The wood carving of the region is breathtaking for its simple &C beautiful designs. The carved wooden front doors with floral designs, animals & fishes standout for its simple beauty.

Locally Kholi is the word used for ornamental wood carvings on front doors. The desire to decorate was an integral part of the culture and the ornamentation of carved wooden doors a reflection of ones prosperity & social status.

In Garhwal & Kumaon the facade of the upper storeys of the dwelling units are usually made of the wood and are artistically carved.


Temple Architecture
Temple Complexes of Adi Badri (Distt. Chamoli) and Baijnath (Distt. Almora) are but few examples of this. The kings of the Katu-yar dynasty constructed many stone Temples in high and inaccessible places. Temples of Kedarnath, Tungnath etc. are but a few examples of this. The ruins of the Temples and palaces of Champa-wat are mute witness of the wealth and glory of Intricately carved stone pillar, Champawat, 1erful and wealthy kings. In later periods, however the Temples and Temple complexes remained not only a place of religious practice but also became the meeting points of intellectuals. Here art-Temple complexes of Adi Badri is used to gather to display their best art works, poems and pundits to debate over complicated philosophical issues. Kamaleshwar-Temple of Srinagar (Garhwal) and Nanda Devi Temple (Distt. Almora) are fine examples of these.


Ornaments
In every part of Garhwal and Kumaon, traditional Swarnakaras or goldsmiths used to make traditional ornaments using designs and patterns which are thousands of years old. The ornaments were made in gold, silver & often copper was overlaid in brass.