Almora, which literally means “a place that is luminous,” is derived from two words: “Alm,” meaning “luminous,” and “ora,” meaning place. It was founded by King Kalyan Chand in 1568 and served as the capital of the Chand dynasty till the 18th century. The cultural heartland of the Kumaon region has an account of early human settlement dating back to Mahabharata times. The town is traversed by two major rivers named Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali).
Situated at an elevation of 1,638 meters above sea level, it is at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills. Almora is the administrative headquarters of Almora District. Divided into 11 blocks, is a famous tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors.
The best time to visit Almora is from March through May and from September through December.
There are many places in Almora to check out. I have given you a list of some tourist places that you should visit at once.
Kasar devi temple
This temple, located 7 kilometers from Almora, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Dedicated to the goddess Kasar Devi, an ancient temple built in the 8th century AD is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by Adi Shankaracharya. Temple is located at a height of 2,116 meters and offers a magnificent view from Nanda Devi’s Peak, one of the five newly snowy peaks of Panchachuli.
In his spiritual spirit, Great Swami Vivekananda also visits the site. Temple is a popular spot for meditation and yoga.
Bright End Corner
A viewpoint 2 kilometers from Almora provides a spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise over the Himalayas. On the end of Almora Ridge is a town named after Mr. Brighton. It connects to the beginning of Mall Road in Almora.
Popular places nearby
Swami Vivekananda library
Swami Vivekananda memorial
Rama Krishna Kutir is a meditation center.
Jageshwar Dham
It’s a temple complex of over 100 temples that date back to the 7th century. The architecture is a mix of Kumaoni, Nagara, and Gupta styles.
The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a lingam, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country and was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Binsar wildlife sanctuary
Located at a distance of 33 km from the town of Almora, it spreads over an area of 45 square kilometers and is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. a perfect place for trekking and birdwatching. The best time to visit the place is from March to May and from September through November.
Kartamal sun temple
An ancient temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya. It was built in the 9th century by the Katyuri dynasty. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, the shikhara has a height of 44 feet. Temple is designed in such a way that it is believed to have been used for astronomical observation and studies. Ita, located 17 kilometers from Almora, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and views. The best time to visit the temple is from March to May, and from September to November, temples are open throughout the year.
Martola
A small village in the Almora district of Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. There are several breathtaking trails that pass through beautiful meadows, streams, and waterfalls at a height of 1,829 meters above sea level. It’s a great spot, especially for birdwatching.
Marota is home to several ancient temples, including Martoli and Hanuman’s temples built in the nineteenth century.
Kumaon regiment museum
Kumaon Regiment is one of India’s oldest and most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. Dedicated to the sacrifice of brave soldiers, the museum showcases a vast collection of the history and achievements of the Kumaon Regiment. Weapons and uniforms give soldiers courage when facing the enemy. It also has a section of soldiers who received the Param Vir chakra. Entry to the museum is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Zero point
Located near the town of Almora, Zero Point offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. It is surrounded by a dense forest of oak and rhododendron and serves as a starting point for several trails leading to destinations such as Binsar wildlife sanctuary and Jageshwar. The best time to visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts is from March to May and from September to October. At an altitude of 2, 270 meters above sea level, it is advised to keep warm clothes because the temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
To reach Almora by road, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is approximately 116 km away from Almora. You can also take a train to Kathgodam railway station, which is around 82 km from Almora. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Almora.
Here are some popular routes to reach Almora:
By Road:
Delhi to Almora: 375 km (approx. 10 hours)
Lucknow to Almora: 490 km (approx. 12 hours)
Dehradun to Almora – 386 km (approx. 11 hours)
By Train:
Delhi to Kathgodam – 276 km (approx. 6 hours)
Lucknow to Kathgodam – 388 km (approx. 8 hours)
Dehradun to Kathgodam – 291 km (approx. 7 hours)
By Air:
Delhi to Pantnagar – 309 km (approx. 7 hours)
Lucknow to Pantnagar – 395 km (approx. 8 hours)
Dehradun to Pantnagar – 249 km (approx. 6 hours)