Almora - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

Almora is a wonderful place to conveni Almora Hill Station, Almora Guideently enjoy the spectacular snowscape of the central Himalayas. Most of the days in Almora are flawless. Almost everyday the tourist can see almost every peak. Almora allows you to enjoy the mighty Himalayas together with ridge after ridge of hills.The terraced fields, the stone slatted barrack-like village houses have so far put up a valiant fight against the encroachments of urban expansion and unplanned development. Almora, is situated at a height of 1,890 meters. Binsar, about 32 kilometers from Almora is situated at height of 2,412 meters above sea level.Almora stands at a height of 1,638 meters.

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The Hill Resort

Almora is a wonderful place to conveniently enjoy the spectacular snowscape of the central Himalayas.Away from the bright lights of cities, in a peaceful atmosphere lies Almora which brings alive all that is beautiful in nature. Almora is situated at the top a peak that is half circular.Almora is a town in the shape of a horse shoe. It is on a 5 km long mountain range. It has its own historical, cultural and political importance. Once upon a time, it was the capital of Kumau. It was set up by King Balo Kalyan Chand in 1563.The descendents from the Kyutar dynasty and the Chand dynasty ruled here in the old times. The forts, other historical monuments, courts and governmental offices are still present today. The two rivers, Kaushik (Koshi) and Shalmali (Suyal) flow near the town. The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas look like a long train of ice and snow from here.

Each and every inch of Almora is filled with scenic beauty and the town has maintained its ancient tradition even today. This is clearly evident in the construction of the houses and in the roads made out of slate stone. Almora is also called a town of temples. Situated in the centre of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Unlike Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital which were developed by the English, Almora is a hill station totally developed by the Indians. Almora has many fruit orchards like apples, peaches, apricots, plums, etc Escape from the heat of the tropical Sun and enjoy the spectacular snow of the central Himalayan holidays in the small horse-shoe shaped small town called Almora. During summers the temperature of this place is comparatively more than any other Indian hill station. Even then evening and morning temperatures are low enough to wear light warm cloths. The town is extremely serene and the beauty of nature is such that people come here to spend a few days but simply fall in love and return to this place time and again. This town is built on a 5 km long natural mountains trail.

Almora one of the hill station India is famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility and beauty, Almora Hill Stationexcellent climate and peaceful atmosphere of the city is its unique selling proposition, Almora hill station promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments. The historic fort and the government buildings that were once the seat of power, have now become places of tourist attraction. Almora hill station also has some beautiful eco friendly resorts. The most famous among them is Ranikhet (1,820 meters from sea level). Ranikhet depicts queen's field. It is said that a Rani while spending some time here once gave this name to the city. During the days of the British Raj, charming luxury resort Ranikhet was a British cantonment.

Swami Vivekanada had this to say about Almora. "These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of centres, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope some one day to realize it." In fact he expressed a desire to have a meditation centre established here and the Ramakrishna Mission at Bright End Corner is a not an active ashram but is a quiet retreat for monks.

History

Almora was the seat of power of the Chand Dynasty who ruled the land of Kumaon for almost one thousand years. An interesting fact about the discovery of Almora is that unlike other hill stations, it was not discovered and developed by the British. The Katyuri Dynasty ruled the region around Almora from the 9th century AD. Raja Balo Kalyan Chand made Almora as his new capital in 1568 AD, when he transferred his capital from Champawat to Almora. The Chands occupied Almora till the 19th century AD. The rivers Kosi and Suyal flow through Almora providing a natural barrier. There is an interesting local legend about the discovery of Almora. Raja Kalyan Chand, the ruler of the Chand Dynasty was riding on the horseshoe shaped spur in the pursuit of a prey. The hunted quarry protected its life by taking refuge behind the thick bushes of Kilgore, a local wild bush and revealed the place to the king. The story might not be corroborated by any literary or archaeological evidences but continues to be told by the locals. The Gorkhas captured Almora in 1798 AD and finally British took it over from the Gorkhas after the Gorkha wars of 1814-1815.

A Famous Getaway

Almora was founded in 1568.There are lots of attractions at Almora.Swami Vivekananda gave famous lectures here and included it in his itinerary at the turn of this century. From Almora To Colombo record that he was stirred as much by the stark beauty of the mountains here as by the ocean at Kanyakumari. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, was located at Mayawati Ashram then in Almora. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore spent a summer to get over the personal grief after the loss of a beloved child.A little later followed the great dancer Udaya Shankar. Ravi Shankar, Zohra Sehgal, Simki and the youngster Guru Dutt have all been here. Others have followed in their footsteps.Pundit Nehru had served a term of imprisonment in the Jail at Almora and has left behind an evocative account of the pleasures of solitude and the changing moods of nature in his various letters written from this place which acted as inspirational guide for the Indians.

Origin

Almora was the capital of the Chand dynasty, which ruled Kumaon for more than one thousand years. One remarkable fact about Almora is that while almost all hill stations were discovered and developed by British, Raja Kalyan Chand founded Almora in the year 1568 when he transferred his capital from Champawat to Almora.

Legend has it that about 500 years ago Raja Kalyan Chand, then the ruler of Kumaon with its capital at Champawat, was riding hard in pursuit of prey on this horseshoe shaped spur. The hunted quarry saved itself by taking refuge in a thicket of Kilmora - a wild bush - and revealed to the royal hunter the site of his would-be capital. The origins of settlement in Almora may have been different but the story continues to hold sway in the minds of many of the locals. Bounded by the Kosi and Suyal rivers, the local of the new capital was well suited strategically. Till the Gurkha onslaught, in the last decade of the 19th century, Almora remained well protected naturally.

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"In these hills, nature's hospitality eclipses all men can ever do. The enchanting beauties of the Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that envelopes you leaves 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 nearly three weeks in Almora Hills, I am more than ever amazed why our people need go in Europe in search of health." M.K. Gandhi Almora pocket-sized town in the east of Uttranchal, Almora has been voted to list among the hot Indian hill stations. The world has been bewitched by its beauty so much so that Franco-Australian-India Bollywood star Almora Davie was named after this hill station (Almora) followed by another popular film star, Uma Thurman, also resided in the same hill station. With snow clad plumed peaks, majestic peaks, variegated flora and fauna, wildlife and lakes as well as nature's benignity at the fullest at every step in Almora, you can romance the powdery snow here on the hills. Cleanse your soul on the enviable peaks of Almora- The hills were gods play and goddesses roost. Welcome to the abode of Divine Kings in Uttranchal.

A natural enticement

Famous for its rich cultural heritage, handicrafts and eco-tourism. Long back the beautiful town of Almora was a possession under the king of Baicheldeo until he doled out to the Gujarati Brahmin's. Located on the top peak of in a circular shape Almora roots on a 5 kilometer mountain range having in a shape of horse's shoe. Almora is also famous a temple town having an area of 2,085 sq mi. The quaint hill stations brings itself alive. The most noticeable fact of Almora lies in its discovery that unlike many other hill stations in India that owes their discovery to the Britishers, Almora has signs of being in existence since the Vedic ages.

The Temples

Kasar Devi Temple Decked with temples here and here and there the temples at Almora can be conveniently divided by two groups, Shaivite temples include the temples dedicated to female form of Shiva. The former group are those constructed before 1688 like Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwer and Parbateshwer were erected in after the victory of Udyot Chand. Also, the second group constructed during the second half of 1688 like temple of Parbateshwara was again endowed by the then rulers of Almora, Dip Chand in 1760 and was renamed Dipchandeshwar. This present temple began to be called the Nanda Devi temple when the image of Nanda was removed from the fort by Mr. Trail, a famous British, the then divisional commissioner of Kumaun. Again eight temples of Bhirava, a form of Siva, were erected during the reign of Gyan Chand to allay the wrath of Bhola Nath and these temples were called .Kal Bhairava, Batuk Bhairav, Shah Bhairav, Garhi Bhairava, Anand Bhairava,.Gaur Bhairava, .Bal Bhairava and Khutkuniya Bhairava.

Lakhuudiyar

Almora has the most important prehistorical sites in the form of rock paintings, Lakhuudiyar being the most important of all. It shelters paintings of human beings, animals, group of dancers, lizards, etc. in the rock and said to exist since the age of Bronze. Close to Lakhuudiyar is situated Pharkanauli and Phulseema (4 km) the rock belonging to the Bronze of Age. A peculiar thing about these paintings are the red lines all over the rocks that somehow forms the dancing figures.

Festive Zingo

There is no month without festivals in Almora and, moreover, these festivals rule the hearts of people residing on these hills. Nanda Devi Festivals, Uttraini festival and Jageshwar monsoon festival are among the most popular festivals in Almora. The festival time draws tourists in hordes with a month long fair on the icy peaks. The festival of Dusshera is celebrated in a unique manner with great toppings of pomp and show, at Almora.

Elevation

Almora - 1,890 meters. Binsar - 2,412 meters

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Location Details

Almora is one of the most popular hill stations of Uttaranchal. It is one of the five districts in the newly carved state of the Uttaranchal. It is also known as the cultural capital of Kumaon. Almora is on a three-mile long horse-saddle shaped ridge and is surrounded by hill ranges on all four sides by hill ranges. All the four ranges have the temples on the top of their peak. These temples are of goddesses Banari Devi, Kasar Devi, Sayahi Devi and the temple of Sun god.

Almora is one of the three hill districts of Kumaon. The other two being Nainital and Pithoragarh. It is the cultural capital of Kumaon. Almora is also referred to as the unspoilt child of nature. It is situated on a three-mile long horse saddle-shaped ridge and is surrounded by four hill ranges - Banari Devi, Kasar Devi, Shayahi Devi and Katarnal. The three peaks have temples of Goddesses while Katarnal has an ancient Sun temple worth visiting.

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How to Reach There and Distances

By Air

The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital). During the summer regular flights are operational.

By Road

Almora is well connected with all-important cities of India by road.

By Rail

The nearest raiway station near Almora is Kathgodam.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

Almora is situated at an altitude of 1,638 meters. The climate in Almora can be described as moderate. The summers are warm in the morning and pleasant in the evenings. The winters are cold and sunny during the daytime while the nights are very cold with snowfall a couple of time during the season.

The best season for tourist is during the months April-June and September-November. one can have the view of the snow-capped mountains during the early summers and autumns. The best time to witness snowfall is from the end of December till the early February.

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Tourist places near Almora

Almora has attracted many people including famous personalities and dignitaries. Swami Vivekananda visited Almora at the turn of this century. The famous lectures 'From Almora To Colombo' quotes that he was spellbound by the beauty of the mountains here as much as by the ocean at Kanyakumari. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission was earlier located at Mayawati Ashram then in Almora. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore came here to spend his summers to forget the personal loss of a beloved child and found the environs of the hill station salubrious. The internationally acclaimed dance choreographer Udaya Shankar fell in love with this place and set up a cultural center here. Sitar player Ravi Shankar, artist Zohra Sehgal, the film star Guru Dutt, painter Brewster, mystic Lama Govinda and scientist Boshi Sen have stayed and enjoyed the natural beauty of Almora. Jawaharlal Nehru served a term of imprisonment in the Jail at Almora during the British rule. He had left behind an elaborate account of the pleasures of solitude and the varied moods of nature in his various letters written from this place to his daughter. Tours to Almora There are quite a few hill stations to visit near Almora. Binsar is situated 30 km from Almora. You can have an unobstructed view of the important mountain peaks of Uttaranchal from here. Binsar has been made a sanctuary. The entire area is various species of exotic flora and fauna. Ranikhet is almost 35 km from Almora. It was one's the British cantonment and you will find buildings of the British period even today. There are several places to visit at Ranikhet. Bageshwar is 90 km from Almora and is a newly made district. There is an ancient and famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the banks of the confluence of two rivers Gomati and Saryu. Baijnath is a small town famous for a group of temples. It is a small distance away from Bageshwar. Kausani is a small hill station mid way between Almora and Bageshwar. Mahatma Gandhi spent three weeks in the Anakshakti Ashram in this small hill station and described it as the Switzerland of India. The view of the snowline is spectacular from here. Sitalakhet is a small hill resort, which is yet unexplored. There is the temple of Sayahi Devi on the top of a mountain peak.

One can visit the picturesque places around Almora, for sightseeing. Binsar, which has now been designated a sanctuary, is an hour's motor drive from Almora. Binsar hill, locally known as Jhandi Dhar, rises to a height of 2,412 meters and offers a panoramic view of Almora town, the Kumaon hills and the Greater Himalayas. The region around abounds in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. The brow is reached by an unpaved ridge lined by prosperous private estate. A walk through the woods comprising mostly oak and rhododendron forest, leads to a vantage point at the summit, which offers an uncluttered view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valley. Binsar was the favorite summer resort of the eminent Hindi poet Ajneya.

There are a number of places of tourist interest around Ranikhet. Chaubatia is famous for its orchards; Tarikhet, eight kilometers away, was once the nerve center of the Freedom Movement. Mahatma Gandhi also lived here for a while; Majkhali presents a fascinating view of snowy peaks and Upat, about six kilometers from Ranikhet, has an exquisite golf course. Kausani, 32 miles from Almora, the Chand Rajas used to camp here during summer. It offers a wonderful view of the Himalayas.

In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi spent three fruitful weeks at this charming spot called Kausani (51 kilometers from Almora) in the Kumaon hills and described it is India's Switzerland. Today, despite deforestation in the area, Kausani can still lay claim to the title bestowed on it. Quaint villages, orchards laden with fruit and hill slopes covered with pine trees escort one into Kausani. In the distance, snow mantled peaks glitter in the sun and the breeze carries with it much of the cool freshness of the snows.

The mountains around Kausani seem to change in shape and color. Each change provides an entrancing spectacle and induces a deeper communion with nature. The Anakshakti Ashram atop a hill where the Mahatma stayed commands one of the most magnificent views of the mountain ranges around Kausani. The vast sweep of the mountain view (simply called "The View" locally), which encompasses a remarkable 350 kilometers at Kausani, is the central point of attraction in this little hill station.

There are shady paths carpeted with pine needles and in the air is the wonderful, inimitable fragrance of pine. Terraced fields add a distinctive touch to the pastoral picture around kausani.

Chitai Temple

This is a very busy area. This temple is dedicated to Lord Golu. The people of Kumau worship him. Once a wish is fulfilled people hang little bells in this temple. Therefore there are thousands of little bells hanging there. The view of the Himalayas is extremely beautiful from here. This temple is 8 kmsaway by walk through a beautiful pine forest, but one can go by cart too.

Bright End Corner

Bright and Corner is a place famous for sunrise and sunset points. It is one soul where you can listen to your soul and treat yourself in the silent environ of the valley. Very near to the place is circuit house and Vivekananda library where you can visit for some change and flipping the pages o f the past. Almora is 2 km away from here. A highlight of this point is the sunset and the sunrise seen through the Himalayan peaks. A circuit house close by allows tourists to spend some time in this peaceful surrounding. Close by is the Vivekananda Library which has many books on literature. A little away is the Vivekananda Memorial where Swami Vivekananda had stopped for a while on his journey to the Himalayas.

Almora Fort

The Almora Fort gives birds-eye view of the town and its environs. The Almora Fort was converted into a Collectorate and offers a 360o cycloramic vista of Almora and the surrounding countryside after independence.

Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum

Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum near Almora bus stand is one museums that deserves a great visit. It has a rich collection of items of history, archeology and cultural significance. Spend some time at the museum and you will come cross various new displayed items of the past. 'Apen' is one such item folk style of painting found in this region and can be seen here in this museum in its various aspects.

Deer Park

Some 3 km from Almora is this interesting reserve that houses many deer species, leopards and the Himalayan black bear amidst tall pine groves. Another quick getaway in the forested hills is Simtola, about 3 km from Almora.

Nanda Devi Temple, Almore Tour VacationsNanda Devi Temple: This 1000-year old temple is one of the main attraction of Almora. Its walls have carvings on them. Every year a festival is held here in which youth from various mountainous areas come here to participate in this dance festival.

Kasar Devi

Near Kalimutt is the temple of Kasar Devi. This ancient temple was built on a mountain peak in the second century. The distance between Kalimatt and Kasar Devi is less than 1 km and can be easily covered by foot. The surrounding area has become the home of many foreigners. The main town is 6 km away.

State Museum This museum is near the bus stand . It is closed on Mondays and other Government Holidays. It is open from 10:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Around Almora

Bageshwar (90 km.) Bageshwar and Sitalakhet are other places of tourist interest. Bageshwar is one of the main camping sites for the journey to Pindari Glacier, which is situated at a height of 3,820 meters.Sitlakhet is the new tourist resort on the Syahi Devi hill.Kafni Glacier is also close by(around 3,870 meters above sea level).

Binsar(30 km.)

Binsar, once the summer capital of the Chand Rajas (7th to 8th centuries) is located at a distance of 34 kms from Almora.

Baijnath Temple, Baijnath ToursBaijnath (70Km.): From Kausani, the road descends to Garur & Baijnath (70 km Almora, 26 km from Bageshwar and 19 km from Kausani) on the bank of Gomti river in a flat valley. Perched at an altitude of 1126 m. below Kausani is the famous temple complex of Baijnath in the Garur valley of Katyur. A group of ancient temples dating back to the 12th & 13th century line the banks of the river, presenting a beautiful sight. The temples are remarked upon, for its carving stone work & heritage. Built by Katyuri Ruler, these have over the time become synonymous with India's rich mythology. The mail 10th century temple houses a beautiful idol of Goddess Parvati chiseled in black stone. Shiva & Parvati are believed to have married at the confluence of the Gomati & Garur Ganga. Innumerable tales of Lord Shiva & Parvati make these temples a fascinating experience. The Katyur Dynasty is believed to take their name from Kartikeya the mythical son of Shiva & Parvati.

Gannath (47 km.)

Gannath is known for natural caves and ancient Shiva temples. This place is 47 kms from Almora. It is good place for nature lovers and ideal for spending your day with surpassing beauty. Every year on Kartik Purnima day a fair is organized here.

Jageshwar (34 km.)

Jageshwar is located 34 kms from Almora. There is an ancient Shiva temple at Jageshwar. This temple is surrounded by huge fur trees. In fact, this temple is in the series of ancient temples which were built in Kumaon region many centuries ago. The Jageshwar Shiva temple carries archaeological importance too. the architecture of this temple is worth giving a close examination.

Kalimath (5 km.)

From Kalimath one gets a good view of Almora town and the adjoining area. The sight of the nearby hills is amazing. This place is 4.5 kms from Almora. Close to Kalimath is Kasar Devi. There is temple dedicated to Kasar devi. This temple dates back to second century. One can go on foot from Kalimath to Kasardevi which is hardly one kms.

Katarmal (17 km.)

After the Sun temple at Konark, Orissa, Katarmal has the second important sun temple in the country. This temple is almost 800 years old. But this temple has not received the amount of attention it must have received. Due to neglect, the sun temple at Katarmal is in very bad shape. One feels very sad that a monument of such historical importance has been left to decay like this. This temple has some unique architectural style and the images carved on the walls are very intricately done. All this is bound to attract attention of the visitor. This place is 17 kms from Almora.

Koshi (12 km.)

Natural beauty of this place surpasses any other place. Koshi is 12 kms from Almora. The Govind Vallabh Pant Environment Research Institute is located here. There is guest house which provides good and comfortable stay at Koshi.

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Accommodation

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