Kumaun- Places to Visit (Almora)

1. Almora District

Almora district is endowed with exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, delectable cuisine and exotic wildlife.

This charming hill resort was the flourishing capital of the Chand dynasty. The region was earlier under the reigns of the Katyuri king Baichaldeo, who donated this area to a Gujarati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. In 1560 the capital of Chand Dynasty was shifted to Almora (from Champawat) by Kalyan Chand. The beautiful town is set on a 6 kms long horse saddle shaped ridge. It affords breathtaking views of the snowy summits of Himalayas and is an excellent place for a peaceful holiday.

2. Almora Tourist Map

3. Places to Visit in Almora

Chitai Temple : Eight kms from Almora is the Chitai Temple, dedicated to Golu Devta. An incarnation of Gaur Bhairav, he is reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper ask for it with a clear conscience.

Kosi Temple (10 kms): The temple was built in the 12th century by the Katyuri dynasty. One of the earliest Sun temples in India.

Gananath (47 kms): Gananath is famous for an old Shiva Temple and many interesting natural caves in a charming landscape. It is located 47 kms north of Almora.

Someshwar : About 35 kms north from Almora, Someshwar has an ancient Shiva temple considered to be constructed by the founder of the Chand Dynasty, Raja Som Chand.

Kausani : This charming hill resort set amidst several snow- capped peaks is endowed with exceptional natural beauty. Mahatma Gandhi came here in 1929, and was fascinated by the scenic grandeur of Kausani.

Jageshwar : The pilgrim site located in a verdant valley is 38 kms from Almora and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga's in the country. The Swayambhu Linga named Nagesh is enshrined here.

4. How to reach Almora

By Air: The nearest airport for Almora is Pantnagar (127 kms)

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (90kms), which is connected with Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata (Howrah).

By Road: Almora is well connected by road. Main road distance from Almora are - Lucknow (466 kms), Dehradun (412 kms), Nanital (71 kms), Delhi (382 kms), Bareilly (205 kms), Kathgodam (90 kms), Pithoragarh (122 kms), Haridwar (357 kms), Haldwani (96 kms).