Welcome to Almora
Sitting on the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalayan Range, Almora is yet another beautiful tourist destination in Uttarakhand. The town sprawls on a horse saddle shaped hillock that is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fir trees and is made fecund by rivers like Koshi (Kaushiki) and Suyal (Salmale). Almora is also the district headquarter of the district of the same name and is famous for its picturesque landscape, rich cultural heritage, unique handicraft and delicious cuisine. The town is also known for its temples that are large in number and attract devotees. Reckoned to be an excellent base for many hill stations in Kumaon region, Almora comprises of busy markets, a melange of culture, and serenity that envelops practically everything.
Swami Vivekanand is said to have fallen for Almora and is believed to have spent time meditating on its quiet hills. Today’s Almora, however, is a bustling town with of course quieter suburb areas and breathtaking scenery. The peace of mind that one attains at the Temple of Kasar Devi, Chittai Golu Dev and Nanda Devi cannot be compared with anywhere else, and this is why probably, devotees from far and wide throng to these pilgrimage sites which by the way are amongst the best places to visit in Almora. Apart from it, the famed Lala Bazaar is the place to see some ancient edifices; the houses and shops here truly add to the rustic charm of the town. A short distance from Almora, the cave paintings dating back to the Stone Age can be found at Phulaseema (4 km), Pharkanauli and Lakhuudiyar (20 km). Whereas, at the Bright End Corner (2 km), one can witness one of the best sunset and sunrise views. Almora is also known for its authentic sweets, Balmithai and Singori and is an important place for Angora garments and copper vessels along with traditional Aipan Art.
As a district, Almora offers beautiful destinations like Kausani, Ranikhet, Binsar and Dwarahat that are ideal for a summer as well as winter holidays. Jageshwar, which is located 36 km from Almora is known for its sacred Hindu temples as well as beautiful landscape. Apart from it, Katarmal, situated some 7kms from the town is definitely a must visit in the district. Built on the model of the Sun Temple of Konark, Odisha, this temple also boasts of rich architecture and history. Sitlakhet, which is located between Almora and Ranikhet is a place for nature lovers as it flaunts scenic landscape, quaint ambiance, fruit orchards and jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan peaks. The place is also ideal for camping. Almora is a perfect place to enjoy a vacation in Uttarakhand, as it offers the right blend of nature, modern amenities, rustic charm and warm hospitality.
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