshwar

Baghnath Temple

Baghnath Temple, the term Baghnath translates to ‘Bagh=Tiger’ and ‘Nath= Lord’ after which the town is named as Lord Shiva showed himself here in disguise of Tiger to Bless Sage Markhandeya. It was built in 1450 by the Kumaon King Laxmi Chand. It is situated in the middle of the town at the confluence of the River Saryu and River Gomati. The entrance has lined with huge bells that hold the ability to grant the wish wished to The Tiger lord. The temple is flooded with devotees during the Annual Uttaryani Mela and on Shivratri. 

Baijnath 

Baijnath is famous because of its ancient temples and the historical and religious importance that it holds. It is located on the banks of the Gomati river at an elevation of 1126 meters. Hindu mythology says Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati married here on the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga. The Baijnath temple has a beautiful idol of Mata Parvati carved in black stone along with other idols of Shiva, Bramha, Ganesh, Chandika, Surya, and Kuber. The temple is situated on the riverside along with a lake full of ‘Golden Mahseer’ fishes, though fishing here is prohibited people are allowed to feed atta and chana to those fishes. The temple was built in 1150A.D. by the Kumaon Kutyuri King when Baijnath was the capital named Kartikeyapura from the 7th century to the 11th century. There’s another temple of Bamhani on the way to the main temple.

Gauri Udhiyar Cave

Gauri Udiyar Cave, According to Kumaoni ‘Udiyar’ means ‘Small Rock Cave’ where tigers and wild animals shelter. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Gauri Mata. Gauri Udhiyar cave measures Just 20x 95 sq meters with shrines of different formations of Lord Shiva. There is a natural kund here which has cold water in summers and hot water in winter. The locals have strong faith in this temple. The formations have no history or information about their origins. It is believed that fresh cold and hot water flows through the natural formations of Shiva during summers and winters respectively. The legend goes that the natural formations used to evince milk in the ancient days.

Chandika and Chandrika Devi Temple

Chandika and Chandrika Devi Temple are dedicated to the Goddess Chandi also known as Maa Kali another incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is rushed with devotees during the Nine days festival of Dussera. The temple is located near Bagnath temple. It is located on a hill above the confluence of the Saryu river and Gomati river. Visitors can find many bells tied around the temple offered to the Goddess by devotees for answering their prayers.

Bigul Village 

Bigul Village in Bageshwar gets its name from the word ‘Bugul’ a brass instrument which was played by the British tax collectors during the British rule for signaling the villagers to gather at a place to pay their lagaan or tax. Bigul is a beautiful village at an elevation of 2000 meters, this place gives mesmerizing vistas of the Himalayas like Nanda Devi to Panchachuli Peaks. The whole village is surrounded by Pine and Rhododendron trees. Situated at a hilltop of Bigul village is the Dholinaag temple devoted to Lord Shiva is popular among the locals and nearby villagers.

Vijaypur 

Vijaypur also locally called Bijepur is a place with splendid views of various peaks of the Himalayas and lush tea gardens. This place was formally known as ‘Ora’ during British rule and was a former tea estate established by the Britishers. Later Annexed by a Gujrati trader Vijay Lal Shah after whom the place is named currently. Bird watching can be an activity for tourists to indulge themselves in, as this palace has a variety of Himalayan birds like red-billed blue magpies, mynahs, orioles, etc and animals like barking deers and leopards can be spotted occasionally. Stargazing is another activity to enjoy with the sounds of rustling leaves with the soothing breeze.

Kanda 

Kanda is a disseminated village in Bageshwar that is en route to Pithoragarh with a population of 20,000 villagers.  The place is famous for its Kalika Temple also known as Kalishan which is dedicated to Devi. Kanda village offers a majestic view of tea gardens till the sight of eyes can wanter to and amazing landscapes, a harmony to nature lovers.

Places near Bageshwar

Shri Haru Temple (5 Km from Bageshwar)

Shri Haru Temple is located 5 km away from Bageshwar is another temple of importance devoted to the Goddess Shakti as it is believed that the prayers or wishes of devotees are never left unfulfilled. A huge fair is held here on the day of Vijay Dashami / Dusshera.

Didihat (approx 102.9 Km from Bageshwar)

Didihat, the town is named from the inspiration of a Kumaon word Dhand which means a small hillock. It is located in the Pithoragarh district at an elevation of 1725 meters offers majestic vistas of snow-clad Himalayan ranges. Didihat is on the pilgrimage route to Kailash Mansarovar. It has a temple of ancient architecture which was built by the Reika Kings named Sirakot Malaynath Mandir, the temple of Lord Shiva. One can take nature walks witnessing the diverse flora and fauna here also remnants of ancient forts can be found here. It is approx 102.9 km away from Bageshwar.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple (approx 86.2 Km via NH309A from Bageshwar)

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple is one of the most spiritual places in Uttarakhand. It is situated in a cave of limestone rock formation which is 160m long and 90 feet deep, 1350 meters above sea level. It is believed that 33 crore Gods and Goddess abode here and worshipping here is equivalent to worshipping in the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. The way to Patal Bhuvaneshwar is through a very narrow and long tunnel and long with Lord Shiva other sculptures of the forms of Sheshnag, Ganesha, Kal Bhairava, and many other Gods are found. The distance between  Patal Bhuneshwar and Bageshwar is 86.2km.

Kausani (approx 37.2 Km from Bageshwar)

Kausani upholds the title of ‘Switzerland of India’ which was given by the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi Ji as he was soo lured by the view during his visit to Kausani. This place is known for proffering spell-binding views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and Trishul. The best of it is during the sunrise and sunsets when the sunrays make the snowclad mountains look golden and red-orange painted. Kausani is located approx 37.2km away from Bageshwar.

Binsar (approx 61.2 Km from Bageshwar)

Binsar situated at an elevation of 2040 meters gives a majestic view of the Himalayan peaks like Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath from the Binsar Zero point. Binsar also has a wildlife sanctuary named Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary itself is home to scare flora and fauna. Binsar is one of the best for pleasant nature walks, climbing, and adventure hiking. The distance between Binsar and Bageshwar is approx 61km.

Almora (approx 73.3 Km from Bageshwar)

Almora is a hill station at an elevation of 1638 meters known for its diverse culture. The temples here like Chitai Golu Temple and Nanda Devi Katarmal is an 800-year-old temple, Kasar Devi and  Jageshwar temples situated on the mountain peak of Kalimat are very famous. One can spend time shopping all Almora’s local stuff in the 2000-year-old Lala Bazar. Almora is approx 73.3 km away from Bageshwar.

Best Time to visit Bageshwar

Bageshwar in Summer ( March-May)

•  As Bageshwar is a hill station surrounded by the snowy mountains of the Himalayas it still has pleasant and calm weather temperatures ranging from 27℃-35℃ rather than being hot. People can enjoy the clear sky and clear view of the alluring surroundings.

Bageshwar in Monsoon (June-September)

•  The weather in Bageshwar during this time is cool and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 22℃-30℃. Through due to heavy rainfalls on some days has a risk of landslides, therefore avoiding travel here during June and July is suggested. August to September is the best time in the month of monsoon with morning mist and dews around.

Bageshwar in Winters ( October- February)  

• The winters are extremely cold and chilly in Bageshwar. The temperature of Bageshwar fall to 5℃. The best time to visit Bageshwar in Winters is December to February for those willing to experience the snow and chilly weather. This will be the perfect time to enjoy this destination along with family to make some beautiful memories. During these months Bageshwar attracts a large number of tourists from all over the country and the state itself. Know More

How to Reach Bageshwar

Bageshwar by Air

• The nearest Airport to Bageshwar is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) which is well connected to all the major cities of India. Flights here are daily and frequent. Flights of Air India, Indigo, and Spicejet have multiple flights each day at affordable prices. From Jolly Grant Airport cabs, taxis, government, and private buses are available. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun to Bageshwar distance is 297km. Another nearest Airport to Bageshwar is Pantnagar Airport (PGH) which is at a distance of approx 220km but is less active compared to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) with 4 flights round from Delhi per week.

Bageshwar By Rail

• The nearest railway station to Bageshwar is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) at a distance of nearly 180km is a 3 platformed station where trains from different cities of India halt. 1 Daily and 1 weekly train are available from New Delhi which takes a minimum of 05hr and 30 mins and a maximum of 08hr 40 mins. From Kathgodam taxis and Cabs are available that cover a distance of 149km.

Bageshwar By Road 

• Bageshwar is well connected to the maximum because of its hilly terrain. The towns connecting are Kausani and Almora. The distance between Kausani and Bageshwar is 40km and Almora to Bageshwar distance is 80km. The distance from Delhi to Bageshwar is 442km via NH9. From Dehradun to Bageshwar by road is 318 km via NH7.  Bareilly to Bageshwar distance is 216 km via NH309A. Nainital to Bageshwar is 136km via NH 109 and NH309A. Haldwani to Bageshwar distance is 161km via NH109 AND NH309A. Bageshwar from Munsiyari is 129 km via Almora-Bageshwar- Munsiyari Rd. Pithoragarh to Bageshwar is 132km distant. Ranikhet to Bageshwar is just 80 km via Garechhina Rd.
• For Delhi to Bageshwar by bus, several overnight buses are available which will drop till Nainital and Kathgodam. Further, the journey is to be commenced by a car or taxi. Know More

Places to Stay in Bageshwar

Hotel Siddharth

Hotel Siddharth is situated just 2km away from Baghnath temple. It provides a comfortable stay on budget. The property with 35 rooms provides homely food and amenities like room service, parking, and Railway Station Transfer, Valet Parking, etc. It is located 171km away from Kathgodam Railway Station, 205km from Pantnagar Airport.

Hotel Rajdoot 

Hotel Rajdoot has 15 extensive rooms with furniture and galleries. It provides homely food from its kitchen, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and room service. They have Super Deluxe, Deluxe, and Semi-Deluxe rooms. It is situated 295km away from Jolly Grant Airport, 185km from Pantnagar Airport and151.3km from Kathgodam Railway Station.

The Kumaon

The Kumaon is a luxury pet-friendly property that is surrounded by billowing hills and subtle elegance divided into 10 luxuries suites into pairs of one top on another across 5 different structures along with an overlapped private terrace providing a panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges. The property consists of a Spa, Dining Hall, Library, and Lounge. The upper rooms have fly ash brick-clad with bamboo sticks and copper wire. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with an extended terrace for upper rooms and for lowers rooms have an adjacent sitting area. The Kitchen serves Kumaoni, Indian and International cuisine. It is located 91km away from Kathgodam Railway Station, 125 km from Pantnagar Airport, and 341 km from Jolly Grant Airport. Know More

Places to Eat in Bageshwar

Bageshwar is a small town with local eateries like Aloo puri and Bal mithai that are popular and not many fancy cuisines or eateries are available.

Hotel Narendra Palace

Hotel Narendra Palace serves from morning 6 am to evening 11 pm serves amazing Kumaoni and other cuisines with serine views of the Himalayas.

Garden Restaurant 

Garden Restaurant serves delightful local cuisine made with authenticity. Cuisines like Indian, Asian and fast food are available with vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. It is open from 8 am-10 am.

Do`s and Don`ts in Bageshwar

Do`s

• Do wear your masks and carry sanitizer
• Do Carry woolen clothes, jackets, and boots during winter and even in summers.
• Do Carry sun protection stuff during summers.
• Do Wear appropriate clothes while participating in religious festivals or entering the temples

Don`ts

• Do not litter in the mountain surroundings.
• Do not disrespect or go against cultural beliefs
• Do not wear short dresses to temples or religious places
• Do not intake liquor surrounding religious sites.

Postal Code: The Pincode of Bageshwar is 263642.