How To ? When ? Why? Where

66 km from Nainital and at an altitude of 1650m, Almora is an important commercial town and administrative center. The town has an influence of social & cultural traditions of Kumaon. The old Chand Forts, beautifully carved wooden homes decorated with traditional murals adds to the beauty of Almora. The beautiful garden orchards and numerous places of sanctity are worth visiting. One can get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas from a number of places in the district.

Splendid hill resorts such as Chaukori, Ranikhet, Sitlakhet, Binsar, Kausani & Bageshwar are the jewels of Almora. One can also enjoy adventure of trekking, sports etc. in Almora.

CLIMATE

The climate in Almora is moderate. The summers are quite warm in the morning but pleasant in the evenings. The winters are very cold. Almora experiences snowfall a couple of time during the winter season. The best season for tourist is during the months April-June and September-November. If you want to enjoy the snowfall, then the end of December till the early February is the best time.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport. At present flights are not operational.

By Rail: Almora is well connected to Delhi, Howrah & Lucknow.

By Road: Road transportation is the most convenient way to travel to Almora.

PLACES OF ATTRACTION

Nanda Devi Temple

This temple is 1000-year old and is one of the main attractions of Almora. A grand dance festival is held every year.

Chitai Temple (8 kms)

This temple is dedicated to the local god Golu. Thousands of Kumaonis living in Kumaon or outside visit here. You can see thousand of bells hanging all around the temple. People write letter to god and when their wish is fulfilled they hang these bells.

Bright End Corner (2 km)

It is a beautiful picnic spot from where you can get the glimpses of the sunrise and sun set. The Vivekananda Memorial and the Library is a little away from here.

Martola (10 kms)

It is another picnic spot surrounded by gardens. Govind Vallabh Pant Museum is near the main bus stand.

Katarmal Sniya Mandir

Situated on the altitude of 2116 m, this Sun temple is located 17 km on the Almora-Ranikhet road (3 km on foot).Built during 12th century, this temple is the best example of typical Hve period sculpture. Many subsidiary shrines are built around the main temple. This Sun temple has religious significance. Bus and Taxi services are available till Kosi (12 km).

Lakhudiyar

Discovered 20 km from Almora, Lakhudiyar has three very important prehistoric sites in the form of rock paintings. A hood like rocky shelter is the chief specimen.

Jageshwar (38 km)

This beautiful narrow valley is surrounded by magnificent Deodar Trees and has 124 ornamented temples. The complex is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship. It also has one of the Swayambhu (Jyotirlinga) named Nagesh. Of the total Shrines, the three outstanding ones,are dedicated to Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi. You can find a strong Buddhist influence in the carvings. Jageshwar temple sports sculpted dwarpals or doorkeepers at its entrance.

Here is a small museum where statues of artistic value have been preserved by the archaeological department. Grand fairs are held during Shivratri and in the month of Sawan (July, August). 2 km to the Southwest is the temples of Bridha Jageshwar. From here you can get the magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Dandeshwar, another shrine is 1 km short of the actual temple complex. Further 2 km trek from Bridha Jageshwar you will reach the Mritola Ashram, which is a center of spiritual and natural beauty. 1.3 km away is Hiriya Shikhar (2200 m) from where one can get a beautiful view of the Himalayas.