Pithoragarh District
essenceofkumaun
PITHORAGARH DISTRICT STATS ~ essenceofkumaun
AREA: 7090 sq KM
FOREST AREA: 2093 sq KM
DISTRICT HQ: Pithoragarh
ALTITUDE: 1514 m
LANGUAGE: Kumaoni, Hindi
BEST SEASON: March-Jun, Sep-Dec
HISTORY OF PITHORAGARH ~ essenceofkumaun
Pithoragarh District being the last district adjoining Tibet, has tremendous strategic importance as the passes of Lipu lekh, Kungribingri, Lampia Dhura, Lawe Dhura, Belcha and Keo, open out to Tibet.
After its conquest by Bhartpal, in 1364, Pithoragarh was ruled for the rest of the 14th century by three generations of Pals, and the kingdom extended from Pithoragarh to Askot. According to a Tamra Patra from 1420, the Pal dynasty was uprooted by Chand kings. In the 16th century, the Chand dynasty again took control over Pithoragarh town. British rule began in December 1815.
Pithoragarh remained a tehsil under Almora district until 1960 when its status was elevated to district. It was in the wake of Chinese aggression that on 24th Feb 1960, a sizeable section of Almora district was carved into Pithoragarh district containing extreme border areas with its head quarters in Pithoragarh town.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PITHORAGARH DISTRICT
What is Pithoragarh famous for ?
Pithoragarh is popular as being the starting point for treks to the Milam Glacier and the Darma Valley. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, specially the Panchachuli Peaks which overlook lush green Saur valley criss-crossed by meandering rivers and waterfalls cutting across forests.
Pithoragarh Fort
Kasar Devi near Almora, is known for the Kasar Devi temple. Its also known for Crank’s Ridge.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet is famous for it’s climate, captivating Himalayan view and soothing & pollution free greenery of pines and oaks.
Binsar
Binsar offers close views of Himalayan peaks. The entire region is a wildlife sanctuary.
Dwarahat
It is situated in a valley of river Ramganga and around 10 km from here is the famous Doonagiri temple.
Shitla Khet
Situated between Ranikhet and Almora this place provides a wide view of the Himalayan peaks and is full of fruit orchards.
katarmal
Katarmal is famous for 800 years temple dedicated to the Sun God and is situated around 17 km Northwest of Almora.
Jageshwar
Jageshwer is one of the most important religious places of Hindus in Kumaon and is believed to be one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’.
Jalana
Jalana offers a wide panoramic view of Himalayas. There are number of orchards which produce variety of fruits.
PLACES TO VISIT IN ALMORA
Gairad Golu Dev Temple
Golu Devata is the legendary, historical and mythological God of the Kumaon region and is their deity.
The Nanda Devi Mandir
Every Sept, many flock to this temple for Nanda Devi Mela, which is an integral part of this temple for more than 400 years.
Banri Devi Temple
The octagonal temple has an ancient idol of Vishnu with the Sheshnag pose.
Katarmal Temple
It's a magnificent Surya temple and is also known as Bara Aditya temple. Its the only Sun temple in Kumaon.
Gana Nath Temple
Gana Nath Temple, 47 kms from Almora, is famous for its caves and a Shiva temple.
Chitai Golu Temple
Chitai Temple is easily recognised by the amount of copper bells hung in its premises.
Binsar Mahadev
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.
Jageshwar Dham
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.
Jhoola Devi Temple
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.
Kasar Devi temple
Its a Devi temple, dedicated to Kasar Devi, after whom the place is named. The temple structure dates to the 2nd century CE.
HOW TO REACH ALMORA
BY AIR
The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, about 127 KMs from Almora.
BY ROAD
Distance from Almora to other cities is listed below.
BY TRAIN
Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (around 90 Km), it is connected by rail with Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun & Calcutta.
ALMORA WEATHER
ALMORA MAP
