Places to visit in Almora District
The Bright End Corner (2 km) offers one of the outstanding sunset and sunrise views in the area. Almora is also recognised for its original sweets, such as Balmithai and Singori, as well as Angora robes and copper pots, as well as traditional Aipan art.
Almora, as a district, offers lovely places such as Kausani, Ranikhet, Binsar, and Dwarahat, which are perfect for both summer and winter vacations. Jageshwar, 36 kilometres from Almora, is noted for its ancient Hindu temples and gorgeous scenery.
Apart from that, Katarmal, about 7 kilometres from town, is a must-see in the district. This temple, modelled after the Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, is rich in architecture and history.
Sitlakhet, located between Almora and Ranikhet, is a naturalist’s paradise with its picturesque environment, charming ambience, fruit orchards, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
Let’s Explore the Top 20 places to visit in Almora District
- Chitai Golu Devta Temple
- Katarmal Sun Temple
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Bright End Corner
- Zero Point
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Almora Zoo
- Lakhudiyar Cave
- Jageshwar Dham
- Nanda Devi Temple
- Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
- Jhula Devi Temple
- Patal Devi Mandir
- Kalimat Almora
- Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum
- Laal Bazaar Almora
- Jalna Almora
- Martola
- Mirtola Ashram
- Jageshwar Museum
1. Chitai Golu Devta Temple
2. Katarmal Sun Temple
Katarmal Sun Temple was built between the 9th and 13th centuries by Katyuri monarch Katarmalla. This historic piece of history is located in the Kumaon Hills, about 17 kilometres from Almora.
After Konark Sun Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple is regarded as India’s second most important sun temple (Orissa). It is thought to be the sole sun temple in the mountains. The temple, which is located at the summit of the hill, is reached after a 2-kilometre difficult hike.
The superbly constructed architectural masterpiece positioned at 2,116 metres above sea level greets the visitor. The old Sun God known as Burhadita or Vraddhaditya is the main deity of the well-designed temple. The main shrine is encircled by 45 other shrines.
On pillars, walls, doors, and panels, intricate carvings can be found. Paintings and magnificent stone and metal sculptures demonstrate the level of artistry attained by the artists of the time.
After a 10th-century idol was taken from the temple grounds, the finely carved wooden doors and panels were removed and relocated to the National Museum in Delhi. A beautiful 180-degree view of the valley may be had from the temple complex.
Despite the fact that Almora’s Sun Temple is now protected by the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958,’ it receives few tourists; normally, only a few foreigners and local devotees pay a visit.
Whether it’s a natural beauty, history, adventure, or architectural brilliance, this area has it all and should be added to one’s list of Almora must-see sights.
3. Kasar Devi Temple
Kasar Devi Temple is in Kasar Devi village, about 10 kilometres from Almora. Kasar Devi, the temple’s principal deity, is the source of the place’s name.
The temple, which was once a cave temple, contains a 2nd century BC rock inscription. It is the district’s lone cave temple. The temple is located at the top of a hill and is reached via a steep flight of stairs that begins on the road itself.
There are deodar and pine trees in and around the area, and from here one may get a nice panoramic view of Almora town, Hawabagh Valley, and the magnificent Himalayan ranges.
The temple grounds offer a spectacular view of the setting sun. The Devi’s shrine is a wonderful spot to meditate because of its tranquil setting. Swami Vivekananda is claimed to have visited Kasar Devi in the 1890s and pondered in the tranquil and healthy surroundings.
The Kasar Devi Fair is held in the village in November or December to commemorate Karthik Poornima.
4. Bright End Corner
The Bright End Corner, located about 2 kilometres from Almora, is a must-see site in the city. It is a unique location with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
At sunset and sunrise, this window to nature’s stunning grandeur shines even brighter. The most anticipated occurrences in Bright End Corner are the sunset and sunrise.
It’s situated on a hairpin turn and offers views of Himalayan peaks including Trishul I, Trishul II, Trishul III, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli, and others. There are restaurants and cafes around that can keep the visitor’s stomachs full while he or she enjoys the beauty of nature.
5. Zero Point
One of Almora’s most stunning perspectives is located within the Binsar village grounds and near the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Zero Point is a tranquil and relaxing spot that will entice you with Almora’s never-ending vegetation. Picnics and beautiful green scenery are popular at this tourist attraction, which is also one of the best spots to visit in Almora.
It is one of the must-see sights in this charming city, and it will enhance your stay in this hamlet. The Himalayan Ranges, Kedar Nath Peak, and Nanda Devi can all be seen from Zero Point Peak. It is also known for having one of Almora’s most beautiful sunsets.
6. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known wildlife refuge in Almora. It is located on top of Jhandi Dhar Hills inside the district boundaries, roughly 33 kilometres from the city. The sanctuary is surrounded by lush woodlands, making it a thrilling experience to observe animals from afar. Binsar was originally a summer retreat of Chand Kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries, according to history.
The wildlife sanctuary was built in 1988 with the goal of protecting the central Himalayan region’s environment and fauna. The spot earned notoriety at the time, and it is currently one of Almora’s most popular tourist destinations. The refuge is home to a diverse range of plants and species that attract visitors.
Leopards, jungle cats, barking deer, langurs, woodpeckers, and other creatures are among the wildlife that can be seen here. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent location to start if you want to see everything Almora has to offer. The sanctuary is around 45 kilometres long and offers visitors a wealth of educational opportunities.
7. Almora Zoo
Deer Park, which is only 3 kilometres from Almora, is an excellent place to learn about the city’s diverse wildlife. Deer Park, one of Almora’s most attractive and must-see attractions, is a location where you can unwind in the middle of lush greenery. Other unusual fauna, such as the leopard and the Himalayan Black Bear, can also be seen in this park, in addition to the normal deer.
8. Lakhudiyar Cave
The Lakhudiyar Caves are located in the Barechhina village in Uttrakhand’s Almora district, on the banks of the Suyal River. Paintings of animals, humans, and tectiforms, created with fingers in black, red, and white, adorn the cave walls.
There are a few animal patterns as well, one of which resembles a fox. Here you can observe wavy lines, rectangle-filled geometric shapes, and groups of dots. These paintings offer one of the most comprehensive prehistoric art experiences in the country. The caves have been designated as a historically significant locations.
The paintings are largely sketches of early man’s people, animals, and weaponry. The painting of people performing a mass dance in a group of 34 people on one side and 28 people on the other side of the wall is on one side of the wall.
The garments and domesticated animals in these paintings are thought to reflect life in an ancient town. Two finger-drawn paintings of animals and humans in black, red, and white can be found on two painted rock shelters.
9. Jageshwar Dham
The Jageshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and dating back to the 7th century, is one of 200 Hindu temples concealed in Almora and is located roughly 30 kilometres from the city centre.
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas is housed in this temple, which was built in the beautiful Nagara style of architecture. The temple is also situated alongside the Jata Ganga river, surrounded by extensive woods of pine and oak trees, as well as the famous rhododendron blooms.
10. Nanda Devi Temple
The Chand Rajas constructed the Nanda Devi Mandir. The goddess’s idol is revered by the people and can be found in the antechamber of a Shiva temple. Every September, Almora comes alive as thousands of people visit to this temple for the Nanda Devi Mela, a five-day extravaganza of pageantry. For more than 400 years, the mela has been an important element of this temple.
11. Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
The Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) is a well-kept museum that celebrates the Kumaon Regiment’s pride, accomplishments, and victories. The museum was created in the 1970s to conserve and exhibit the Kumaon region’s heritage and customs.
The museum’s interior displays lead to an unending number of images documenting several wars involving the Kumaon Regiment.
This military enthusiast’s centre displays weapons used by the armed forces and their adversaries, medals and uniforms of brave soldiers, rebel flags captured during battles, stone tablets depicting information about various wars, and stories of the Kumaon Regiment’s First and Second Param Vir Chakra.
Rani Jhasi’s silver sceptres, Kargil War records and photographs, and wireless field telephones.
12. Jhula Devi Temple
Jhula Devi Temple, devoted to goddess Durga and famed for its cluster of exquisitely carved bells, is one of Ranikhet’s most popular tourist attractions. According to legend, this shrine was constructed in the eighth century.
The deity of Jhula Devi Temple sits on a jhula (Hindi word for cradle), hence the name, and is located on the Kumaon Hill, amidst the calm and relaxing settings of nature.
According to legend, the goddess’s idol was discovered by a shepherd who was guided by the goddess herself in his dream. Locals believe that the goddess Durga is the guardian of the valley’s inhabitants. It is also popularly believed that anyone who hangs a bell on the temple wall would be blessed.
13. Patal Devi Mandir
There are nine temples dedicated to Maa Durga’s nine manifestations. One among them is the Patal Devi temple. This temple is located in the village of Shail, about five to six kilometres from Almora.
Around this 250-year-old temple, there were once four natural water sources. Gauri Kund, a large pool beneath the temple, is also worth visiting. There was a time when this pool was full with water. Today is a dry day.
14. Kalimat Almora
Almora is roughly 4.5/5 kilometres from Kalimath. This is a fantastic spot to spend hours admiring the magnificent Himalayan peaks. It also provides a fantastic vantage point for admiring Almora’s beauty.
Kalimath is a peaceful and pleasant tourist destination known not just for its panoramic views but also for its close proximity to the Kasar Devi Temple. One can walk up to the temple from Kalimath, which is only 1 km away.
Kasar Devi Temple is said to have existed since the 2nd century and is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Swami Vivekananda is claimed to have meditated in the Kasar Devi village during his time in Almora.
15. Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum
The State Museum, commonly known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Museum, is located across from the Almora Bus Stand. It is Almora’s only museum, making it a famous tourist destination.
The museum was named after Govind Ballabh Pant (GB Pant) in 1980 to honour his contribution to Uttarakhand’s growth. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of historical and cultural artefacts. Antiques from the Katyuri and Chand dynasties are on display, as well as traditional Kumaoni paintings known as Aipan.
People are reminded of the independence fight by letters sent by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel to GB Pant and leaflets criticising the house imprisonment of famous leaders (such as Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi).
Basiswar Sen (Boshi Sen), a well-known Indian scientist and agriculturist, established his laboratory near Almora, and his personal collection is also housed in the museum.
Aside from these, the public museum houses notable fabrics, miniature paintings, woodworks, terracotta sculptures, musical instruments, coins, manuscripts, and other historical, artistic, or culturally significant items.
Mondays and government holidays are normally closed at the museum, which is kept clean and well-maintained.
16. Laal Bazaar Almora
Almora’s Lal Bazaar is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can purchase a variety of products at cheap costs, ranging from delectable sweets to magnificent brass and bronze mementoes.
This shopping area’s main appeal is rabbit wool clothing. These clothing are made from a particular breed of rabbit and are exceptionally soft and warm.
This well-known market also sells metal kitchenware and ornamental things. Almora’s bazaars are a fascinating combination of customs that nearly serve as a textbook on the city’s history!
This trek begins in Chaughanpata, the heart of Almora, which is usually buzzing with activity thanks to its numerous visitor hotels. It is the meeting place for routes from Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Nainital, and Malla Bazar.
The bazaars of Almora began to emerge during the reign of the Chand dynasty’s Raja Kalyan Chand (1560–1568), who moved his capital from Champawat to Almora in 1563. Come to Lala Bazaar for the famed Baithaki Holi during Holi.
The Karkhana (workshops) Bazaar is reached via a short route from the Lala Bazaar. It contains magnificent wooden residences in addition to workshops that create a variety of things.
The architecture of these homes also bears religious overtones. The carved images of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Durga, and Bhairav adorn their front doors, known as ‘kholli.’ On a walking route, the passage of time is irrelevant because you can stop and ramble around at your leisure.
17. Jalna Almora
Jalna, a quiet and sleepy village away from the throngs of tourists, is a great area to go trekking and exploring nature. It’s a picturesque community a few kilometres from Almora with a relaxing vibe.
Jalna is located at a height of 1700 metres in the Himalayan wilderness. The peaceful hamlet is a great spot for hiking and enjoying the area’s natural forest cover.
It is only a short distance from Almora and is a wonderful spot to unwind and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Jalna has a wonderful vibe about it that draws visitors looking for adventure, calm, and nature.
18. Martola Almora
Martola, which lies roughly 520 metres above sea level, is one of the most scenic sites in the Almora metropolitan area. There are many locations to explore in Almora, but Martola is one that no traveller should overlook.
The rich foliage and mesmerising hilltop vista are the most well-known features of the location. It is also believed that many people who visit the area wish to live here permanently because of the natural beauty that surrounds them.
The appealing vista of the city set against the mesmerising Himalayan backdrop makes this trip far more than desirable and has established a name for Almora’s tourist attractions. The adventure is around 10 kilometres from the city and is ideal for family outings.
19. Mirtola Ashram
In the 1930s, Sri Yashoda Ma, a housewife turned ascetic, founded Mirtola Ashram. This ashram is located in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. Mirtola is a village in Uttarakhand, India, located 10 kilometres from Almora.
It is best known for the Uttar Vrindavan Ashram, which is also known as Uttar Vrindavan. Mirtola is an ashram whose mission is for one’s inner goal to be reflected in one’s outer life — a way of living that encourages one to create and integrate a meaningful life.
20. Jageshwar Museum
The ASI has erected a museum near the temple complex. The museum features two galleries that house an amazing collection of ancient idols, including Uma-Maheshwar, a sculpture of Lord Surya holding a lotus in both hands, and a four-foot-high bronze statue of Pona Raja, a local ruler, as well as other relics from the 9th and 13th centuries AD.
Jageshwar Museum is one of 45 Archaeological Site Museums established by the Archaeological Survey of India and is under the administration of the ASI Dehradun circle.
It all started in 1995 when a tiny sculpture shed was built to hold 160 rare sculptures from the 8th to 16th centuries AD. These sculptures were gathered from the adjacent temples of Jageshwar, Kuber, and Dandeshwar.
In 2002, the same sculpture shed was transformed into a site museum, complete with a gallery housing 36 valuable sculptures displayed in two wall exhibits and wooden pedestals.
Shri Jag Mohan, the then Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, opened this site museum to the public on September 20, 2002.