Almora Tourist Attractions | Almora Tourist Places | Almora Hill Station Tourist Places

Uttarakhand, formerly Uttaranchal State is located in Northern part of India. It is often referred to as Land of Gods ‘Dev Bhumi’ due to the many holy Hindu’s temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism’s most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship. Uttarakhand, with its snow covered hills, clean air, presents a rich and panoramic view of Himalayas to the visitors. Adding to this, the simple pastoral lifestyle, blooming happiness on the faces of local Inhabitants and alpine vegetation belt lends a fabulous view that makes Uttarakhand stand unique from rest of places in the world.

 

The state of Uttarakhand is not only abode to nature’s best forms, but also, offers good pilgrimage destination to the tourists. Uttarakhand hold’s some of the best shrine in its hilly folds, which are praised and lauded for some or the other kind of legendary associations.

 

The State also offers water sports, trekking, mountaineering, Skiing, rafting and many other sports. The state is gradually also becoming centre for Yoga.

 

Almora District

 

Almora Township

 

The township of Almora, a picturesque district in the northern region of Himalayan Hills, east of Uttarakhand in India, is situated over a horse saddle shaped ridge of a mountain between the river Kosi and Suyal. The city was settled by Chand Rajas and was nurtured by the British. Almora hill Station is located at height of 1,650 m above the sea level and is reputed for its healthy climate. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility, Almora promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments. The hills around Almora are forested with fir and pine, with a panoramic view of the snowy peaks of Himalayas on any clear day, makes it perfect place for choice of tourists.

 

The main attraction of the township is its market, which is 1.25 miles (2.01 km) long and is covered with stone slabs and is an experience to go through it when most of the inhabitants of city come for strolling in the evening. The market is around 200 years old. The river Koshi flows silently behind Almora city. The city is also called the Cultural Capital of Uttranchal and is famous for its unique handicrafts.

 

The Township of Almora is the district headquarters and has all the facilities for a tourist of twenty first century. This ancient hill station is reputed for its health giving climate and is perched on a five Kms long horse saddle shape ridge in between the river Kosi and Suyal and has been a cultural and political region of Kumaun for almost four hundred years, settled by Chand Rajas and nurtured by the British.

 

"In these hills, Nature’s hospitality eclipses all that man can ever do. The enchanting beauty of the Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that envelops you, leave nothing more to be desired. 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 for nearly three weeks in the Almora hills, I am more than ever amazed why our people need to go to Europe in search of health. Mahatma M.K.Gandhi.

 

"These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of centers, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope some one to realize it." – Swani Vivekanda (replying to the address given to him by the people of Almora).

 

In the Almora city there are many places of interest in the township. Bright End Corner is 2 km from the city main centre and present unforgettable sunset and sunrise from end to end of the Himalaya peaks. The Chitai temple is 8 kms away from city centre and passage to the temple is through a beautiful pine forest. The view of the Himalaya from the Chitai is tremendously stunning. The main attraction of the temple is the collection of tiny brass bells of all sizes, gifted to the temple by devotees since centuries, upon fulfillment of devotees wish. The other place, Kasar Devi is located at a distance of 6 kms from the main town, here the temple was made in the second centuries and houses many Europeans who fell in love with the place so much that they settle down here. Nanda Devi Temple the cultural and religious center of Almora is of hundreds of years and is in Lala Bazar, a unique market of more than two hundred years old with paved streets of stone. There are many other place which could be visited during tour to Almora.

 

Places of Interest around Almora

 

Ranikhet

 

Ranikhet, a quiet mesmerizing city, maintained by the cantonment, is located at the height of 1829 mts, about fifty (50) Kms from Almora, is famous for its salubrious climate, balmy breeze captivating and panoramic Himalayan View and soothing and pollution free greenery of pines and oaks. It is also famous as the regimental center of the Kumaun Regiment of Indian Army- one of the most prestigious and the most decorated of Indian Armies. The Kumaun Regimental museum and amicably maintained grassy and green golf course are memorable experiences even for the most experienced tourists.

 

The pleasing hill station was out of world’s touch for quite some time, until it was rediscovered by the Britishers in the year 1869, and who later transformed the tiny hill station into headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment. The hill station was used as an ideal retreat against the hot weather of the plains. At present, Ranikhet is a cantonment town and place for Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) and Naga Regiment.

 

From Ranikhet four Kms sojourn takes you to the Chaubatiya gardens famous for its sprawling orchards of delicious apples, plums, peaches and apricots. It is result of the pioneering efforts of a British settler 150 years ago. In and around Ranikhet there are some famous temples of the Hindus for religious minded like Jhoola Devi Mandir, Ram Mandir, Herakhan Mandir, Kalika Temple and Binsar Mahadeva.

 

Kausani

 

Kausani a tiny and serene hill station positioned at 6, 075 ft above sea level and located around 52 KMs from Almora is famous for its well preserved natural beauty. The Kausani is also famous for its breathtaking unforgettable 250 kms wide view of the Himalayan snow peaks. The wide expanse of the bottomless famous Katyur Valley lies in front of it full of dark pine forest. At Kausani the mountains rise so spectacularly as if to get in touch with the heavens. Not just Kausani the complete Kumaon Hills have been well-known for their heavenly beauty with the enormous mountains silhouetted against the sky.

 

Kausani's beauty arrested the feet of even Mahatama Gandhi, who stayed for some time at this place. The memory that brief stay of that great man lingers behind in the Anasakti Ashrama. Another great man of India the famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant was born here. There is small museum to earmark that sacred spot. The famous folk singer Gopidas was also inspired by the beauty of Kausani. Pinnath (10KMs), Bura Pinnath (5KMs) and Bhakot are the highest points near Kausani.

 

Binsar

 

Situated only 30 KMs away from the township of Almora lies Binsar nestled amongst thick forests of Oak and Rhodendron and yet offers surprisingly close views of the Himalayan peaks. The entire region is now a wildlife sanctuary and has a host of wildlife like Panther and Barking Deer. The temple of Binsar lies nearby. One of the many legends concerning Binsar states that 'Should anyone take away anything belonging to the God or his worshippers and avenging spirit and compels him conscience stricken to restore it twenty fold. Even the faithless and the dishonest are said to be reformed by a visit to Binsar.'

 

Bageshwer

 

Situated around 90 KMs from Almora, Bageswer is now a new district headquarter and the centre of administration for the entire region called Danpur. The place is significant from both religious and tourist point of view. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti, Bageswer is the seat of the famous Uttaraini fair which is held every year in January. The famous and ancient temple of Bagnath from which the township gets its name has been attracting thousands of devout Hindus year after year since the birth of history. It is believed that Markandey sage has lived at the place and that Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods of Hindus had wandered about as a tiger. Even for the adventurous tourist Bageshwer is a necessary destination from the point of view to reach the glaciers of Sunderdunga, Kafni and Pindari one has to mandatorily cross Bageshwer.

 

Jageshwer

 

Situated around 35 KMs from Almora, Jageshwer one of the most important religious places of Hindus in Kumaun and is believed to be the abode of the one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas'. It is even mentioned in the great epic of 'Mahabharata'. The great temple complex is situated in a narrow and beautiful valley covered with Cedar trees. Two streams Nandini and Surabhi flow down the hills and meet near the sacred spot. Dense grove of Cedar trees, perpetual verdure, and sweet murmur of the riverlets give a peculiar charm and sanctity to this place. There are 124 temples and hundreds of magnificent statues of exquisite craftsmanship. The oldest shrine is of the 'Mrityunjaya' and the biggest shrine is of the 'Dindeshwara'. During the monsoons a huge fair is held here every year at Jageshwer.

 

Besides the above nearby places there are many other places of interest as Patal Bhubneshwer Katarmal Manila Dwarahat, Baijnath etc.


Reaching to Almora:


By Train: The closest railway station is Kathgodam located at distance of 90 kms. From station tourist can hire the pre-paid taxi to reach Almora or can take regular buses also. Frequent trains from Delhi to Kathgodam are available which is best way to reach Almora.

 

By Air: There is no close Airport to Nainital. The closest Ariport is Delhi.

 

By Road: The journey through road for Almora could be an exciting as the journey covers the hills, especially the river koshi which follows the road alongside for a very long time.