Kalinka, Pauri Garhwal, Hindu temple in Pauri Garhwal, India.
Kalinka is a Hindu temple on a rocky hilltop in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. The structure features a lotus-shaped dome and sits at an elevation that puts it in open view of the Dudhatoli hills and the Trisul peak.
The temple traces its origin to a shepherd from the Badiyaari semi-nomadic herding community who built a small shrine on the hilltop after receiving what he described as a divine sign. Over time, the site grew into a shared place of worship for several surrounding villages.
During festivals, people from nearby villages gather at the site to perform collective prayers and share offerings. The rituals follow seasonal rhythms tied to the herding and agricultural life of the surrounding communities.
The temple is accessible from several different paths depending on which direction you approach from, but the rocky ground makes sturdy footwear a practical necessity. The elevation means the walk takes more effort than it might appear from a distance, so taking your time on the ascent is a good idea.
Twelve village communities formed a cooperative specifically to manage and maintain this temple together, pooling their efforts for both religious upkeep and local development. This kind of shared governance across so many separate communities is rare for a Himalayan hilltop shrine.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
