Devalgarh is a quiet Himalayan town in Pauri Garhwal, perfect for travellers who love heritage temples, village charm and unspoiled mountain views. It offers a rare mix of archaeology, mythology and serene landscapes, far from mainstream hill‑station crowds.
Tourism in Devalgarh
Tourism in Devalgarh centres on temple architecture, spiritual retreats, sunrise–sunset viewpoints and slow village walks. Visitors come to explore its ASI‑protected medieval temples, learn about Garhwal’s royal past and enjoy peaceful stays combined with nearby destinations like Khirsu and Srinagar Garhwal.
Location
Devalgarh is a hilly town in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, located about 18–19 km from Srinagar Garhwal on the Khirsu–Srinagar road and roughly 15 km from Khirsu. Perched around 4,000 feet above sea level, it overlooks lush valleys and forested ridges of the lower Garhwal Himalayas.
History
Founded in 1512 by King Deval of Kangra, Devalgarh later became the capital of the Garhwal kingdom under King Ajay Pal before the court shifted to Srinagar. Many of its temples and structures date back to the 7th–16th centuries and are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, making the town an important heritage site.
Fairs and Festivals
Devalgarh hosts significant temple fairs. The Maa Raj Rajeshwari Temple holds an annual fair in April that draws devotees from across Garhwal. At Gaura Devi Temple, a harvest‑season fair sees locals offering chapatis made from freshly harvested wheat to the goddess, celebrating gratitude and community. Regular Garhwali festivals like Makar Sankranti, Harela and Diwali are celebrated with local music, dance and rituals.
How to reach
Devalgarh is accessible only by road:
- From Srinagar Garhwal, drive about 18–19 km along the Khirsu road; a bifurcation before Dhari Devi Temple leads right towards Devalgarh.
- The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh and Kotdwar (around 120–130 km), and the closest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (about 140 km); from these hubs, buses and taxis connect to Srinagar and onward to Devalgarh.
Tourist attractions
- Maa Raj Rajeshwari Temple: Principal shrine and former royal deity of Garhwal, atop a hill with wide Himalayan views; an ASI‑protected monument with strong archaeological value.
- Gaura (Gauri) Devi Temple: 7th‑century temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, believed to have been built by Lord Kubera and considered as ancient as Kedarnath and Badrinath.
- Laxmi Narayan Temple: Historic Vishnu temple reflecting classic Garhwali stone architecture and calm surroundings.
- Som‑ki‑Danda (King’s Scaffold) and other old structures: Remnants of the erstwhile capital that interest history enthusiasts and photographers.
- Nearby excursions: Khirsu hill station, Dhari Devi Temple on the Alaknanda, and Srinagar Garhwal town can be easily combined in a short itinerary.
Cuisine of Devalgarh
Cuisine in Devalgarh is traditional Garhwali village food served in homestays and small eateries: hearty meals based on mandua (finger millet), jhangora (barnyard millet), local wheat, and pulses. Typical dishes include aloo ke gutke, bhatt ki dal, seasonal leafy saag, and simple rotis, with festival times featuring special sweets and chapatis offered in temple rituals.
