Location : In the
north Indian state of Uttaranchal.
Tourist Attractions : Chitai Temple, Katarmal, Nanda
Devi Temple, Kasar Devi, State Museum.
Best Hangout : Bright End Corner
Best Activities : Trekking and nature walk
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Nainital 63 kms, Ranikhet
50 kms, Kausani 52 kms, Bageshwar 90 kms, Pithogarah 120 kms, Kathgodam 90
kms, Haldwani 96 kms, Jageshwar 38 kms.
When to Visit : Any time of the year.
About Almora
"I wonder whether the scenery of these hills and the climate are to be
surpassed, if equalled, by any of the beauty spots of the world. After
having been nearly three weeks in Almora Hills, I am more than ever amazed
why our people need go to Europe in search of health." - Mahatama M.K.
Gandhi
Almora, a picturesque destination in the Kumaun region, East of Uttaranchal
in India, with an overwhelming panoramic view of Himalayas, invites tourists
worldwide to its alluring grandeur of natural beauty. Known for its rich
cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, lavish cuisine and magnificent
wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility, Almora promises its visitors a
visit full of fun and eventful moments.
Away from daily busy lifestyle of cities, Almora lies in a peaceful
atmosphere, which brings alive all that is beautiful in nature. Situated at
the top of a peak that is half circular, Almora is a town in the shape of a
horse shoe. On the top of a 5 km long mountain range, Almora has its own
historical, cultural and political importance. Almora has many fruit
orchards like apples, peaches, apricots, plums, etc.
Major Tourist Attractions in Almora
Chitai Temple
The temple at this place is dedicated to Lord Golu. The people of Kumau
worship him. Once a wish is fulfilled people hang little bells in this
temple. Therefore there are thousands of little bells hanging there. The
view of the Himalayas is extremely majestic from here. This temple is 8 kms
away by walk through a beautiful pine forest, but one can go by cart too.
Katarmal
This 800-year old Sun Temple is the second in importance after the Sun
Temple of Konark in Orissa. Seven kms away from Almora this historically
significant temple is a fine specimen of intricate sculpturing. This temple
is in need of restoration now.
Bright End Corner
Almora is 2 kms away from here. The attraction of this point is the sunset
and the sunrise captured through the Himalayan peaks. A circuit house close
by allows tourists to spend some time in this peaceful surrounding. Nearby
is the Vivekananda Library which houses many books on literature. A little
away is the Vivekananda Memorial where Swami Vivekananda had stopped for a
while on his journey to the Himalayas.
Nanda Devi Temple
This 1000-year old temple is one of the prime attraction of Almora. The
beautifully carved walls are a sight to behold here. Every year a festival
is held here in which youth from various mountainous areas come here to
participate in the dance festival.
Kasar Devi
Near Kalimutt is the temple of Kasar Devi. This ancient temple was raised
on a mountain peak in the 2nd century. The distance between Kalimatt and
Kasar Devi is less than 1 km and can be easily accessed by foot. The main
town is 6 km away.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital). During the
summer regular flights are operational.
Rail: The nearest raiway station near Almora is Kathgodam.
Road: Almora is well connected with all-important cities of India by
road.
Accommodation
There are numerous accommodation options available in Almora for all types
of tourists coming from all over the world. The accommodation ranges from
luxury to budget, all set in salubrious atmosphere with well appointed rooms
and world class facilities and services, as per the tourist's expectations.
