About Almora

Almora (city of temples) is a famous hill town located in the Kumaon Region- a part of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Almora is also the district headquarter of itself and nearby beautiful places like Ranikhet, Kausani, Dwarhat & Binsar, etc. This beautiful hill station is covered in thick forest by fir and pine trees with two pleasing waterfalls Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal(Somali). Almora is the perfect blend of cuisine, culture, unique handicraft, wildlife, and panoramic view which make Almora a perfectly picturesque destination to visit. Almora is also famous for its traditional sweet Snagori and Balmithai. In this place, you can see the lovely Angora garments, carpets, baskets, and copper vessels along with traditional Aipan Art. Almora is also known for the base or starting trekking point to Mornaula, Mukteshwar, Binsar, Jageshwar, Pindari, Ranikhet, and many such destinations. This all makes a perfect vibe for tourists to visit here.

Almora History

According to the local people of Almora, the word "Almora" derives from the Kilmore (sorrel- a kind of European plant) that was used for cleaning and shining the utensil of Sun temple at Katarmal. The locals who carry this plant are called Kilmore or Almora. In ancient history, Almora was first established by King Baichaldeo of the Katyuri dynasty ruled over sometime after it was donated to the Gujarati Brahmin named Sri Chand Tiwari. In the medieval era of 1568 Almora was founded by Kalyanchand from the Chand dynasty and given the new name “Alam Nagar”  later it is famous by the name of “Rajpur” still this name (Rajpur) can be a find on a huge number of ancient copper plates. The late kings of the Chand dynasty shifted the capital of the Kumaon kingdom to Almora from Champawat. In 1790  Almora was taken over by the Gurkhas and ruled over a short span of  23 years.  Almora has a fresh and positive vibe of culture, tradition, gorgeous waterfall along with the panoramic view of beautiful snow-capped mountains, which is considered as the golden heart of Uttarakhand. 

Almora Geography

• Almora is standing  at a height of 1638 meters above sea level
• Almora district ranks 1st(In State) in terms of sex ratio.
• It is located on the 78º80’ east longitude 29º05’ north latitude.
• Languages spoken in Almora are Kumauni, Garhwali & Hindi 
• The weather of Almora is Alpine and Subtropical Humid
• The main food of the Almora is Dubuk.
• Almora is surrounded by Champawat to the east, Pauri to the west, Nainital to the south, and Bageshwar to the north.

Plan My Package Recommends/ Best Places to visit in Almora

Nanda Devi Temple

Nanda Devi Temple is one of the most visited temples in Almora. The temple was built 1000 Years ago by the Chand dynasty. It is made up of a unique type of stone and the roof is of wooden type. The Nanda Devi temple is dedicated to Hindu  Goddess Durga. The best time to visit Nanda Devi Temple is in the month of September when a fair is organized. This Temple is just 5 km away from the Almora.

Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Chitai Golu Devta Temple is dedicated to Gaur Bhairav(A form of Lord Shiva) and is one of the most famous temples of Uttarakhand, also known as the ‘God of Justice’. Many devotees visit this temple to get their prayers heard and also to spend some peaceful time meditating here. It is said and believed that the people who ever visited this temple have never gone empty-handed and their wishes have always been fulfilled. Chitai Golu Devta Temple is open on all days and at least one hour is required here.

Bright End Corner

Bright End Corner leads to the scenic place where you will experience a beautiful sunrise and sunset. The best part is the most lovely picturesque place among the majestic snow-capped Himalayas in Almora. This place is dedicated to Swami Vivekanand who had spent some days here and did meditation. Now it’s a famous place for mediation including Sri Ramakrishna Kutir Ashram. It is just 3 km away from Almora. The best time to visit Almora is from April-June &  September to October.

Kalimat, Almora

Kalimat is located 3 km away from Almora. This place is deeply covered with fir and pine trees with lush greenery trails. Family & Friends cam this place to enjoy the natural beauty and spend some quality time. It is one of the attractive places and in things to do can enjoy the picnic and play Hide and seek the type of games.

Kasar Devi Temple

Kasar Devi Temple is located on the Almora-Bageshwar highway on the Kaashay hill which is 8 km from the Almora. According to locals temple was built around the 2nd century AD. Covered with the pine and deodar forest. It becomes more famous when  Swami Vivekanand visited this temple, and the temple is open for all-day since the temple attracts lots of tourists. On the annual occasion of the Kasar Devi Fair, many tourists from all over the state and nation visit this temple to seek the blessings of God.

Deer Park Almora

Deer Park of Almora is famous over the world. It is Just 5km away from its district and one of the best attractions to visit Almora. It is famous for Deer and exotic wildlife. In there, more species are like Leopard, Black Bear &  furious deer. The Entry ticket is free and the timing is from 10 am to 5 pm

Gobind Ballabh Pant Public Museum, Almora

Gobind Ballabh Pant Public Museum is named after the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and freedom fighter ”Gobind Vallabh Pant”. This Museum is famous for its folk type of painting Aspen and Kumaoni antiquities. As you once visit the  Museum then you can know the history, art crafts, traditional values, cultures in deeply. It is built in 1980 located near Mall road. There isn’t any entry fee and opens all day.

Simtola, Almora

Simtola in earlier times was a diamond mining center and granite hill. This offers the best panoramic view of luscious terrain. Now Simtola is a famous Picnic spot in Almora and a picturesque location. This small and secluded hill of Almora is an ideal place for those who are looking for a place to be silent and enjoy the beauty of the hill.

Places Near Almora

Katarmal Sun Temple

Katarmal Sun Temple is dedicated to God Sun was built in the 9th century AD by the Katyuri King named Katarmalla. It is located near the bridge of the Kosi River which is 18 km from the Almora. Katarmal temple is famous for its architecture metallic structure, carved pillar, and uniqueness of door. The best time to visit this temple is  November to February timing is 6:00 Am to midnight timing changes 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM also opened for all day.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was built in 1988 that covers an area of 46 sq km. Located 33 km away from Almora on the top of Jhandi Dhar Hills  It is one of the heavens for the Nature lover & Photo enthusiast diverse with rich flora and fauna. Now This sanctuary is famous worldwide as it is declared an “Important Bird Area by  BirdLife International”. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is Oak and Pine tree having more than 200 species of Birds. It is open for all the days from 6 AM to 6 PM with an Indian Fee of Rs 40 and for foreigners it’s Rs100.

Jageshwar Shiv Temple 

Jageshwar Shiv Temple is home to the  8th Jyotirling (Nagesh Jyotirling)  among the 12 Jyotirling dedicated to the God Shiva. Jageshwar Dham comprises 124 small and large stone temples that were built between the 9th & 13th Centuries. The Temples are built in Nagar Style with tall shikhara and a bigger temple having a wooden structure. The two most famous times where lots of devotees take place are Shivratri and Savana Month.  

Kausani

Kausani is one of the picturesque and breathtaking destinations of Uttarakhand. The most famous place in Kausani is Anashakti Ashram where the Father of the Country ‘Mahatma Gandhi’  spent someday and wrote the book “Anashakti Yog”. Besides Kausani is known for its handloom and Tea Garden. It is also a base point for trekking which is just 50 km away from Almora

Ranikhet

Ranikhet where Rani denotes the Queen and Khet means farm means a Queen’s Farm. This beautiful town has a different vibe with lush greenery and majestic views of the Himalayas that attracts a lot of tourists. Must place to visits in Ranikhet are Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum for Patriotic Vibes, Rani jheel & Chaubatia Garden. Most tourists spend time here playing Golf also a perfect destination for film shooting.

Nainital

Nainital is the district headquarter and is located 65 km away from the Almora. Nainital is famous for its picturesque place and breathtaking view. It is the perfect destination for friends, Family, and Newly Married couples for their honeymoon. The most preferable time to visit this gorgeous hill town is  April to June

Best Time To Visit Almora 

Almora weather does not have much variety to the other towns of Uttarakhand. This beautiful weather has an average temperature in a Year of 11°C  to 24°C. In summer Almora has hot and crispy sunlight with a maximum temperature of 29°C  with pleasant weather, this is the best time for outdoor and adventure activities like hiking and camping, Monsoon in Almora lead to moderate rainfall but when it’s getting over you can enjoy the greenery landscape and local sightseeing in pleasant weather of Almora, the Best time to visit Almora is April to June and September to November. While in winter Almora temperatures go down to sub-zero where you feel very chilled, not able to do things outdoor activity except enjoying the bright day sunlight with clear sky also you enjoy a lot of indoor activities and hotel services.

Almora in Summer (April to June)

It is the most recommended time to visit as the weather is clement. The skies are clear with a pleasant warm average temperature of 20°C - 25°C at night you will feel calm with cool and breezy air passing away. It is an ideal season for outdoor activities and local sightseeing in Almora.

Almora in Winter  (November to March) 

This season is not much advisable to visit Almora, This time weather is so chile even has a positive chance of snowfall in the month of January-February while the average temperature falls between 7°C  to 20°C. You can do snow relatable activities like snowboarding, ice skating besides, camping, trekking all the outdoor activities are closed this season. It is advisable to carry heavy woolen cloths.

Almora in Monsoon (July- October) 

In the Monsoon season town is covered with greenery plants, beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding, and nearby blooming flowers. The maximum temperature is 30°C  whilst the minimum is 20°C There is a minor risk of landslide, road blockage also can damage your vehicle. Besides still this time outdoor activity goes at the peak and tourist visits to see this charming hill station. Know More

How to Reach Almora  

Almora is elevated at 1604 m above sea level on the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalayas range accessible by all kinds of transportation through air, road & railways. The distance from Delhi to Almora is 340 km, while from Dehradun is 420km. As the Nearest Domestic Airport is Pantnagar 120 km far and the closest railway station Kathgodam is situated at a distance of 90 km. You can get easily taxis or cabs from both places at reasonable rates,

Almora by Air

The nearest Internation Airport is in Delhi (290km) while the major domestic airport is Pantnagar Aiport which is 95 km from the Almora district. While the flights operate from Delhi on the daily basis via Dehradun. After reaching the airport take a taxi to the nearby destination of Almora like Nainital or Haldwani after that take a short trip to the bus to reach Almora or you can directly head up to the Almora.

Almora by Railways 

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station which is 80 km from the Almora. The different types of rails and routes are much connected to the Kathgodam railway station giving much accessibility to the railway station. After reaching the station you can easily find the taxi or state transport and private buses to Nainital or Almora.

Almora by Road

Almora is connected with the NH87 & NH87E highway. It is accessible by bus from nearby places. If you are traveling from Delhi which is around 390 km take up to 10 - 12 hours by driving car or taxi. If you are choosing the public transport Almora by bus then you have to go to Anand Vihar ISBT to catch the buses for Kathgodam or Nainital. Sometimes Almora buses are also available. Know More

Places To Stay In Almora

Most of the Hotels & Resorts give you a feel like a Home away from home. There are different categories and styles types of accommodation. Always check that the staying place should be comfort, security, Entertainment and nearby to the attractions If you are staying in the resorts then enjoy the recreational facilities like swimming pools, courts and are for various sports activity with expensive amenities

KMVN Rest House Almora

KMVN Rest House Almora is one of the Budgeted hotels with the best service in Almora. All the rooms are spacious, clean, sanitizes bathroom and a big window from there enjoy the beautiful scenery of Almora. It is one of the perfect accommodation to stay with friends & family. They give all the basic amenities with special service like Doctor on Call, In-room dining facilities, Laundry with twenty-four hours of CCTV surveillance.

Kasaar Jungle Resort, Almora

Kasaar Jungle Resort is situated near the Kasaar Devi Temple spread over 6 acres in the dense jungle of trees. This resort is famous for its unique and decorative interior on a wooden theme basis. There are 21 rooms full of all the amenities and facilities from there can enjoy the splendid views of the Himalayas. The most famous activity is Bonfire between the long Oak, Deodar, Pine, and Rhododendron trees. The facilities in this resort are Telphone, Laundry, Internet, Doorman, Conference hall, Meeting hall, Travel desk, and free Parking are. Kids loved this resort because of kid's play area is available.

Imperial Height’s Binsar 

Imperial Height’s Binsar has located 7 km from the Almora with 20 rooms with well equipped hot & cold water Resorts interiors are mixed of the traditional Kumaoni architecture and colonial architecture. The resorts have three categories room king room, Valley facing room, and a Premium Valley view room full of amenities like flat LCD tv, a TCM setup (tea coffee machine), a business center, security with full-time operational multi-cuisine Swarnika.

Kosi Valley Retreat

Kosi Valley Retreat is located on the bank of the Kosi River. The best kind of Homestay in Almora with 4 bedrooms attached bathroom with a common living and dining room spread across 1st floor. All these rooms have attached balconies where they can enjoy the panoramic view of the forest and river. It also offers adventure activities in Almora like walking on the Burma bridge, bouldering, rock climbing, rappelling.

Hotel Shivalik, Almora

Hotel Shivalik if you looking for the best view of the Himalayan and Valley view of Almora from your room then it is the most recommended place to stay. This hotel offers 16 rooms for selling in which 1 victoria room, 1 family room 5 luxury rooms, and 9 deluxe rooms. All the rooms are extra spacious, comfortable & well sanitized. All the basic hotel amenities are provided Newspaper, Bathroom amenities, towels, dining free parking, led tv with cable.

Hotel Himsagar, Almora

Hotel Himsagar is located in the center of Almora. Most famous for the stunning view of the sunset. It is the most affordable & budgeted hotel with good services. The hotel has a restaurant with Indian and Chinese Cuisine the most common facilities are doctor on call, laundry service, banquet halls. It is one of the best all-inclusive hotels.

Best Places To Eat In Almora

Glory Restaurant

Glory Restaurant is keep running from generation to generation also one of the best choices for tourists to try vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The most recommended dish of the restaurant is Biriyani and Lemon Chicken. The average price of the meal for two People is Rs 350 and serves all-day between  8:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Dolma Restaurant

Dolma Restaurant serves Asian, Tibetan, Chinese cuisines. It is the most recommended restaurant in the Almora district, located Near kasar Jungle Resorts with an average price of  Rs 700 for two people. The most famous dishes are Thukpa & Momos with full of flavor. You can enjoy the meal with the splendid views of the Himalayas

Baba Cake

Baba Cake looking for the best dessert in Almora it’s the place. The most famous dish is Cake, Apple Crumble Pie, Lemonala and Apple cake. This restaurant also serves the major meals of Lunch and Dinner with Indian Confectionary and sweets. The beautiful ambiance and good food will stay you longer here. The average cost for two people is Rs 500

Kasar Rainbow Restaurant, Almora

Kasar Rainbow Restaurant having North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican cuisines. It is the best place to hang out in Almora with your friends in the rustic vibes of a restaurant by the service of professional staff. The specialty food of the restaurant is Kashmiri Kofta  & Masala Dosa. Cost price for two people is Rs 600. Please ensure that to carry cash since other modes of payments are not accepted.

Do’s & Don’ts in Almora

Do's

• Do carry sufficient snacks or dry fruits, that will provide you with the energy.
• Do carry thermal wear and an extra pair of shoes.
• Take all the precautions of Covid-19
• In wintertime, You need warm clothes.
• Make sure you have cash with you.
• Do carry a medical kit containing essential medicine headaches, stomach ache, wounds, and cut.
• Do carry permit is a prerequisite for the trek.

Don't

• Do not litter on the way to your trek. Always put garbage in the dustbin or keep it in the bag only.
• Don’t take pictures when you are on the peak of mountains. It will be dangerous
• Do not argue with the tour captain.
• Do not take a heavy diet while you are on a trek.
• Do not break the rules.