A Complete Travel Guide to Almora 

Almora Famous Tourist Places and Travel Guide includes all information about the Almora District of Uttarakhand.  Almora, home to the Chitai Golu Temple and Nanda Devi, as well as Bal Mithai and Singori, exemplifies Uttarakhand’s rich culture and customs. This district, which includes gorgeous vacation spots like Ranikhet and Binsar, is the perfect place to unwind. Come here for an unrivalled spiritual experience, a delectable culinary feast, and a meeting with pristine nature and humble people.

Almora, located on the southern edge of the Himalayan Range’s Kumaon Hills, is yet another lovely tourist destination in Uttarakhand. The town is built on a horse saddle-shaped mound surrounded by dense pine and fir forests and fed by rivers such as the Koshi (Kaushiki) and Suyal (Salmale). Almora is the district headquarters of the same-named district and is known for its beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, and delectable cuisine.

The town is also noted for its numerous temples, which draw a significant number of worshippers. Almora, considered a great base for numerous hill stations in the Kumaon region, consists of bustling markets, a mash-up of cultures, and a tranquilly that envelops virtually everything.

Swami Vivekanand is claimed to have fallen in love with Almora and to have meditated on its peaceful hills. Today’s Almora, on the other hand, is a vibrant city with tranquil suburbs and stunning surroundings.

The tranquilly of mind at the Kasar Devi Temple, Chittai Golu Dev Temple, and Nanda Devi Temple cannot be compared to anywhere else, which is perhaps why devotees from all over the world go to these pilgrimage sites, which are also among the greatest locations to visit in Almora.

Aside from that, the famous Lala Bazaar is where you can see several ancient edifices; the dwellings and businesses here add to the town’s rustic beauty. The town of Almora is only a short distance away.

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 ambiance, fruit orchards, and breath-taking views of the Himalayan ranges.

It’s also a great spot for camping. Almora is an ideal destination for a vacation in Uttarakhand since it combines nature, modern facilities, rustic charm, and genuine hospitality. Trip My India offers an Almora travel guide to help you plan an organised tour of the city and its surroundings. It is here that you will find comprehensive information about places to visit, activities to do and shop, places to eat, and how to get there. Information about various Almora vacation packages is also disseminated so that one can choose the finest option for himself.

History of Almora

Almora’s history may be traced back to the Mahabharata period. However, a Chinese pilgrim from the seventh century provides the earliest historical account of the location. The pilgrim wrote extensively about a realm known as ‘Brahmaputra.’ The Katyuri dynasty was the first to create a kingdom in this region. From Dwarahat in the Katurya Valley, the Katyuri dynasty ruled. There was a tiny village in this area at the time, but it had little political significance.

The Katyuri dynasty’s King Baichaldeo, who ruled over the territory that is now Almora, gave a large portion of the land to a Gujarati Brahmin named Sri Chand Tiwari. Almora was constructed approximately 1560 by Kalyanchand during the reign of the Chand dynasty at this location, which he named ‘Alam Nagar.’ It was also known as ‘Rajpur.’ Surprisingly, the mountain on which Almora is situated is mentioned in the Manaskhand Hindu epic. “Kaushiki Shalmali Madhyey Punyah Kashaya Parwatah Tasy Paschim Bhagam Kshetra Vishnyo Pratishthtam” says the inscription.

The name ‘Rajpur’ appears on a number of copper plates discovered in this area. The presence of a multitude of natural spring water sources was a major factor in the Chand kings’ decision to create a colony here. They even moved their capital here afterwards. Almora was taken over from the Chand dynasty in 1744 after a raid by Ali Muhammad Khan Rohilla. However, unable to stand the hardships of life in the highlands, Ali Mohammad Khan Rohilla’s Rohilla chiefs returned to Almora in exchange for a large price of three lakh rupees. Ali Mohammad, displeased with his commanders’ behaviour, assaulted Almora once more in 1745. The Rohillas, on the other hand, were defeated this time.

They were never seen again. The Gurkhas seized Almora in 1790 and governed it for the following 24 years, until the British took it in 1815. Almora is a district town in Uttarakhand, India, and is a major hub for trade and other social, cultural, and political activities.

Best Time to Visit Almora

The finest times to visit Almora are just before the winter chill sets in (August – November) and during the spring season (February – May). Even if the weather is relatively temperate throughout the year, it is recommended to bring light woollens for the evenings because it can turn chilly.

Summers in Almora

Summers in Almora are hot but not oppressively so, and they last from April to July. During these months, the temperature fluctuates from a pleasant 12°C to 28°C, and a refreshing wind elevates the spirits in the evenings.

Monsoon in Almora

Monsoon season in Almora lasts from July through September. Rainfall may cause some outdoor activities to be impeded. However, the rain has revived and greened the hill station. From July through September is the perfect time to visit Almora if you appreciate the rainy season.

Winters in Almora

Winter is a season that begins in November and lasts until February. Almora’s winters are bitterly cold, with temperatures as low as -3°C. Snow is expected in Almora in the latter week of December and throughout January.

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Almora

Almora is a hill town in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon area that is known for its wildlife, culture, and food. The town, which is formed like a horseshoe, is known for its pre-colonial heritage and picturesque atmosphere. Almora is wrapped with beautiful places which is visited by many great people from past. Places like Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Dhokaney Waterfall, Lakhudiyar Cave Etc are some of the most famous places one should visit in Almora.

Top 20 Places to Visit in Almora

For more information and details on top 20 places to visit in Almora, click on the above link and get all the details about the most famous tourist places in Almora District.

Top Tourist Activities in Almora

Beautiful places such as Kausani, Ranikhet, Binsar, and Dwarahat are available in Almora 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 ambiance, fruit orchards, and breath-taking views of the Himalayan ranges.

It’s also a great spot for camping. Almora is an ideal destination for a vacation in Uttarakhand since it combines nature, modern facilities, rustic charm, and genuine hospitality. Trip My India offers an Almora travel guide to help you plan an organised tour of the city and its surroundings. It is here that you will find comprehensive information about places to visit, activities to do and shop, places to eat, and how to get there. Information about various Almora vacation packages is also disseminated so that one can choose the finest option for himself.

Places to Visit Nearby Almora

Here is the list of best places to visit near Haridwar with Top sightseeing places nearby Haridwar that are a must to visit for tourists whenever visiting Haridwar

Gaumukh

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Gomukh, at the end of the Gangotri Glacier, is a stunning location. It is situated in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. This location is close to Shivling Peak, which is famed for its difficult climbing pathways. Gomukh is the source of the Bhagirathi, a major tributary of the Ganga. The location, which is close to the Tapovan meadow, enchants visitors with its natural beauty.

Chaukori

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Chaukori is a lovely hill station in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh District, sitting at a height of 2010 metres above sea level. This location, located among the western Himalayan mountain ranges, is bordered to the north by Tibet and to the south by Terai. Green pine, oak, and rhododendron forests cover the picturesque village. Cornfields and orchards add to the natural splendour of the area.

Champawat

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Champawat, at a height of 1615 metres above sea level, is a famous tourist attraction. It was established as a distinct district in 1997 and is known for its numerous temples and beautiful scenery. It has a boundary with Nepal, Udham Singh Nagar District, Nainital District, and Almora District. It has a total size of 1613 sq km. According to historical documents, this was the Chand Dynasty’s capital. Champawati, the daughter of King Arjun Does, is the source of the place’s name. Lord Vishnu appeared here in the ‘Kurma Avatar,’ according to mythology (incarnation). After the famed naturalist and British hunter Jim Corbett killed tigers, the location became well-known. The ‘Man-Eaters of Kumaon,’ according to his book,

Dharchula

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Dharchula is a lovely town on the Indo-Nepal border in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. The place’s name comes from the Hindi terms ‘Dhar’ and ‘Chula,’ where Dhar means peak and chula means stove. The hilly town’s shape, which resembles a furnace, inspired this name. The settlement, which is surrounded by mountains, is located 90 kilometres away from Pithoragarh. Dharchula is separated from the Johar Valley by the snow-capped Panchchuli peaks to the west. The town contains a few tourist attractions, one of which is Manasa Sarovar, also known as Lake Manas.

Nainital

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The emerald, glassy, eye-shaped lake (tal) around which the town is built gets its name from Nainital, the hill resort town in the same-named region. P. Baron, a British sugar trader, created the town in 1841, and thank goodness he did! There is no better place to get away from the rush and bustle of city life. You enter a new, parallel world the instant you enter the Nainital district. The shift to picturesque beauty of the likes of the area, with the greatest tourist spots to visit in Nainital, is a feast to the senses, a particular balming ecstasy of an experience that one can only appreciate via life experience.

No wonder the Kumaon Himalayas are known as “dev Bhoomi” (Land of the Gods), a divine manifestation of nature’s most intricate natural laws, which have been at work for millennia to carve out the perfect cradle in the arms of the lofty peaks, who continue to stand as sentinels, offering solace and inspiring awe in humanity. Nainital’s charm is eerily similar to that of a dreamscape. Once upon a time, the British elites used the location as a hideaway during the harsh summers of the Indian mainland, and the tradition continues now for native Indians as well as our foreign visitors.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. At a height of 3584 metres above sea level, the location is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas. The highest of all the 12 Jyotirlingas is at Kedarnath Temple, which is regarded one of Hinduism’s holiest places (Char Dhams). The lovely Mandakini River flows close to the temple. During the summer months, travellers flock to this pilgrimage destination to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. The temple, which is thought to be around 1000 years old, was built with big stone slabs on a rectangular basis. On the steps going to the sanctums, devotees can see several inscriptions written in Pali language.

The location, which is 3584 metres above sea level, is the most difficult of all the char dhams to reach. This temple is only open for 6 months during the summer. The temple is closed during the winter months since the region receives considerable snowfall, making the climatic conditions unsuitable for human settlement. The people of Kedarnath descend to lower altitudes during this time, and God Kedarnath’s palki is moved to Ukhimath.

Haridwar

Haridwar (or Hardwar), which literally means “portal to the gods,” is a significant pilgrimage centre in Uttarakhand’s gorgeous hill state. This sacred city is one of India’s sapta-puris, or seven holy towns. In addition, this location serves as a gateway to Uttarakhand’s three other pilgrimage centres: Rishikesh, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Mayapuri, Kapila, Moksha Dwar, and Gangadwar are all names for the city of Haridwar, which is mentioned in numerous ancient Hindu epics. This hallowed site has a long history dating back to the reign of King Vikramaditya. The destination is well-known for its internationally renowned religious centres and tourist attractions. The majority of the pilgrimage sites are located along the banks of the sacred Ganges.

Hotels in Almora

The town welcomes visitors by providing a variety of lodging options. There are luxury hotels as well as budget-friendly hotels to suit every traveler’s budget. There are also resorts, guesthouses, and lodges to choose from, all offering to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

There are multiple heritage Hotels with the traditional style architecture. UTT Vilage Homestay is one such homestay that we suggest to tourist. They provide free parking, amazing village life experience, mountain view, and much more. Visit their website for more details ( UTT Village Homestay )

How to Reach Almora

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Because Almora is a hill town, it lacks a railway station and an airport. It is well connected to nearby hill stations such as Nainital, Haridwar, and Mussoorie by road. Kathgodam, which is 81 kilometres away, is the nearest railway station. Almora is 115 kilometres from Pantnagar Airport. You can then take pre-paid cabs or rent a car from there.

By Train

Almora does not have a railway station or an airport because it is a hill town. It has good road access to surrounding hill stations including Nainital, Haridwar, and Mussoorie. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is 81 kilometres away. Pantnagar Airport is 115 kilometres from Almora. From there, you can take pre-paid taxis or hire a car.

By Air

There is no airport in Almora, and the nearest airport is Pantnagar, which is 115 kilometres away. Taxis and buses run frequently between the airport and Almora. The nearest international airport is New Delhi, which is well connected to Almora by road.

By Road

Because it is well connected to all major North Indian towns and other hill areas, the best way to get to Almora is via road. There are buses that go to Almora from both private and government carriers, and they are frequently overnight. Taxis for hire are also readily accessible.

Distance between Haridwar and Major Cities

Haridwar – 299 km
Haldwani – 89 km
Roorkee – 318 km
Kashipur – 154 km
Rishikesh – 336 km
Ramnagar – 128 km
Pithoragarh – 116 km
Jaspur – 168 km
Nainital – 66 km
Kichha 1- 27 km
Tehri – 302 km
Kotdwara-  264 km
Pauri – 262 km
Mussoorie – 379 km
Srinagar – 231 km
Tanakpur – 204 km
Khatima – 161 km

Almora Travel Tips

The state of Uttaranchal boasts an endless sky, with high and tall mountains beckoning you to see them just once. However, in order to truly enjoy yourself there, you must be prepared, and to assist you in this preparation, we have compiled a list of travel recommendations to make things easier before starting your trip to Almora.

1. Make an effort to learn about a location ahead of time so that you appear assured. This self-assurance will aid you in bargaining, and no one will try to defraud you.
2. Uttarakhand’s people are exceedingly welcoming and friendly. They are always willing to assist anyone in need. If you’ve misplaced directions or landmarks, ask anyone.
3. Avoid wearing provocative or exposing apparel in religious settings. It’s possible that it’ll attract the wrong kind of men to you.
4. Bring a map, a compass, currency (in lesser denominations of Rs 10, 20, 50, and 100), and your travel documents, such as a copy of your passport, visa, and health checks, with you.
5. Don’t hand over your entire wad of cash while paying someone. There’s a danger it’ll be picked pocketed.
6. Accept nothing from strangers, even if they claim it is ready-made or packaged. The food could be contaminated with drugs, and you could be robbed.
7. In hotels, avoid raw cut foods like salads because they may be infected. The contamination can cause dysentery or, in the worst-case scenario, food poisoning. If you want, eat only entire fruits purchased from a seller.
8. If your passport or visa is stolen or misplaced, notify the local consulate right once because your documents could be forged or misused.
9. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and buses are common modes of local transportation in most towns. Private cabs are also available for rental at pre-arranged costs and destinations.
10. Before you go shopping, have a peek around the market and inquire about prices. After the first tour, you’ll have a good estimate of what an article is worth on average. Go to the lowest-priced store and haggle. In India, bargaining is the norm, and one must be polite, patient, and assertive.
11. If you want to photograph locals, especially women, you must first obtain their permission.
12. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and keeping one’s distance from the other sex in locations like a temple or Gurudwara is commendable.
13. Tipping is customarily 10% of the cost, but you are not required to tip in Dhabas (roadside motels). Tipping might also be influenced by how much you like the establishment.
14. The majority of people in Uttarakhand speak Hindi, and tourist guides and city dwellers can communicate in English, however, Garhwali and Pahari are spoken in small towns and isolated areas.

Almora is a major town – the largest in the region – you’ll have to stay in one of the homestay on the outside of town, such as UTT Village Homestay in Jageshwar from where you can visit all nearby places easily and also enjoy village life of Almora.