Almora - The Cultural and Scenic Jewel of Uttarakhand
Settled in the wild and stunning Himalayas, Almora is an exciting town shaped like a horseshoe. Yes, its shape is one reason many tourists love visiting here.
If you love history and get all excited reading about it, 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 some of the most unforgettable moments of their lives, which they could cherish for a lifetime.
Geography and Location
- Altitude: 1,638 meters (5,374 feet)
- Coordinates: 29.5971° N, 79.6591° E
- Nearby Places: Nainital (approx. 63 km), Ranikhet (50 km), Binsar (30 km)
- Climate: Moderate summers, cold winters, and monsoon rains
History of Almora
Looking back in Almora history, it was the capital of the Chand dynasty, which successfully ruled the Kumaon region for more than a thousand years.
This thousand-year-old heritage is still reflected in the local culture and daily life activities of the people, whether it be food, housing style, or how 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, the very earliest inhabitants of Almora were the Tiwaris.
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, the very earliest inhabitants of Almora were the Tiwaris.
Interestingly, Almora is also mentioned in Vishnu Purana and Hindu Epics like the Mahabharata. In ancient times, the Sakas, the Nagas, the Kiratas, the Khasas, and the Hunas are believed to have been the earliest residents of this region.
Places to Visit in Almor
Planning to explore Almora? Don’t miss out these famous places to visit in Almora for added fun and adventure:
1. Zero Point
Zero Point, one of the famous tourist attractions in Almora, is situated in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. It 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. 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 known as the Golu Devata Chitai Temple, is perfect for Almora sightseeing! It is situated about 9 km from Almora. As the name suggests, it was dedicated to Gollu or Goljyu Devta, who was considered to be Lord Shiva's avatar. Perhaps this is why the temple is also known to be the abode of God of Justice. Because of its religious significance, a significant number of devotees come here to offer their prayers.
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.
4. Bright End Corner
A viewpoint offering mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas.
5. Kasardevi Temple
A spiritual site visited by Swami Vivekananda and known for its cosmic energy.
6. Nanda Devi Temple
A historic temple dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi, worshipped by locals.
7. Kalimath and Katarmal Sun Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God, reflecting architectural brilliance.
Festivals and Fairs
- Nanda Devi Fair: A grand annual festival dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi.
- Dussehra in Almora: Known for its unique Ramleela performances.
- Uttraini Mela: A major fair held in January in the nearby town of Bageshwar.
Best Time to Visit
- March to June: Pleasant summer weather.
- September to November: Clear skies and post-monsoon greenery.
- December to February: Snowfall in nearby areas, making it a winter retreat.
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. The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. Operated by the 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 for 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
Conclusion
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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 spring, and from September to November, during autumn. These months offer pleasant weather and clear skies, perfect for exploring the outdoors and taking in the place's scenic beauty.
Q: How to reach Almora from Mumbai?
A: You can visit Almora from Mumbai by air and by train. You can hire a taxi or book a cab to reach the destination.
