Almora
An ancient town, believed to be in existence since Vedic Age, Almora is a picturesque hill-district in the central Kumaon region of Uttaranchal.
A town of temples, with temple of Goddess Nanda Devi in the heart of the town, Almora, unlike most other hill-stations developed by British, was developed by Indians themselves.
Long ago, Almora was ruled by a Katyuri King who donated the area to a Gujarati Brahmin and then later it became a flourishing capital of Chand dynasty.
Today it has lush green meadows, orchards of apple, plum, peach and apricot, quite a few health resorts and is an agricultural base and a trade centre.
Perched atop a crescent-shaped mountain between river Kosi and Suyal, a scenic and quiet town, Almora summons tourists worldwide for its alluring grandeur of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife.
Places to Visit
Nanda Devi Temple
Sitting pretty in the heart of the city, Nanda Devi temple is the cultural and religious centre of Almora for hundreds of years now.
Chitai Temple (8km)
Dedicated to a local deity, ‘Golu Deva’, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Chithai temple is one of the rare temples where goats are sacrificed and offered.
Its frequented by hordes of believers as its said that any wishes made here are fulfilled. The temples’s premise has thousands of bells gifted by devotees, since centuries, on the fulfillment of their wishes.
Kasar Devi Temple (6km)
Another old temple, built in 2nd century, has become home of many foreigners who fell in love with the place so much so that they settled here.
Gobind Vallabh Pant Public Museum
The main attraction of the museum is the rare collection of ‘Apen’ folk paintings besides the precious collection of items from Katyuri and Chand dynasties depicting the history, archaeology and culture of ancient era.
Lakhudiyar
Treasures an array of prehistoric rock paintings of human beings, animals and group of dancers.
Bright End Corner
Close to Vivekanand Library and Memorial, Bright End Corner is the point from where you can witness spectacular sunrise and sunset.
Simtola
A popular picnic spot with a picturesque view.
What to Buy and Where
Hand-woven tweeds
Copper ware
Beautiful and colorful Candles
Rabbit-wool clothes, known to be very soft, fine and warm.
(You can get good bargains in Lal Bazaar)
Must Try
Bal Mithai – A Kumaon speciality made of chocolate fudge rolled in tiny sugar balls.
Singori – Another Kumaon speciality, a heavenly sweet made from Khoya and coconut wrapped in a green 'Malu' leaf which imparts its acclaimed flavour.
Fast Facts
Best Time to Visit : April to June, September to November
Distance : 365 km from Delhi
Altitude : 5400 ft above sea-level
Around Almora
Jageshwar (32 km)
Binsar (35 km)
Ranikhet (49 km)
Kausani (52 km)
