Almora is famous for its magnificent beauty, panoramic view of the Himalayas, rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts and delicious cuisine. Almora is perched at an elevation of 1,638mts above sea level and is spread across a 5-km ridge atop Kashaya Hill. Almora district is surrounded by Pithoragarh to the east, Garhwal region to the west, Bageshwar to the north and Nainital to the south. Almora is situated on a horse shoe shaped ridge of a mountain, the eastern portion of which is called the Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat.
The picturesque landscape of Almora attracts hundreds of tourists each year as it is one of the business hubs of Kumaon region. Almora was developed by the Chand Rajas and it was maintained and further developed by the British. The renowned Swami Vivekananda meditated in this region. Almora requires attention regarding excess construction and cleanliness. Government should take decisive steps to control the increasing pollution.
Chitai (Golu Devta) and Nanda Devi temple are famous temples of Almora. Other important temples of Almora are Katarmal, an 800-year old Sun Temple, Jageshwar and Kasar Devi built on a mountain peak near Kalimutt. You can enjoy ‘Apen’ folk-paintings and other treasures in the Govind Ballabh Pant Museum or catch a picturesque glimpse of the Himalayas along with the lovely pine and deodar trees in Simtola, 3 kms from Almora. You can also enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset at Bright End Corner, which is 2 kms from Almora. It is here that Swami Vivekananda stopped enroute to the Himalayas. Almora city has several shopping centres which also includes the 200-year-old Lala Bazaar. Popular stuffs at Almora are Angora cloth made from Angora rabbits and Almora’s specialty copper vessels. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station for Almora while the nearest airport is Pantnagar.
Sight Seeing
Bright End Corner: It is situated 2km form Almora. This site is famous for picturesque sunset and sunrise seen through the Himalayan peaks. There is a library named after Vivekananda which has numerous books on literature and teachings. You can also visit Vivekananda Memorial where Swami Vivekananda had stopped for a while on his journey to the Himalayas.
Martola: It is an ideal spot for picnicking situated amidst lush green gardens. Situated 10kms from Almora, Martola is inhabited mostly with foreigners. Buses and taxis are available up to Panuwanaula and one has to cover the remaining distance on foot.
Kalimut: It is a scenic spot dedicated to Goddess Kali, situated at a distance of 5kms from Almora. The views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks are invigorating from here.
Deer Park: Deer Park is situated just 3km from Almora. Deer Park comes in NTD (Narayan Tiwari Dewai).
Gobind Ballabh Pant Public Museum: This museum is situated opposite to the bus stand. The museum remains closed on Mondays and other Government Holidays. It is open from 10:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Simtola: The ravishing views of the mountains covered with pine and deodar trees are enchanting from Simtola. Simtola is a popular spot for camping and picnicking and it is situated 3km from Almora.
Katarmal Sun Temple: It is the second most important temple to Sun God, the first one being Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. Katarmal is more than 800years old. Situated 7km from Almora this historical important temple is an example of intricate sculpturing.
Chitai Temple or Gollu Devta: Chitai Temple is dedicated to Gollu Devta, an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav. Situated 8kms from Almora the deity of this sacred temple is reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper ask for it with a clear conscience. All he asks for in propitiation is a bell, as was evident from the thousands of bells strung across the temple premises. Anyone can even seek Gollu Devta"s divine intervention by writing to him. Stacks of letter are pinned all over the temple along with bells.
Markets of Almora: The main markets or bazaar of Almora are Lala Bazaar, Malli Bazaar, Karkhana Bazaar and Thana Bazaar. You can buy local utensils, clothes, and other things of your necessity in these bazaars.
Kasar Devi Temple: Kasar Devi Temple is situated at a distance of 7km from Almora. This sacred temple is also mentioned in Skanda Purana and it is also said that Swami Vivekananda meditated here in the year 1920. An inscription found on a stone boulder, indicates that the temple was built by a king named Rudrak. The place affords enchanting view of the splendid Himalayas.
Almora Things To Do (Activities)
Village walk is very popular as it provides an insight into the lives and daily routine of the villager. The walks lead through fields and forests along streams, magnificent cedar and pine forests. Best time for the trek - mid. September to mid. April
Almora Excursions
Gananath: Located 47kms north of Almora, Gananath is famous for an old Shiva Temple. There are numerous natural caves in this region where people in ancient times used to stay while a visit to sacred shrines.
Someshwar: It houses a temple with Lord Shiva as its deity. Situated around 35kms from Almora, Someshwar was constructed by the founder of the Chand Dynasty, Raja Som Chand. The name of the temple is merged with Raja Som Chand’s and Maheshwara’s name. The temple holds great religious importance amongst locales.
Kausani: It is one of the most popular hill stations of Kumaon perched at an elevation of 1890mts above sea level. Situated 47kms from Almora this charming hill resort set amidst several snow- capped peaks is endowed with extraordinary natural beauteousness. Mahatma Gandhi and was absolutely fascinated by the scenic grandeur of Kausani while a visit in year 1929. Sumitra Nandan Pant, a renowned Hindi poet was born in Kausani.
Binsar: It is situated at a distance of 31km from Almora. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bineshwar is the major crown puller of Binsar. Perched at an elevation of 2,412mts above sea level, this temple was constructed by King Kalyan of the Chand Dynasty. Binsar is situated amidst dense jungle offering placid environment and exquisite surroundings. The views of major peaks like Chaukhamba, Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Kedarnath and other peaks are stimulating from here.
Jageshwar: Situated 35 kms away from Almora at an elevation of 1,870mts above sea level, Jageshwar is an important tourist destination of Kumaon. Jageshwar is a temple of Lord Shiva situated amidst dense Deodar forest having great mythological importance. Some people believe that Jageshwar temple is the 8th Dwadasa Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is the artistic creation of medieval India.
Ranikhet: Ranikhet is a hill station in Almora District of Uttarakhand state. Ranikhet is also the home for Kumaon regiment and Naga regiment of Indian Army. Ranikhet offers invigorating views of the snow capped peaks of the prodigious Himalayan range. Ranikhet literally means “Queens Meadow or Queens’s field”. Ranikhet hosts a vast bio-diversity of flora and fauna. Ranikhet is situated 46kms from Almora set at an altitude of 1,869mts above sea level.
Mukteshwar: It is situated at a distance of 76kms from the town of Almora set at an elevation of 2,285mts above sea level. Mukteshwar got its name from a 350year old temple Mukteshwer Dham whose presiding deity is great Lord Shiva. The top of the mountain on which Mukteshwar Dham is stood offers stupendous views of Himalayan range. Mukteshwar was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893.
Nainital: It is situated at a distance of 68kms from Almora at an elevation of 1,938mts above sea level. Nainital is named after an eye shaped lake set amidst the mountains with thick alpine trees. Nainital is situated in the Kumaon region and is one of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand state. Nainital is given the epithet of “Lake District” because it dotted with five lakes Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Sattal. During night it feels like there’s a city underneath the stagnant water of Nainital. The perimeter of Nainital is approximately 3.5kms. Nainital is an ideal destination for families, honeymooners, poets and writers, nature lovers and adventure lovers as well.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport for Almora is Pantnagar. Pantnagar Airport is situated 115kms from Almora. Taxis are available to Nainital, Haldwani and Almora from Pant Nagar Airport. Buses are available from Haldwani, Kathgodam and Nainital to Almora.
By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Almora situated at a distance of 83kms. Kathgodam is well connected with major destinations of India like Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. Trains are frequent to Kathgodam as it is the gateway of Kumaon region. Buses and Taxis are Available to Almora from Kathgodam.
By Road: Almora is well connected by motorable roads with major cities of northern India. Buses to Kathgodam and Almora can be taken from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi. Almora is connected with NH87 and NH87E. Taxis to Almora are easily available in Kumaon region. The distance from Delhi to Almora is 365kms if you travel via Moradabad and Bilaspur. This distance can be easily covered in 9-10 hours of time.
