About the City

The cultural capital of Kumaon, Almora is one of the three hill districts of Kumaon. The Picturesque district, Almora is a fine blend of mountain beauty; ancient cultural influences, sanctified spots, thickly wooded forests, scenic valleys, quaint cottages, crystal lakes and gushing rivers...... all inspiring one to call it the 'traveller's paradise.It was the capital of Chand dynasty till 1790 AD when it was occupied by the Gurkhas and later by the British in 1815.

Almora owing to its natural splendor is referred to as the unspoilt child of nature. It is a beautiful scenic place situated at an altitude of 5900 ft.. on a three-mile long horse-shoe shaped ridge and is surrounded by four hill ranges - Banari Devi, Shayahi Devi, Kasar Devi and Katarnal in between the river Kosi and Suyal . The first three peaks have temples of Godesses while Katarnal has an ancient Sun Temple .

The historic Chand fort, beautifully carved wooden houses, a pleasant atmosphere and the hospitable people make Almora an exciting location.

Accessibility

• By Air
  The nearest airport is a Pantnagar (Nainital) at a distance of 127 km's. During the summer regular flights are operational.
• By Rail
  The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (90kms.). Connected by rail with Lucknow , Delhi and Howrah .
• By Road
  Connected by road with most places of Uttaranchal

Places of Interest

• Kasar Devi
  The temple situated at the north of the city is on the Kashyap Hills. It is mentioned in the puranas that the Goddess Durga took the form of Kaushiki here to kill the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. The view of snow-capped peak of the Himalayas is visible from the temple premises attracts tourists from around the world.
  
• Deer Park
  There is a deer park at a distance of 3 kms., on the outskirts of the city. It is a popular tourist spot.
  
• Binsar
  Situated only 30km's away from the township of Almora lies Binsar nestled amongst thick forests of Oak and Rhodendron and yet offering surprisingly close views of the Himalayan peaks. The entire region is now a wildlife sanctuary and has a host of wildlife like Panther and Barking Deer. The temple of Binsar lies nearby. One of the many legends concerning Binsar states that 'Should anyone take away anything belonging to the God or his worshippers and avenging spirit and compels him conscience stricken to restore it twenty fold. Even the faithless and the dishonest are said to be reformed by a visit to Binsar.
  
• Bageshwer
  Bageshwar is one of the main camping sites for the journey to Pindari Glacier, which is situated around 90 KMs from Almora. The place is significant from both religious and tourist point of view. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti, Bageswer is the seat of the famous Uttaraini fair which is held every year in January. The famous and ancient temple of Bagnath from which the township gets it's name. It is believed that Markandey sage has lived at the place and that Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods of Hindus had wandered about as a tiger. Even for the adventurous tourist Bageshwer is a necessary destination since in order to reach the glaciers of Sunderdunga, Kafni and Pindari one has to necessarily cross Bageshwer.
  
• Ranikhet
  About. 50 km. from Almora in the jungles of Ranikhet there is 'Kumayon Regiment' which is most popular. There is various temples like Chobatiya, Dawarahaat, Tarhikhet, Sheetlakhet, Kalika etc. which are the attractive places over here.
  
• Patal Bhubneshwer
  Fastly emerging on the international tourism map, Patal Bhubneshwer is a unique wonder of the nature. Situated about 110 kms. from Almora towards Gangolihat, in Pithoragarh district the underground cave of Patal Bhubneshwer has a vertical tunnel shaped 40 meters path for getting inside into it from the ground .After reaching at the bottom, the main passage opens into several small horizontal caves, out of which the longest accessible cave is 120 meters horizontal in length. The most important thing is to notice is the mystery of natural carving of many animals, Gods and Goddesses in such a fine way that all it seems real. The cave temple of Patal Bhubneshwer is traditionally believed to be the abode of thirty three crore deities. These marvelous creature of the nature can evoke weird romantic fancies and images in the religiously inclined person.
  
• Shitla Khet
  Situated between Ranikhet and Almora this picturesque place not only affords a wide view of the Himalayan peaks but is also full of fruit orchards. Scouting camps are frequently held here and there is a beautiful temple of Syahi Devi around 3 Kms away on a lovely mountainous trail.
  
• Lakhudiyar
  It literally means one lakh caves. This is one of the most important pre-historics sites in the hills. It is situated at a distance of 20 kms. from Almora.