Almora is one of the most beautiful towns in the Kumaon region, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. As the administrative headquarter of Almora district, the city is a major attractions for tourists. Situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge, it provides an exquisite view of the surrounding. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat, while western part is called Selifat. The snow capped mountains lure visitors from afar. The Kosi and Suyal rivers, flowing near the city, are said to be an integral part of Almora. As
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Almora is one of the most beautiful towns in the Kumaon region, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. As the administrative headquarter of Almora district, the city is a major attractions for tourists. Situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge, it provides an exquisite view of the surrounding. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat, while western part is called Selifat.
The snow capped mountains lure visitors from afar. The Kosi and Suyal rivers, flowing near the city, are said to be an integral part of Almora. As mentioned in the Manas Khand of Skanda Purana, a sacred mountain lies between these rivers, known as the mountain of Almora, where Lord Vishnu resides.
Captivating Landscapes
The landscape of Almora is so mesmerizing that it captivates everyone who visit. Its natural beauty attracts travellers across the year, making it a business hub for the Kumaon region. Situated in the southern part of the Himalayas, the city is known for its breathtaking panoramic views.
Its captivating scenic view has attracted various prominent figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Moti Lal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, J.C Bose, and many more. Apart from this, Sir Ronald Ross, who discovered the Malaria parasite and was awarded the Nobel prize for it, was born here in 1857.
Ancient City
Almora is an ancient city known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant festivals. Deeply profound in its culture and tradition, Almora celebrate all of its festivals with great pomp and enthusiasm. Some of the most notable festivals of Almora are Nanda Devi Festivals, Dussehra Festival, Jageshwar Monsoon Festival and others.
The Nanda devi festival, which has been celebrated in the city since the place was ruled by the Chand Dynasty. It is believed that the deity Nanda is the family goddess of the Chand Dynasty. It is a five day festival, celebrated every year in the month of September.
Religious Places
Nestled in the heart of Himalayas, Almora is known for its sacred sites. It is a home to many religious places that attract visitors from far and wide. Each temple has its own belief and significance, dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
Famous Temples in Almora
It is one of the popular temples in the town, dedicated to Kasar Devi. Built during the 2nd Century CE, it has been visited by notable personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Alfred Sorensen, and Lama Anagarika Govinda. Surrounded by tall deodar and pine trees, the temple committee organizes a yearly fair during Kartik Poornima.
Dedicated to deity Golu Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, this temple is just 8 km away from the main town. Golu ji is worshipped here in the form of Gaur Bhairav, known as the God of Justice.
Known as Bara Aditya, this temple is dedicated to the Sun God. This temple holds the unique distinction of being the only sun temple in the entire Kumaun region.
A revered shrine, Nanda Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. With a history of thousands of years, the temple was built by the Chand Rajas. Every year, in the month of September, the Nanda Devi Fair is organised by the locals and the temple committee, which is an integral part of this temple that has been celebrated over 400 years.
Jageshwar Dham is a group of 124 small and big temples, all dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the finest examples of ancient architecture with a rich archaeological history. According to the ASI, the site is estimated to be 2,500 years old. People with strong belief in Lord Shiva often visit here.
Built in the 9th or 10th century by King Pithu in fond memory of his father Bindu, this temple is surrounded by dense deodar forest and a small stream. The complex houses idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri, and Mahismardini. It is said that the inscription on the Mahismardini idol is of Nagari Lipi, dating back to the 9th century.
Popular places
Besides its religious places, Almora is known for several other attractions, including : -
- Bright End Corner.
- Deer Park.
- Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum.
- Lakhudiyar Rock Painting.
- Dhokaney Waterfall.
- Cranks Ridge.
- Kumaon Regimental Center.
Accommodation Facility
Almora's natural beauty attracts a number of travellers round the year. To accommodate such tourists, it provides a range of staying options. From Luxurious options like The Kumaun and Himalayan Bungalow, it offers various other hotels, Resorts, cottages, glamping and Airbnb rentals, to cater all types of travellers.
Things To Do
Almora offers a range of activities, to make their journey memorable. The popular activities or things tourist can engage are : -
| Trekking and Hiking | Trekking and hiking are the foremost adventure activities offered by this region. Some popular trek route in the region are : -
- Almora to Jageshwar Trek.
- Pindari Glacier Trek.
- Almora Fort.
- Zero Point Trek.
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
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| Camping | Binsar offers camping opportunities, allowing visitors to stay amidst towering Himalayan Peak. |
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| Religious Visits | Visiting the prominent religious sites is one of the foremost things among various tourists. Each site has its own importance and significance that draws a number of pilgrims. |
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| Other activities | In additional to this, visitors can also explore other popular places mainly : -
- Kumaon Regimental Center.
- Lakhudiyar Caves.
- Govind Ballabh Pant Government Museum.
- Almora Market.
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Food Guide
Beyond the scenic beauty and pilgrimage sites, Almora is also known for its culinary delights, which gives a wholesome experience. Some of their delectable cuisines are : -
- Bhang ki Chutney
- Dubuk
- Singodi
- Jhangore ki Kheer
- and widely renowned Bal Mithai.
Important Tips for Travellers
- Book accommodation in advance to avoid the last minute rush.
- To witness snowfall, plan your trip between December and January.
- ATMs, Petrol pumps, medical stores and other basic amenities are easily accessible in town.
- Mobile Network Connectivity may be limited in offbeat places.
- Carry warm clothes even in summers, as nights are quite chilly.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes, especially when visiting hilltop temples.
Nearby Attraction
Being one of the wanderlust place, Almora is surrounded by various notable attractions in the Kumaun region : -
- Snow View Point.
- Kausani.
- Ranikhet.
- Binsar.
- Shitlakhet
- Mukteshwar
- Ramgarh.
- Bhimtal
- Chaukori
- Patal Bhvaneshwar
- Martola
