AREA: 3139 sq KM
FOREST AREA: 1309 sq KM
DISTRICT HQ: ALMORA
ALTITUDE: 1638 m
LANGUAGE: Kumaoni, Hindi
BEST SEASON: April-June, Sep-Nov
Almora was developed by the kings of Chand dynasty. The ancient town of Almora, was under the possession of Katyuri king Baichal deo. He donated the major part of this land to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally located place in 1568 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it was called Rajapur.
In the 1960s Bageshwar district, Pithoragarh district and Champawat district had not yet been formed and were part of Almora district.
Almora attracts tourists each year due to its views of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts and cuisine, and being a business hub for the Kumaon region.
Almora is famous for its beauty, panoramic view of the Himalayas, rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, and delicious cuisines. Almora is famous among tourist as Hill Station, Town, Cultural Hub, Fairs and Festivals, Temples. Almora is known for offering fascinating and panoramic views of the magnificent Himalayas. Below are the details of best places to visit in Almora District.
Kasar Devi near Almora, is known for the Kasar Devi temple. Its also known for Crank’s Ridge.
Ranikhet is famous for it’s climate, captivating Himalayan view and soothing & pollution free greenery of pines and oaks.
Binsar offers close views of Himalayan peaks. The entire region is a wildlife sanctuary.
It is situated in a valley of river Ramganga and around 10 km from here is the famous Doonagiri temple.
Situated between Ranikhet and Almora this place provides a wide view of the Himalayan peaks and is full of fruit orchards.
Katarmal is famous for 800 years temple dedicated to the Sun God and is situated around 17 km Northwest of Almora.
Jageshwer is one of the most important religious places of Hindus in Kumaon and is believed to be one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’.
Jalana offers a wide panoramic view of Himalayas. There are number of orchards which produce variety of fruits.
Kausani is situated around 52 KMs from Almora and is famous for it’s breathtakingly view of the Himalayan Peaks.
Famous temple of Manila Devi is around 85 km from Ranikhet. The Himalayan views from this hill ridge are worth remembering.
Golu Devata is the legendary, historical and mythological God of the Kumaon region and is their deity.
Every Sept, many flock to this temple for Nanda Devi Mela, which is an integral part of this temple for more than 400 years.
The octagonal temple has an ancient idol of Vishnu with the Sheshnag pose.
It's a magnificent Surya temple and is also known as Bara Aditya temple. Its the only Sun temple in Kumaon.
Gana Nath Temple, 47 kms from Almora, is famous for its caves and a Shiva temple.
Chitai Temple is easily recognised by the amount of copper bells hung in its premises.
It is said to have been built in 9/10th Century. With idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri & Maheshmardini, this temple is known for its architectural finesse.
It is a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are 124 big and small temples. The temple are said to be 2500 years old.
The holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has been named as Jhoola Devi because the presiding deity is seen seated on a cradle.
Its a Devi temple, dedicated to Kasar Devi, after whom the place is named. The temple structure dates to the 2nd century CE.
The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, about 127 KMs from Almora.
Distance from Almora to other cities is listed below.
Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (around 90 Km), it is connected by rail with Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun & Calcutta.