Haldwani

"The Gateway of Kumaon". It is one of the biggest business centers of Uttarakhand, Haldwani (distt. Nainital ) is the last edge of the plains and Kathgodam is the last stop for rail travel a city. Haldwani was known as Haldu-Vani, the name was derived after the tree name "Haldu". In 1816, after the British defeated Gorkhas, Gardner was appointed the Commissioner of Kumaon. Later George William Trail took over as Commissioner and renamed Halduvani as Haldwani in 1834. Though British records suggest that the place was established in 1834, as mart for hill people who visited the Bhabhar (Himalayan foothills) region, during the cold season. Haldwani is an important commercial hub. It is home to one of the largest vegetable, fruit and foodgrain markets in Kumaon. Being the gateway to most of Kumaon and parts of Garhwal, it is an important revenue center of Uttarakhand based on its advantageous location as a base depot for goods in transit to the hills. The Gaula river that passes nearby is the major source of drinking water for the area. The Gaula river is exploited for a large quantity of boulders, sand and gravels every year, and forms an important revenue source for both the government and local business.

Haldwani is an important commercial hub. It is home to one of the largest vegetable, fruit and foodgrain markets in Kumaon. Being the gateway to most of Kumaon and parts of Garhwal, it is an important revenue center of Uttarakhand based on its advantageous location as a base depot for goods in transit to the hills. The Gaula river that passes nearby is the major source of drinking water for the area. The Gaula river is exploited for a large quantity of boulders, sand and gravels every year, and forms an important revenue source for both the government and local business.

Haldwani was initially ruled by the Mougals. Later Haldwani was granted by the emperor to Gyan Chand of Chand Dynasty. The Chand Dynasty then ruled over Haldwani and the surrounding area. Haldwani and Kumaon later fell in the hands of the Britishers who used it as a business centre and connected Nainital with Kathgodam by road in 1882. In 1883 - 84 the railway track was laid between Bareilly and Kathgodam. The first train arrived at Haldwani from Lucknow on 24 April 1884.&