Udham Singh Nagar

Udham Singh Nagar is a beautiful district located in the southern part of Uttarakhand. It was carved out of the Nainital district in 1995 and named after the great freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh, who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This district plays an important role in agriculture and industry in Uttarakhand. It acts as a bridge between the hills of Uttarakhand and the plains of Uttar Pradesh.

While Udham Singh Nagar is not as famous as the hill stations of Uttarakhand, it still offers several charming spots for visitors who want to experience peaceful nature, rural life, and cultural diversity. The district has lakes, temples, gardens, forests, and bustling markets.

Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Udham Singh Nagar

1. Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara

   This is one of the most sacred and popular places in the district. Located in Nanakmatta, it is a beautiful and peaceful Gurudwara associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. It attracts thousands of devotees every year. The surroundings include a lovely lake, known as Nanak Sagar, where people enjoy boating and walking along the banks.

   The spiritual atmosphere, along with the free community kitchen (langar), offers a peaceful experience to visitors from all religions.

2. Kashipur

   Though technically a part of the Udham Singh Nagar district for some time, Kashipur has now become a part of the newly created district of Kashipur. Still, it is worth mentioning due to its close proximity. The town is rich in history and mythology and is believed to be the place where the ancient city of Govishan existed. The Shri Bheem Shankar Mahadev Temple and Drona Sagar are major attractions here.

3. Rudrapur

   Rudrapur is the district headquarters and a rapidly growing city. It has become a business and industrial centre. You can visit places like Atariya Temple, which is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Atariya. During the Navratri festival, thousands of people come to this temple.

   Rudrapur also has several shopping areas, restaurants, and hotels that cater to tourists and business travellers.

4. Kichha and Pantnagar

   Kichha is a small town known for its grain markets and cultural diversity. Nearby, Pantnagar is home to the famous G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, one of the first agricultural universities in India. The university has beautiful greenery, gardens, and a peaceful environment. It is also a centre for agricultural research and education.

5. Nanak Sagar Dam

   Built on the Deoha River near Nanakmatta, this dam is not just functional but also scenic. The reservoir formed by the dam is large and offers lovely views, especially at sunrise and sunset. It is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, photography, and picnics.

6. Drona Sagar Lake (Near Kashipur)

   This historic lake is connected to Guru Dronacharya, the royal teacher in the Mahabharata. According to legends, this lake was created by the Pandavas for their Guru. It is a peaceful place where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

7. Moteshwar Mahadev Temple (Kashipur area)

   This ancient Shiva temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas. It holds deep spiritual significance for locals and is especially crowded during Mahashivratri and the Shravan month. The temple is simple but filled with spiritual energy.

8. Gaula Barrage

   Located near the Gaula River, this barrage is a lesser-known but charming place where people come to relax and enjoy nature. It’s great for peaceful walks, birdwatching, or simply spending time in the open.

How to Reach Udham Singh Nagar

Udham Singh Nagar is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it accessible from various parts of India.

1. By Road

   Udham Singh Nagar is connected by a good network of roads. National Highways (NH 74 and NH 87) pass through the district. You can easily reach cities like Delhi, Bareilly, Haldwani, Nainital, Moradabad, and Lucknow by bus or private car.

   Regular buses are available from major cities of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. You can find buses run by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) as well as private operators.

2. By Rail

   The major railway stations in the district include:

   • Rudrapur City Railway Station
   • Pantnagar Railway Station
   • Kashipur Railway Station
   • Bazpur Railway Station

   These stations are connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Dehradun through express and superfast trains. Rudrapur and Kashipur have frequent trains to Delhi, which is a major junction.

3. By Air

   The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located about 15 km from Rudrapur. It has regular flights to Delhi, and from there, you can connect to other cities in India and abroad.

   The airport is small but functional and serves as the main air gateway to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

Best Time to Visit Udham Singh Nagar

The best time to visit Udham Singh Nagar depends on what you want to experience.

1. Winter (October to February)

   This is one of the best times to visit if you enjoy cool weather. The temperature ranges between 7°C to 20°C, making it pleasant for sightseeing. Places like Nanakmatta and the dam area become quite peaceful and scenic during this time.

   Festivals like Guru Nanak Jayanti are celebrated with great devotion at Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara during this season, attracting many devotees and tourists.

2. Spring and Summer (March to June)

   Spring is mild and full of blooming flowers. Summers are warm but not unbearable, especially during early summer (March-April). This is a good time for nature walks, visiting lakes, and exploring temples. In May and June, temperatures can reach 35°C, so it's best to plan visits in the early morning or late afternoon.

   If you want to explore agricultural fields and enjoy rural scenes, this is a great season to visit.

3. Monsoon (July to September)

   The district receives moderate to heavy rainfall during these months. While the countryside becomes lush green, travel can be slightly difficult due to wet roads. However, if you enjoy monsoon greenery and photography, this time has its own charm.

   It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before planning a visit during monsoon season, especially if you plan to travel through forested or rural areas.

Udham Singh Nagar may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of tourism in Uttarakhand, but it offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, nature, and industry. Whether you are a spiritual traveller visiting Nanakmatta Sahib, a history enthusiast exploring ancient temples, or someone looking for peaceful lakeside spots, this district has something to offer.

Its location near the border of Uttar Pradesh makes it an excellent stopover before heading to the hills of Nainital, Almora, or beyond. With improving infrastructure and growing popularity, Udham Singh Nagar is slowly becoming a quiet yet fascinating destination in the plains of Uttarakhand.

So if you’re looking to explore something different and off the beaten track, consider a visit to Udham Singh Nagar – a land where history, devotion, and modern life come together beautifully.