Settled in the wild and stunning Himalayas, Almora is an exciting town shaped like a horse-shoe. Yes, its shape is one reason why many tourists love to visit here.
And if you love history and get all excited reading about it then, you won’t be able to resist the pre-British vibes of this place. Gorgeous in every way, Almora is a travel destination bustling with a rich heritage, unique handicrafts, delicious cuisine and so much more to experience.
Due to this, Almora as a region promises travellers with some of the most unforgettable moments of their lives which they could cherish for a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Almora
So, if you also want to travel your heart out then why not start with a place like Almora. The best time to visit here would be the summer season. However, if you don’t mind the chilly weather of winter season, then you can travel here during that time as well.
History of Almora
Tracing back to history, Almora was the capital of Chand dynasty which majorly ruled over Kumaon region successfully for more than a thousand years.
And it is this thousand-year-old heritage which still reflects in the local culture and daily life activities of the people whether it be food, housing style, and how the festivals are celebrated.
The Chand Dynasty and Purana Connection. It was Kalyan Chand who is believed to have founded Almora in 1568. However, before that, this region was ruled by Katyuri King Bhaichaldeo. It is believed that he had donated a part of Almora to Sri Chand Tiwari, and even if we go by the archives, then, the very earliest inhabitants of Almora were the Tiwaris.
Interestingly, Almora also finds its mention in Vishnu Purana and Hindu Epics like Mahabharata. Talking about the ancient times, the Sakas, the Nagas, the Kiratas, the Khasas and the Hunas are believed to have been the earliest residents of this region.
Major Attractions in and Around Almora
1. Zero Point
Zero Point is situated in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and is also considered to be the highest point in Binsar town itself. From here, the views of the sky seem so majestic, you won’t be able to forget them for a lifetime. And the best part is that you get to witness Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, and Nanda Devi from Zero Point.
2. Chitai Temple
Also referred to as the Golu Devata Chitai Temple, it is sited about 9 km from Almora. As the name suggests, it has been dedicated to Gollu or Goljyu Devta who was considered to be an avatar of Lord Shiva. Perhaps it is due to this, that the temple is also known to be the abode of God of Justice and because of its religious significance, a great number of devotees come here to offer their prayers here.
3. Jageshwar
The best part to know about Jageshwar, a town in Uttarakhand is that one of the twelve Jyotirlingas is situated here. Apart from this, Surabhi and Nandini rivers also flow through the town invoking life within it. Jageshwar is full of medieval architectural styled buildings which in turn was greatly influenced by the Buddhist style craftsmanship. It is indeed one of the most profound places to visit while on your trip to Almora.
How to Reach Almora
Almora is a beautiful travel getaway filled with lush views of nature and all it has to offer to the tourists is nothing but joy and lots of exciting moments. It is located at a distance of 370, 1,761, 1,422, 2,293 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the details on how you can reach Almora by the following means of transportation.
By Air
By Air. The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport (PGH) situated about 120 km away. And the nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. Operated by Airports Authority of India, Pantnagar Airport is situated in Udham Singh Nagar district. To reach here, it is advised to take connecting flights from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Pantnagar
By Train
The nearest station is Kathgodam station (KGM) located at an approximate distance of 80-100 km. It is situated in Haldwani district and supports a total of three platforms. It has good connectivity with cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Ranikhet Express, Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express, Kathgodam New Delhi Shatabdi Express, and Kathgodam Dehradun Express are a few trains that connect Almora with nearby towns and cities. From the station, you can easily book a taxi or board a bus to reach your respective destination.
By Road
You can also travel to Almora by well-maintained roadways and highways. From the nearby cities and towns, you can easily book a taxi or board a bus to reach here. If these options are not suitable as per your convenience, then consider self-driving here.
- From Amritsar - 786 km via NH44
- From Patiala - 585 km via NH44
- From Aligarh - 315 km via NH109
Frequently Asked Questions about Almora
Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Almora?
A: Some popular tourist attractions in Almora include:
- Chitai Temple
- Binsar Mahadev Temple
- Bright End Corner
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Nanda Devi Temple
- Jageshwar Temple
Q: What are some places to see in Almora?
A: Some popular places to see in Almora include:
- Chitai Temple
- Binsar Mahadev Temple
- Bright End Corner
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Nanda Devi Temple
- Jageshwar Temple
Q: What is the best time to visit Almora?
A: The best time to visit Almora is from March to June, during the months of spring, and from September to November, during the months of autumn. These months offer pleasant weather and clear skies, perfect for exploring the outdoors and taking in the scenic beauty of the place.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
