108 km from Pauri, it is one of the rail terminus for Garhwal and one of the routes to the hills. The nearby places of interest are ancient Kanvashram (14 km, where Shankuntala gave birth to Prince Bhrat, after the name of whom the country is called Bharat), and the Siddhbali temple (3 km).

At a distance of 2 km from Kotdwar, the Siddhibali temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Large number of devotees visit the place round the year.

Situated at a distance of 2 km from the main town, the Durgadevi temple is one of the most important places of worship of the town.

Situated at an elevation of 1657 m, the temple is popularly known as Medanpuri Devi temple. 'Medan' literally means curd and it is believed that the Goddess showers Her devotees with milk, curd and whey by way of blessings. Legend has it that the Goddess had appeared in a curd-bowl in the hearth of a family living in village Marora. The Goddess revealed to the head of the family the place where she would appear and a temple dedicated to the Goddess was then erected in Her honour. Special offerings are made during the Navratras, followed by a big fair on Ashtami. Jeeps and taxies are available at Rishikesh (37 km), Chandighat and Haridwar (42 km). Accommodation is available in Tourist Rest Houses at Chila (36 km).

Situated at an elevation of 1428 m, this temple has a great following among childless couples. The temple houses a Shivling and is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges in the east, Haridwar in the west and Siddha Peeth Medanpuri Devi temple in the south. Legends has it that a village woman inadverdently hit a Shivling while digging, divine voices were then heard, directing the people to construct a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Accordingly, the Koteshwar Mahadev temple was erected.
It is believed that childless couples who chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra (verse) during the whole month of Shravana with full faith and devotion are blessed by the Lord and their wishes are granted. It is also believed that during the Navratras the Goddess roves around, besitted upon her steed, the lion.