» Almora

Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, East of Uttaranchal in India, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring grandeur of natural beauty. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility, Almora promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments. The name of the sociocultural region of Kumaun is believed to have been derived from "Kurmanchal", meaning Land of the Kurmavtar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Preserver of Hindu Trinity).

Extending from the northern end of the Ganga plains right upto Tibet, Kumaun's endless panorama of scenic wonders is nothing short of a romance with pristine and soul-lifting nature itself. The Katyuri and Chand dynasties glorified the region by constructing some fine temples - now renowned throughout the country. Though largely a Shaivite region, the presiding deity, Nanda Devi, is amongst the most exalted in Kumaun.

» Major Attractions of Almora

Nanda Devi Temple : This ancient temple is one of the main attractions of Almora town. This temple is hundreds of year old and carries deep faith of many people from this area. The images and statues on walls of this temple are intricately and delicately carved. They are very attractive and almost true to life depiction has been done.

Every year a fair, Nanda Devi Fair, is organized here. People from all over the place come and participate in this fair. Groups of young men & women dance on the pulsating music of the mountains.

Shravan Mela : Jageshwar lying in the beautiful Jatganga Valley in Almora, housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas of India, is a complex of 12 temples in all.

Deer Park : Deer park is located some three kms from Almora. An evening stroll in Deer park has its own pleasure.

» Places to Stay in Almora

Accommodation is Almora is largely centered around the Mall. However, one can easily get resonable budget accommodations over here. There is a also KMVN's Holiday Home, a tourist bungalow, with cottage accommodations.

» Shopping in Almora

In Almora one can get good bargains at comparatively low prices. Then there are decorative items, brass items and other kind of metal utensils which are quite popular among the visitors. One can purchase woollen garments at reasonable rates from the Garud woollens.

This shop is part of the Kumaon Schedule Tribe Development Corporation at Shikhar Hotel compound. For Bronze and Brass wares & decorative items one can have a look in shops at Lal Bazaar and Chowk Bazaar.

» Climate of Almora

Almora can be visited any time of the year. During summers the temperature of this place is comparatively more than any other hill stations. Even then evening and morning temperatures are low enough to wear light warm cloths. The fun of walking among hills in warm sunlight can not be described in words. During winters festival of Dussehra has its own added attraction.

» How to Get there

Air : The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (90kms.). Connected by rail with Lucknow, Delhi and Howrah.

Road : Connected by road with most places of Uttranchal. Lucknow (466), Dehradun (412), Nanital (71), Delhi (382), Bareilly (205), Kathgodam (90), Pithoragarh (122), Hardwar (357), Haldwani (96).