Kotdwar is a city, municipal corporation in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is just 101 km from Pauri, the district headquarter. It is the eighth-largest city in Uttarakhand. Its old name was “Kootdwar”, which means the gateway of the high hill koot as Chitra koot, since it is located on the bank of river Khoh. It is situated in the southwestern part of the state and is one of the main entrance points in the state of Uttarakhand.

Initially isolated and less known, it came into prominence when it was connected with rails in 1890 by the Britishers.

Kotdwar is famous for its well-known and holy Sidhbali Temple which is situated 2 km (1.2 mi) from Kotdwar. Sidhbali Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is visited by millions of believers all around the year.