Almora is one of the most beautiful places in Kumaon region.
The glamour and glitter which is seen in Ranikhet
and Nainital is totally absent in
Almora. In this point of view Almora is very virgin hill-station and is
full of scenic beauty. It appears that mother nature has spread and
blessed this place with her pure love. Nestled in the lap of nature this
region has small houses built on the slopes and splendour of this place
are added colourful attire of the natives. Just besides city flows the
Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali) rivers.
In the 9th century Almora was ruled by Katyur dynasty. By 16th century
this place was ruled by rulers from Chandravansh. This town was
established by King Balo Kalyan Chand in 1563. This place was then capital
city of Kumaon region. The forts, monuments and palaces built by the
rulers of Chandravansh and Katyur dynasty are even today evidence of the
splendour this place had in the past. In 1790 Almora passed in the hands
of Nepali Gorkhas. The Britishers gained control of this place from
Gorkhas in 1815.
Almora is situated on a hillock which is in Horse shoe shape and is
surrounded by dense forests of fur and pine trees. In the backdrop are the
lovely snow-capped peaks of Himalayas. Almora has been able to retain the
tradition and ancient culture even when other places are being influenced
by modern trends. The absence of any town planning and inclusion of tiles
and stones on the pavements and houses prove that this place has not yet
adopted the modern technology in a big way. Right in the middle of the
town is the Nanda devi temple and Narsingh temple are evidence of the
great faith of people in their God. Culturally also this place is very
rich and all round the year Almora celebrates many festivals and cultural
events.
Museums
Public Museum
Near Almora bus stand is the Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum. This
museum provides a deep insight of the development of art, culture, life
style of this region. It has a very rich collection items relating to
Archaeological, Historic and cultural significance. This museum has unique
collection of 'Apen', a folk style of painting. One can have a good view
of the various aspect of this style painting. This museum is open from
10:30 in the morning to 4;30 in the evening.
Temples
Nanda Devi Temple
This ancient temple is one of the main attractions of Almora town. This
temple is hundreds of year old and carries deep faith of many people from
this area. The images and statues on walls of this temple are intricately
and delicately carved. They are very attractive and almost true to life
depiction has been done. Every year a fair,
Nanda Devi Fair, is
organized here. People from all over the place come and participate in
this fair. Groups of young men & women dance on the pulsating music of
the mountains.
Chetai Temple
The local people have much faith on this temple. The Chetai temple is
located eight kms from Almora. This temple is surrounded by dense fur and
pine tree forest. If you are a nature lover then you will certainly enjoy
this place.
Others
Bright & Corner
Two kms from Almora is situated Bright and Corner. This place became
famous for excellent sight of sunset and sunrise. From Bright and Corner a
different kind of view is obtained of dawn and dusk. The unusual calm and
peacefulness during this time is rarely felt on any other hill station
offering a similar view. Serene and calm circuit house very close to this
point is an added attraction. Nearby is the Vivekanand library in
Ramkrishna Kutir. In this library one can find many books relating to
philosophy and spiritual thinking. There is also a place dedicated to
Swami Vivekanand. It was at this place Vivekanand spend few days while his
stay in Himalayas.
Deer Park
Deer park is located some three kms from Almora. An evening stroll in
Deer park has its own pleasure.
Simtola
This is a picnic spot about three kms from Almora town. The whole place
is covered with pine and fur trees. The calmness and peaceful environment
has fun of its own kind.
Jageshwar :
Jageshwar is located 34 kms from Almora. There is an ancient Shiva temple
at Jageshwar. This temple is surrounded by huge fur trees. In fact, this
temple is in the series of ancient temples which were built in Kumaon
region many centuries ago. The Jageshwar Shiva temple carries
archaeological importance too. the architecture of this temple is worth
giving a close examination.
Gannath :
Gannath is known for natural caves and ancient Shiva temples. This place
is 47 kms from Almora. It is good place for nature lovers and ideal for
spending your day with surpassing beauty. Every year on Kartik Purnima day
a fair is organized here.
Kalimath :
From Kalimath one gets a good view of Almora town and the adjoining area.
The sight of the nearby hills is amazing. This place is 4.5 kms from
Almora. Close to Kalimath is Kasar Devi. There is temple dedicated to
Kasar devi. This temple dates back to second century. One can go on foot
from Kalimath to Kasardevi which is hardly one kms.
Katarmal :
After the Sun temple at Konark, Orissa, Katarmal has the second important
sun temple in the country. This temple is almost 800 years old. But this
temple has not received the amount of attention it must have received. Due
to neglect, the sun temple at Katarmal is in very bad shape. One feels
very sad that a monument of such historical importance has been left to
decay like this. This temple has some unique architectural style and the
images carved on the walls are very intricately done. All this is bound to
attract attention of the visitor. This place is 17 kms from Almora.
Binsar :
This place has received its name from Lord Binsar Deo or Shiva. Binsar is
30 kms from Almora. The Shiva temple was built by the Chandravansi King
Kalyan. This temple is built at a height of 2,412 meters. The peace and
calm of Binsar provides peace of mind and soul.
Bageshwar :
Bageshwar is the commercial town of Kumaon region. This town is some 90
kms from Almora. It is located along the River Saryu. There is temple
dedicated to Lord Bagnath from which this place derives its name. This
temple was built in 1450. A little away from Bageshwar is the Pindari
Glacier. At Bageshwar one has good accommodation facilities.
Baijnath :
Baijnath is a place of much historical importance. This is 71 kms from
Almora and 21 kms from Bageshwar. There are many ancient temples at
Baijnath. These temples have historical and archaeological importance.
These temples have Shiva, Ganesha, Parvati as the presiding deities. Most
of the temples are located along the Gomti River. These temples were built
in 12th and 13th century by rulers of Katyur dynasty.
Martola :
This lovely place with gardens and forests is located 10 kms from Almora.
Martola is so scenic and picturesque that many forgeiners decided to
settle here. This place is a good picnic spot.
Koshi :
Natural beauty of this place surpasses any other place. Koshi is 12 kms
from Almora. The Govind Vallabh Pant Environment Research Institute is
located here. There is guest house which provides good and comfortable
stay at Koshi.
The best way to access Almora is by bus. The winding and spiralling roads take you though deep valleys and dense forests. One enjoys the journey to Almora by bus as the speed is slow, scenic beauty of the region are clearly visible. There are bus services to Almora from almost any where in Uttranchal and some of the services operate from outside the state too. The conducted tours by private travel agents and tour operators are always there. The nearest airport is that of Pantnagar. The nearest broad gauge railway head is Kathgodam. Kathgodam is 91 kms from Almora and is connected by trains from cities all over the nation. The small gauge line terminates at Lalkuan which is 112 kms from Almora.
Accommodation is Almora is largely centered around the Mall. However, one can easily get resonable budget accommodations over here. There is a also KMVN's Holiday Home, a tourist bungalow, with cottage accommodations.
Kasar
Devi Mela:
The picturesque old part of the town of Almora is the venue for the fair
held twice a year.
Shravan Mela:
Jageshwar lying in the beautiful Jatganga Valley, housing one of the 12
jyotirlingas of India, is a complex of 12 temples in all.
Somnath Mela:
The Somnath Fair held on Vishuwat Sankranti day is celebrated in the
Shiva Temple at Masi.
Devidhura Mela:
The Devidhura Fair is held on the day of Raksha Bandhan in August, at the
Varahi Devi Temple.
Ram Lila:
The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and show all over
Kumaon.
When one comes to Almora one does not forget to taste the sweets here which are quite famous. Particularly Singora and Bal Mithaiare liked by one and all. Apart from sweets, Almora is famous for Rabbit wool cloths. A special breed of Rabbit, Angora produces wool which is very soft, fine and very warm. Warm clothes made from this wool is famous all over the world. In Almora one can get good bargains at comparatively low prices. Then there are decorative items, brass items and other kind of metal utensils which are quite popular among the visitors. One can purchase woollen garments at reasonable rates from the Garud woollens. This shop is part of the Kumaon Schedule Tribe Development Corporation at Shikhar Hotel compound. For Bronze and Brass wares & decorative items one can have a look in shops at Lal Bazaar and Chowk Bazaar.
Uttranchal Tourist Information Center - Mall Road,
Nanital, Uttranchal, India.
Kumaon Mandal Vikash Nigam - The KMVN Information Center
mountaineering Tours, Talli tal, Nanital, Uttranchal, India.
Uttranchal Tourist Office - Incharge, Kumaon Mandal Vikash Nigam,
Chandralok Building, 36 Janpath New Delhi - 110 001 India
April to June and September to November are the best seasons to visit Almora. In fact except the rainy seasons, Almora can be visited any time of the year. During summers the temperature of this place is comparatively more than any other hill stations. Even then evening and morning temperatures are low enough to wear light warm cloths. The fun of walking among hills in warm sunlight can not be described in words. During winters festival of Dussehra has its own added attraction.
Bareilly - 195 kms.
Nanital - 67 kms.
Haldwani - 95 kms.
Ranikhet - 52 km
Kausani - 51 kms.
Pantnagar - 127 kms.
Delhi - 380 kms.
Pithoragarh - 122 kms.
POPULATION: About 54,000 people resides in this
city.
MAIN LANGUAGES: Kumaoni & Hindi
To all tourist - beware of touts, if, new to the place.