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 DISTANCE CHART

DETAILS

ALMORA WEATHER

ALMORA MAP

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