Almora, a hidden gem in Uttarakhand, is a beautiful hill station that is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and history. The city is situated at an altitude of 1,638 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and terraced fields. And here you can Explore the Enchanting Beauty of Almora.
Why to go Almora ?
- One of the main reasons to visit Almora is for its breathtaking views. The town is situated on a ridge and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Nanda Devi.
- Another great reason to visit Almora is for its rich culture and history. The town has a strong connection to the Kumaon region and its people, and there are many interesting temples, forts, and other historical sites to explore.
- In addition to its natural beauty and cultural richness, Almora is also famous for its delicious local cuisine.
- Almora is a great destination for adventure and recreational activities. From trekking and hiking to rock climbing and paragliding, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Historical and Mythological significance of the Enchanting Beauty of Almora
- Almora has a rich historical past, dating back to the 6th century AD. It was once the capital of the Chand dynasty, a powerful and influential kingdom that ruled over the region for centuries.
- The town is also steeped in mythological legends and stories. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati once lived in Almora and that the town is home to several sacred temples and shrines dedicated to these deities.
- Visitors to Almora can take a tour of the many historical and cultural attractions in the town, such as the famous Khali Temple, the Binsar Mahadev Temple and the Almora Fort.
- The town is also home to several beautiful and serene lakes, such as the Khairna Lake and the Khali Lake, which are popular among tourists looking for a peaceful and tranquil getaway.
- Almora is also a popular destination for adventure and outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking and rock climbing, and is home to several popular trekking routes and trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
- Additionally, Almora is known for its delicious local cuisine and traditional handicrafts, such as woolen shawls, pottery and woodcarvings.
Best Places of Almora
Nanda Devi Temple
- Nestled at a height of 2,000 meters above sea level, and dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi, this temple is one of the most revered religious spots in Almora.
- The temple complex is situated on a small hilltop and offers mystifying views of verdant hills, gushing waterfalls, valleys, and the distant snow-clad Himalayan range.
Chitai Temple
- Dedicated to Lord Golu or Golu Devata – an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the Chitai Temple is one of the most popular temples in Almora.
- Established during the 15th century by Hing Lachman Pal – a powerful Kumaoni ruler, it features intricate carvings that give this shrine its unique charm.
Bright End Corner
- It’s the spot from where you can get panoramic views of bustling bazaar below in addition to dense jungles standing tall behind it.
- All these picturesque sights make for some wonderful memories.
Katarmal Sun Temple
- Standing as evidence of 10th-century architecture at its best, Katarmal Sun Temple is renowned for its magnificence and spiritual grandeur.
- Built by Katyuri Dynasty rulers but shifted to its current location from nearby Udaikhan village in 8th century removes any awe while visiting this ancient sun temple located both strategically and geographically important place with mesmerizing surroundings near Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary near Almora district.
Zero Point
- Located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level surrounded with oak forests and mountains around it mark the union point dividing huge central rafted area which extends across Badrinath Valley along the Central Himalayas’ western fringe through Uttarakhand state makes for perfect picturesque walks amid wilderness full of flora and fauna radiates more serenity than any other tourist spots in India .
Jageshwar Dham
- It is known as little Varanasi where Lord Shiva resides as both shiva lingam and main deity within Jageshwar Temple Complex’s 221 temples set within under grove with forests around them boast ancient floral beauty built within 12th -18th century whose pagoda style towers look incredible along creek running besides entire complex emits divine spirits making it worth visit even if you’re not religious person.
Khajanchi Kothi Chowk
- Visiting charming well-preserved 18th-century mansion can refresh your mind like no other places – adorned with traditional Kumaon style artworks such as samadhis (stone/metal figures) mural paintings nooks makes it total visual delight adored by many passersby who also seek eternal peace making quite prominent stop on every desired traveller’s list!
Guidelines while visiting Almora
- Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your visit to Almora.
- Make sure to carry comfortable shoes as the town is known for its hilly terrain.
- Pack warm clothing as the temperature can drop significantly in the evenings.
- Respect the local culture and customs by dressing modestly and avoiding loud noise and litter.
- Take advantage of the numerous trekking and hiking opportunities to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Almora.
- Try the local cuisine, such as Aloo ke Gutke and Bal Mithai, to get a taste of the region’s culinary delights.
- Shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at the Almora Bazaar.
- Avoid visiting during the monsoon season as the heavy rainfall can make it difficult to move around.
- Always carry enough cash as not all places accept card payments.
- Be aware of your surroundings while exploring and stay alert to avoid any untoward incidents.
- If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Accomdation facilities
Visitors to Almora can choose from a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury resorts, budget-friendly hotels, and homestays.Many of the accommodation options in Almora offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Some of the most popular accommodation facilities in Almora include :
- The Nainital Palace is a luxurious resort that offers guests a range of amenities, including a spa, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool.
- The Hotel Saffron is a budget-friendly option that provides comfortable rooms and great views of the surrounding hills.
- The Hotel Himalaya is a homestay that offers guests a chance to experience traditional Kumaoni culture and hospitality.
Cuisine you can have in Almora are
The cuisine of Almora is a reflection of its diverse culture and geography. It is a blend of Kumaoni, Garhwali and Tibetan influences.
- One of the popular dishes of Almora is “Bhang ki Chutney”
It made from hemp leaves. It is a traditional Kumaoni dish and is served as a side dish with dal-bhaat.
- Another famous dish from Almora is “Chainsoo”
A traditional Kumaoni dish made from a mixture of lentils and vegetables. It is a must-try for those who love lentils.
- “Gahat ki dal”
It is also a popular dish of Almora made from horse gram. It is considered to be a healthy and nutritious dish.
- For non-vegetarians, “Bal Mithai”
It is a must-try. It is a traditional Kumaoni sweet made from khoya and sugar.
- Almora is also known for its delicious “momos”, a popular Tibetan dish. They can be found in various street vendors and restaurants in the city.
- The local produce of Almora, such as apples and apricots, are used to make delicious jams, pickles and chutneys.
- The city is also famous for its traditional Kumaoni drink “Chaach”, a yoghurt-based drink which is perfect for summers.
Activities to do in Almora
There are many adventure activities to experience in Almora, including trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, and camping.
One of the most popular is trekking
- Trekking in Almora is an adventure that offers an opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of the Himalayas and the serene atmosphere of the region. Almora is home to many popular trekking trails, including the Khaliya Top trek, which is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Almora.
- he trek starts from Lohaghat and passes through dense forests, beautiful meadows, and traditional villages before reaching the summit of Khaliya Top. The trekking season is from April to June, and September to November.
For rock climbing enthusiasts
- Rock climbing in Almora is an exhilarating experience that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys. The Khaliya Top trek is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in Almora, with challenging routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
- The Khaliya Top trek offers a variety of routes, from easy to moderate to difficult, and the climbing season is from April to June, and September to November.
Paragliding is another popular adventure activity
- Paragliding in Almora is an exhilarating adventure activity that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys. The town of Almora is located at an altitude of 1638 meters above sea level, making it an ideal destination for paragliding.
- The Khaliya Top offers both thermal and slope flying, and the paragliding season is from March to June and September to November.
Camping is also a popular activity in Almora
- Camping in Almora is an exciting and serene activity that offers an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and secluded wilderness of the region. The hill station is surrounded by picturesque mountains, lush green forests, and tranquil valleys that provide the perfect setting for camping.
- The trek is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers, and the camping season is from April to June, and September to November.
Averages Daily Temperture of Almora
To help you plan your visit to Almora, we have compiled a table of the average daily maximum and minimum temperature in Celsius for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Daily Maximum Temperature (Celsius) | Average Daily Minimum Temperature (Celsius) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 3 |
| February | 15 | 5 |
| March | 19 | 8 |
| April | 25 | 12 |
| May | 30 | 18 |
| June | 32 | 22 |
| July | 32 | 22 |
| August | 31 | 21 |
| September | 29 | 19 |
| October | 25 | 14 |
| November | 20 | 10 |
| December | 15 | 5 |