Almora District

Almora is one of the most underrated hill stations in the Kumaon region. Its captivating beauty and serene environment attracts many travellers round the year. Perched at an elevation of more than 3,000 feet, it is situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge of a mountain, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. Surrounded by pine and oak trees, Almora is considered a perfect destination for summer and winter vacations. Sets against the backdrop of towering snow capped mountains, it produces a stunning view of the surrounding, especially during morning and evening hours.
 

Captivating Charm
 

Almora's captivating charm can be understood from this, it has attracted many prominent personalities, including Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Moti Lal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru and Vijay Lakshmi Pandit. Moreover, Almora is the birthplace of Sir Ronald Ross, the man who discovered the Malaria parasite and was awarded the Nobel prize for its discovery. Its rich ancient history, cultural heritage, cuisine, and panoramic view of the Himalayas, attracts tourists from far and wide.
 

Kumaon Cultural Capital
 

Thanks to its rich cultural, enduring traditions, and artistic craftsmanship, Almora is regarded as the "Cultural Capital of Kumaon". The authentic Kumauni culture identity can be seen in its traditional festivals and folk dances. Almora is known for its rich folk tales and is famous for its Chholiya dance and Jhoda dance, where villagers can be found wearing their traditional attires.
 

If we talk about its name, then Almora is derived from "Bhilmora", a type of plant found in abundance in the area. Bhilmora is a kind of sorrel mostly used by the villagers to wash the utensils of the renowned Katarmal Sun Temple. Upon viewing from a distance it appears that Almora is situated in a horseshoe shaped mountain, whose eastern portion is known as 'Talifat' and western portion is called 'Selifat'.
 

Religious Sites
 

Beyond its natural beauty, Almora is home to various religious sites, witnessing several devotees throughout the year. Each site holds its own spiritual importance and significance. Notable religious places that are frequented by devotees are : -
 

Eight Bhairava
 

Besides other religious places, Almora is home to eight temples dedicated to Bhairav, a fierce and powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva. Bhairava is mainly regarded as both a protector and punisher of evil. These eight temples were established in the reign of Gyan Chand to appease the wrath of Bhole Nath. Many devotees visit these temples to seek blessings of Lord Bhairav. The eight form are : -
 

• Kal Bhairava.
• Batuk Bhairava.
• Anand Bhairava.
• Gaur Bhairava.
• Shah Bhairava.
• Bal Bhairava.
• Khutkuniya Bhairava.
• Garhi Bhairava.
   

Nine form of Durga
 

Almora is also home to temples dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Durga, drawing a number of devotees throughout the year. These temples are : -
 

• Patal Devi or Patreshwari Devi.
• Yakshini Devi.
• Rajrajeshwari Devi.
• Tripura.
• Nanda.
• Ulka Devi.
• Sitla Devi.
• Kot Kalika.
• Durga Ratneshwari.
   

Nanda Devi Festival
 

Nanda Devi Festival is one of the largest celebrated religious fairs of Almora. This festival is celebrated annually in September during Nanda Ashtami, the five day festival known as Nanda Devi Mahotsav is one of the most integral parts in Almora. It has been organised for over 400 years, since the place was ruled by the Chand dynasty.
 

Popular places
 

Almora is surrounded with several popular locations that are frequented by many during their visit. Visitant must add the following places to their itinerary during their tour : -
 

• Kasar Devi.
• Ranikhet.
• Binsar.
• Kausani.
• Shilta Khet.
• Jalana.
• Manila.
• Katarmal.
• Dwarahat.
• Jageshwar Dham.
• Bright End Corner.
• Deer Park.
• Govind Ballabh Pant Museum.
• Simtola.
• Lakhudiyar Rock Painting.
• Dandeshwar Temple.
• Dhokaney Waterfall.
   

Things To Do
 

Visitors can engage in any of the following activities to make their trip memorable and joyful : -
 

Food Guide
 

The culinary items of Almora are so delectable that visitors find them irresistible. Among the popular items, often served in local as well big restaurants are : -
 

• Singodi : - This delectable Kumauni sweet is made of Khoya and wrapped in fresh malu leaves, giving you a unique aroma of malu, coconut and khoya.
• Jhangore ki Kheer : - The significance of this dish is evident from the fact that it is enjoyed in the entire Garhwal and Kuman region. Jhangora, a type of millet, is the core ingredient of Jhangore ki Kheer.
• Dubuk : - If Bal Mithai and Singodi are irresistible, then Dubuk is unbeatable. It is a main course dish, best enjoyed with plain rice. Its richness and aroma will tempt you to have another bowl. The key ingredient of this is Bhat and Gahat ki Dal, which are ground into a fine paste and then cooked over medium flame.
• Bhang ki Chutney : - Made from hemp seeds, this exquisite Bhang ki chutney is irresistible.
• Bal Mithai : - If we have to name a sweet in Kumaon, Bal Mithai is the first name that comes to everyone's mind. Its popularity in the entire region is similar to Mathura ke Pede and Agra ka Petha. Although the entire Kumaon region is known for this sweet, its specialty and mastery is owned by the Almora.
   

Accommodation Facility
 

Being a popular tourist destination, Almora offers a variety of accommodation to its visitors. Visitors can book hotels, resorts, and home stays as per their budget and preferences. Besides this, visitors seeking luxurious stays, "The Kumaon" provide memorable and comfortable stays amidst breathtaking views.

History
 

Almora is one of the six districts in the Kumaun division of Uttarakhand, founded in 1568 by King Kalyan Chand. It is surrounded by districts of Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Nainital on three sides and Garhwal division on the other. If we flip the pages of Almora history, it reveals that its ancient town was once the capital of Kumaun Kingdom. Later, the Chand dynasty shifted the Kumaon Kingdom from Champawat to Almora. Earlier, the district also served as the administrative headquarter of Kumaun district. In the 1960s, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Champawat districts were part of Almora. They came into existence, since they have been carved out from Almora and exist as separate districts.
 

Important Tips for Travellers
 

• It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak summer and winter seasons.
• ATMs, Petrol Pumps, and medical stores are easily available near the town. However, they are limited in remote locations.
• If travelling by own vehicle, carry emergency items like tire inflators, spare tire, and puncture kits.
• In remote areas, mobile network connectivity is limited.
• Carry enough cash, to avoid inconvenience in case of online payment failures.
• Summer weather is pleasant, but nights are quite chilly, so it is advisable to carry woolen clothes.
   

Nearby Attraction
 

Visitors must include the following popular places in their itinerary for a day excursion from Almora City : -
 

• Kainchi Dham.
• Nainital City.
• Bageshwar City.
• Bhimtal.
• Mukteshwar.
• Ramgarh.
• Sattal.
• Chaukori.
• Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
• Martola.