We are not exaggerating when we say Almora is the most beautiful city in the entire Kumaon Division. Located in the northern state of Uttarakhand it serves as the administrative headquarters of Almora district. The Kosi and Suyal rivers, flowing near the city, are an integral part of Almora. As mentioned in the Manas Khand of Skanda Purana, there is a sacred mountain situated between these rivers, known as the mountain of Almora, where Lord Vishnu resides.
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 the year 1857.
Almora is home to various notable temples that draw a number of pilgrims from afar. Some of them include Kasar Devi, Nanda Devi, Sun Temple, Pataal Devi, Chitai, Jageshwar, Binsar Mahadev, Baijnath, Raghunath mandir, Asht Bhairav and others. Swami Vivekanand once visited the Kasar Devi Temple, which was built in the 2nd Century CE. Also, the Katarmal Sun temple has the unique distinction of being the only sun temple in the whole Kumaun region.
Located around 343 km from Dehradun, Almora can be accessed through road, rail and air. However, the nearest airport and railway station is situated around 127 km and 90 km away from the main city. Various transportation services like bus, taxi and cab are frequently available from the major cities of Uttarakhand. To accommodate such a big number of tourists round the year, there are ample number of hotels and stay homes. Here, the visitors can also experience the thrilling adventurous experience of trekking during their journey.
Beyond the scenic beauty and pilgrimage sites, Almora is also known for its culinary delights. Some of their most delectable cuisines are Bhang ki Chutney, Dubuk, Singodi, Jhangore ki Kheer, and widely renowned Bal Mithai, which gives a wholesome experience. An ancient city is known for its rich culture, history and festivals. Deeply profound in culture and its festivals, Almora always celebrates all of its festivals with great pomp and enthusiasm. There are some notable festivals which you can partake in 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. While enjoying the majestic view of the Himalayan peaks in Binsar, visitors can sight Panther and barking deer in Binsar Wildlife sanctuary. Nestled in the thick oak forest, this wildlife sanctuary is spans in an area of 30 kms. Apart from this, there are other majestic places that are frequented by many visitors are Ranikhet, Binsar, Kausani, Shitla Khet, Jalna, Manila, Katarmal, and Dwarhat.
