Almora

Almora,the most popular hill station of Uttarakhand is the cultural capital of Kumaon. This island of peace on a 5 km mountain range situated at an altitude of 1,650 mtrs above sea level is in the shape of a horse shoe.

Almora was not discovered and developed by the British, instead it was the seat of power of the Chand Dynasty who ruled the land of Kumaon for almost a millennium. The town has maintained the same old tradition which is visible in the construction of the houses and in the roads made out of state stone.

The forts, the historical mounments and the royal courts are still present here. Kaushik (Koshi) and Shalmail (Suyal), are the two rivers which encircle the twon, overlooking the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas.

A picture perfect destination at the lofty heights, the salubrious nature, misty mountains, green valleys, fruit-laden orchards, smilling faces and innumerable temples etc. make Almora a traveller's paradise

A must buy is the local Kumaoni Sweet Bal Mithai, Singori.

• By Air : The nearest Airport is Pant Nagar (127 kms.)
• By Rail : The bearest Railway station is Kathgodam (90 kms.)
• By Road : Almora is well connected by roads with the major north Indian cities. Delhi (380 kms.), Pithoragarth (122 kms.), Nainital (66 kms).

Private Taxix and Jeeps are available for local transport.

• PWQ Inspection Bungalow : Ph 05962-230033
• Circuit House : Ph 05962-230292
• Forest Rest House : Ph 05962-230065
• Snow View Resort : Ph 05962-233650 , 05962-233651
• Kalmatia Sangam : Ph 05962-233625
• Himsagar Hotel : Ph 05962-230711
• Savoy Hotel : Ph 05962-230329
• Deodar Holiday Home
• Konark Hotel : Ph 05962-231217
• Shikhar Hotel : Ph 05962-230253 , Ph 05962-230395
• Surmool Hotel : Ph 05962-230460
• Holiday Home (TRH), Almora : Ph 05962-230250

Almora has attracted people through the ages. Swami Vivekananda visited Almora at the turn of this century. The Ramakrishna Mission at Mayawati Ashram bears his footprint. Rabindranath Tagore spent the memorable summers here. The internationally acclaimed dancer Uday Shankar fell in love with this place and set up the cultural academy here. Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, artist Zohra Sehgal, the film star Guru Dutt came here and became earnest lovers of the town. Even Jawaharlal Nehru served a term of imprisonment in the Jail at Almora during the British rule.

Surrounded in the mighty Himalayan ranges, having the temples on the top of their peak. These temples are of Goddesses Banari Devi, Kasar Devi, Sayahi Devi and the temple of Sun God.

Public Museum: Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum is near the Bus Stand. This museum provides a deep insight of the development of art, culture and lifestyle of this region. It has a rich collection of items relating to archaeological, historical, and cultural significance. This museum has unique collection of 'Aipan', a folk style of painting. It opens from 10.30 in the morning to 4.30 in the evening.

Nanda Devi Temple: One of the main attractions of Almora. This temple is almost a thousand years old. The images and statues on the walls of this temple are of exquisite beauty. Every year, the Nanda Devi Fair is organized in a big way.

Bright End Corner: This place is famous for the excellent view of sunset and sunrise. A picturesque and calm circuit house is close to this point.

Deer Park: At a distance of 3 kms., set amidst idyllic settings, it's a popular tourist spot.

Chitai Temple: 8 km away from the city. The temple of Chitai dedicated to Golu Devta is surrounded by dense fur and pine forests, visited by thousands of devotees. People write letters to the God to fulfill their desires and in return they hang bells in the temple. You can see thousands of bells hanging & ringing in the hill air, around the temple.

Kalimath: From Kalimath one gets a good view of Almora town and the adjoining areas. This place is 4.5 kms from Almora. Close to Kalimath is a temple dedicated to Kasar devi. This temple dates back to second century.

Gannath: Gannath is known for natural caves and cncient Shiva temples. This place is 36 kms from Almora. Every year a fair is organized here Kartik Purnima.

Katarmal: After the Sun temple of Konark, Katarmal is the second important sun temple in India. This temple is of archeological and architectural importance which is about 800 years old. This place is 17 kms from Almora.

Binsar: At a distance of 30 kms from Almora, Binsar has bewitching scenic beauty. The ancient Shiva temple here at a height of 2,420 mtrs, was built by the King Kalyan Chand. A place for the absolute peace of mind and soul.

Jageshwar: 34 kms away from Almora, this place amidst a dense Deodar forest has a group of almost 125 temples dating back from 7th to 11th century AD. The majority of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and a few to different Goddesses. It is considered as one of the 12 holiest Jyotirlingas.

Lakhudiyar: Literally means one lakh caves. This is one of the most important pre-historic sites in the hills. Fascinating pre-historic rock paintings are discovered within the caves. It's at a distance of 20 kms. from Almora.

• Best Season : Apr - Jun, Sep - Nov
• Weather : Summer 12 to 28
• Winter : 2 to 15°C