Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Almora
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Almora
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Almora
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Almora : Almora is a picturesque district in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. With a rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, delicious cuisine and magnificent wildlife, Almora has rightfully earned the title of ‘Cultural Capital of Kumaun’.
The ancient town of Almora was established in 1568 by Kalyan Chand of the Chand dynasty. Over the centuries, it developed into an important cultural and economic center in the Kumaun region under the Chand kings. The British further developed Almora after 1815 when the Kumaun region came under their control following the Anglo-Nepalese War.
Today, Almora continues to be a thriving town, attracting thousands of tourists every year with its natural scenic beauty and cultural heritage. The town is built on a mountain ridge shaped like a horseshoe, with the eastern portion known as Talifat and western one called Selifat.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Almora
Almora offers plenty of attractions for tourists with its temples, heritage sites, panoramic viewpoints and rich cultural traditions. Here are some of the most popular tourist places in Almora that every visitor must experience:
1. Nanda Devi Temple
The iconic Nanda Devi Temple was built by the Chand kings and dedicated to Goddess Nanda. Located in the heart of Almora town, the temple architecture features carved wooden doors and an inner sanctum housing the stone idol of the goddess.
The temple comes alive every year during September when it hosts the spectacular 5-day Nanda Devi Mela. Over 25,000 devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and participate in the festivities. Cultural performances, food stalls and handicraft bazaars are set up during the mela.
2. Banari Devi Temple
Situated 26 km from Almora, the Banari Devi temple requires a 10 km trek to reach. The octagonal hilltop temple has a very old idol of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture upon the Sheshnag. The scenic trek through picturesque villages and forests adds to the attraction of visiting this temple.
3. Katarmal Sun Temple
The 9th century Katarmal Sun Temple is dedicated to the Sun God and features intricately carved stone idols and shikhara-style architecture. Located 17 km from Almora, it is one of the few Sun temples in the country and a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
4. Gannath Temple
Just 47 km away from Almora lies the famous Gannath Cave Temple, revered for its natural caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations. The temple complex houses ancient idols of Lord Shiva along with a kund (pond) fed by a natural spring.
During the Kartik Purnima festival, the temple resonates with the sound of hymns and folk songs offered by thousands of devotees.
5. Binsar Mahadev Temple
In the midst of a thick deodar forest lies the Binsar Mahadev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dating back to the 9th century, the temple architecture showcases stone carvings and inscriptions. Surrounded by oak, pine and deodar trees, the temple offers a peaceful ambience for meditation and prayer.
6. Jageshwar Temple Complex
The Jageshwar temple complex features over 124 large and small stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in a deodar forest with streams flowing by. Considered to be over 2500 years old, Jageshwar temples showcase remarkable stone architectural styles of the post-Gupta and pre-medieval era as per the Archaeological Survey of India.
Other Attractions and Activities
Beyond temples and heritage sites, Almora offers plenty of attractions to experience the natural beauty, cultural festivals and adventure activities.
Panoramic Views
Several vantage points in and around Almora provide breathtaking 180 degree views of the Himalayan peak ranges, especially at sunrise and sunset. Some popular spots are Kasar Devi temple, Bright End Corner, Lala Bazaar and Deer Park.
Village Walks
Walking through traditional Kumauni villages gives a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle. Watch locals in their colourful attire going about their daily routines and agricultural activities.
Shopping
Almora is renowned for its intricate wood carvings, copperware items and woolen shawls that make great souvenirs. The main market centers are Lala Bazaar and Mall Road where these handicrafts can be purchased.
Cuisine
From sweet and spicy Bhang chutney to nourishing Jhangora ki Kheer, the Kumauni cuisine offers a variety of lip-smacking dishes and desserts made from local ingredients. Stop by small eateries and street food stalls to try authentic Kumauni food.
Folk Dances and Music
The culture of Almora comes alive during festivals when locals dress up in vibrant attire and perform folk dance forms like Chholiya, Chancheri and Jhumeila with great enthusiasm.
Adventure Sports
The mountainous terrain around Almora offers opportunities for adventure sports like rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, trekking and paragliding. Several tour operators in Almora provide equipment and guidance for such outdoor recreational activities.
How to Reach Almora
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Almora : Almora is easily accessible through various modes of transport:
By Air The nearest airport is Pantnagar located around 135 km away. Taxis and buses are available from airport to Almora.
By Rail The nearest railway stations are at Kathgodam (95 km away) and Lal Kuan (106 km away). From both stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Almora.
By Road
Almora is well connected via state-run and private buses plying from Delhi and other North Indian cities on a regular basis. You can also drive down taking the Delhi-Haldwani route.
Best Time to Visit
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Almora : Mid March to June and September to November are the ideal times to visit Almora when the weather is pleasant. Summers are mild while winters can get quite cold with some snowfall at higher altitudes. Avoid monsoons between July – August when it rains heavily.
The annual Nanda Devi Mela during September is a good time to visit. The folk culture comes alive during this festival making it a colorful spectacle.
Where to Stay
Almora offers a good range of accommodation options for stay:
Luxury Hotels 5 star hotels like Binsar Villa Resort and Aahana Resort provide premium stay with valley/mountain views and amenities like spa, restaurant and conference facilities.
Mid-range Hotels Decent 3-4 star hotels like Hotel Shikhar, Binsar Retreat and Hotel Himalaya offer comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable pricing.
Budget Hotels Lots of small hotels and guest houses provide simple accommodation and amenities at cheap rates ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Homestays For a local cultural experience, homestays managed by Kumauni families provide traditional home-cooked food and village walks.
So if you love nature, heritage and culture, then a visit to Almora promises memorable experiences that you will cherish for long!
