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AlmoraAlmora, a hill station fully developed by Indians situated pretty above 6000 feet on a

crescent shaped mountain, is in the Kumaon mountains of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand

State in India. It is assumed that Almora has a long history and has existed since the Vedic

Age. This is a crowded hill town in North India and is highly attractive for the astounding

natural beauty.

Almora is a town of temples, with temple of Goddess Nanda Devi placed in the centre of thetown. The mountain, the undulated terrains with greenish luxury all around, is visible from

the nearby areas as well.

Almora is an agricultural base and a trade centre of dynamic activity. One can buy marvelously made woolen garments

from Almora town shopping complexes. Silently placed in the lap of dutiful nature, this region has small houses built on the

slopes of the hill and splendor of this place adds to the colorful attire of the natives. Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali)

rivers flows by the side of this town and the town, bearing the evidence of Chandravansh and Katyur dynasty who ruled

Almora during 15th and 16th centuries in Forts, monuments and palaces, is surrounded by dense forests of fur and pine

trees. This place is culturally very rich and through out the year Almora celebrates many festivals and cultural events, main

attractions of the tourists to experience the cultural heritage of the region. The ancient cultural heritage and the valued

traditions are retained in Almora when other nearby places are changed and influenced by modern cultures and trends.

One can recommend this virgin hill-station with full of scenic beauty to tourists, with an assured confidence.

When To Go

Almora has a pleasant and cool climate all through the year. But the best time to visit Almora is during March to

November.

Winters (December to February) offer chilly cool climate with temperature touching down to 4°C. December and January

months are freezing.

Summers (April to July) are moderate with maximum temperature below 30°C. The weather is perfect for Almora

tourism.

Monsoons (August to October) are associated with moderate rains, it makes Almora beautiful and attractive with fresh

greeneries.

March to June is good for outings and sightseeing. July to November is really beautiful with intermittent showers and those

who like to be in rains are welcomed. December to February offers chilly climate with snowfalls and dew. Honeymoon in

Almora can be best enjoyed during these months.

Travel within city

Almora is town with a rich heritage and there are many interesting places to visit. The nearest airport is the Pant Nagar

airport which is situated at Nainital. However it is operational only during the summer months. There are cabs and taxis that

are available from the airport to the town. Since it is only 71 km drive from the airport the taxis are cheap and the scenic

roadside makes for a picturesque drive. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. This is connected with Lucknow andDelhi. There may be transportation from the railway station, however this may not be dependable and tourists are advised

to book pre arranged taxi services through the hotel if they are arriving by rail.

Taxi

The local transport within the town of Almora is not extensive and there are a few private taxis which monopolize the town.

They are usually Non A/C cars which may have seen better days. Certain taxi operators may offer A/C cabs and they

usually charge around Rs 10 per km.

Bus

Local buses are also available inside the town. These buses may not be reliable and in any case generally overcrowded.Walking around town is probably the best way to commute the main areas.

Attractions

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Bright End Corner  mustsee

Laidback, bright and quiet, this place became famous for excellent sight of sunset and sunrise. The rising moon and the

sinking sun, brilliant scenes of orangish red squeezing the drops of nature’s movements are spectacular from Bright End

Corner. There is really a beautiful view obtained of dawn and dusk.

The unusual calm and peacefulness during this time is distinction of this hill station. One can enjoy the beauty true to its

spirit staying at the serene and calm circuit houses very close to this point.

Vivekanand library with books relating to philosophy and spiritual thinking is nearby here. This place is dedicated to SwamiVivekanand, where he spent few days while his stay in Himalayas.

Chitai Temple  mustsee

A landmark in Almora, Chitai Temple has the presiding deity Lord Shiva, who is referred here by the name Lord Gollu.

Local folks have much faith in this hilltop temple, they often visit here with offerings. The history says the temple was

constructed by a general belonging to the Chand dynasty.

The temple is characterized by the large number of bells hanging in the premises. These bells are hung by the devotees as

offerings making a wish or in thanksgiving on the fulfillment of one’s wish. This is an important religious attraction on tourist

map.

Kasar Devi temple  mustsee

Located at a distance of 5 km from Almora is the temple of Kasar Devi. Dedicated to Kasar Devi, this temple can be dated

back to 2nd century. Sited on the mountain, the temple overlooks the town and the beautiful Hawabagh valley. Also, serves

as a picnic spot, the temple can be easily reached on foot from Kalimath town, which is hardly a kilometer away.

Binsar  popular

Binsar, name derived out of the Lord Shiva known as Binsar Deo, is the erstwhile summer capital of the Chand Rajas

situated in the backdrop of the lovely snow-capped peaks of Himalayas. It is an acclaimed hill resort and one of the most

scenic spot in the Kumaon part of Himalayas.

The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary located near to Almora attracts lots of tourists who are enthusiastic about viewing animals

and birds. The sanctuary has a forest guesthouse with an attached restaurant and also served as a resort.

Binsar has an enchanting beautifully lazy feel around it. There are jungle walkaways and one can see large number of

birds everywhere. True to its nature, Binsar provides peace of mind and soul.

Deer Park  popular

Located in Narayan Tiwari Dewai, around 3 km from Almora is the Deer Park. Rich in natural beauty, the park is

surrounded by lush greenery with clusters of pine trees making it suitable habitat for various species of wildlife. One can

get to see endangered species like deer, leopard and Himalayan black bear at this park. Besides, it is an ideal place to

enjoy leisure walk in the evening.

Jageshwar  popular

Jageshwar near Almora is a prestigious Hindu religious location. There is a mythological belief that it is

the abode of one among the twelve Jyothirlingas. The temple Jageshwar is the Siva temple has the

legacy of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Jageshwar assumes importance and considered as sacred as

the rivers Surabhi and Nandini flows down and joins at this place.

This place is renowned for having 124 temples and has many super statues demonstrating the craftsmanship during that

period. The oldest temple among is Mrityunjaya, and Dindeshwara carries the credit of being the biggest. Jageshwar

temple, an ancient Shiva temple, is a highly revered temple complex, built between 8th and 18th centuries, housing 108

temples.

The temples are surrounded by the lusting greenery of pine and fur forests. The musical breeze brings a secludeatmosphere to this temple lawn. The Jageshwar Shiva temple has a special archaeological significance also as the

architecture of this temple is exceptionally different and demands a closer look. The architecture and superb carvings

reflect the cultural efficacy and Buddhists influence.

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Katarmal Sun Temple  popular

Katarmal nearby Almora has the second important Sun temple in the country, the first being the Konark

Sun Temple in Orissa. This 800-year-old temple complex has one main temple, surrounded by 45 smaller

shrines.

The temple is a monument of historical importance, though presently the structure is in a decayed state.

The temple has some unique architectural style and the images carved on the walls are very intricately done. Though

amidst ruins, it still stands as a major point of attraction in the region and many devotees visit here to offer prayer to the

Sun God.

Lal Bazaar  popular

Shopping in Almora is a fantastic experience and Lal Bazaar offers you with wide variety of shopping facilities. From

sweets to bronze and brass ware items, one can get any items from here. As an enthusiastic visitor, one should not forget

to taste the sweets here which are quite famous.

The place is famous for Rabbit wool cloths, very soft, fine and very warm, made out of the wool of special breed of Rabbit.

Warm clothes made from this wool are famous all over the world. In Lal Bazaar one can get good bargains at

comparatively low prices. There are woolen garments, decorative items, brass items and other kind of metal utensils, which

are quite popular among the visitors.

Trekking  popular

Located at 5400 ft. above sea level, the hilly land of Almora is a fine combination of scenic Himalayan mountain beauty,

dense forests, picturesque valleys, quaint cottages and gushing rivers. The 5 km long mountain range of Almora, is

adorned with natural beauty and provides a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the trekkers.

One can take Almora to Jageshwar trek which is a unique experience in itself and can prove to be an interesting change on

any long weekend. An easy and low altitude hike, it crosses through beautiful fields, simple Kumaoni villages and thick

greens. The major attractions on this trek are Rhododendron trees, Jageshwar temple complex, Vridh Jageshwar and huge

Deodar trees. Kasar Devi temple on the way is also worth visiting. October to early March is the ideal time to take this trek.

For those who are seeking some more adventure, can take up Pindari trek. The trek starts 91 km from Almora and passes

through many of the beautiful pine forests and green valleys. Pindari glacier lying between Nandakot and Nanda Devi

mountain also gives a wonderful experience to trekkers.

Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum 

Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum situated on the Mall Road in Almora showcases rich and unique collections of items

of archaeological, historic and cultural significance. The precious articles belong to the Katyuri and Chand dynasties are

also displayed here.

Important and noteworthy collections includes a folk style of painting known as Aspen and Kumaoni antiquities. Culturally

significant Aspen is a matter of research and this museum provides opportunities to have a closer view of the various

aspects of Aspen painting.

Visiting hours are between 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Timings: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Mountain Biking 

Itineraries

Distances

Ranikhet 57 kmNainital 60 km 1h

Haridwar 264 km 4h, 10m

Rishikesh 281 km 4h, 30m

Dehradun 316 km 5h

Delhi 333 km 5h, 30m

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Mussoorie 342 km 5h, 30m

Lucknow 430 km 6h, 40m

Kanpur 447 km 6h, 50m

Chandigarh 494 km 7h, 50m

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