Almora Information

Overview :
At an altitude of 1638 meters and located on the ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalayan range, Almora is at a distance of 380 km from Delhi.  In the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock it is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fur trees, flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi and Suyal and to top it all are the snow capped Himalayas in the background.

It is a town bustling with activity, and has a rich cultural heritage and history. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a mesmerizing 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.


Temples :
Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple (near Sanara Ganiya), Binsar Mahadev, Garhnath, Baijnath, are some of the few notable ones. Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is situated on the bank of the river Ram Ganga.  A sun temple (only the second in the world) is located at Katarmal a short distance from the town.

Kasaar Devi : On the Kairnatiya Hill 6 km outside the town is believed to be the place of enlightenment of Swami Vivekanand in a small cave. From here one can see vast ranges of Himalaya Bright & Corner (2km) is one of the best spots to view the magnificent sunrise & sunset over the Himalayas range. Udyochandeshwar temple originally a Shiva temple is now the sanctuary of the presiding deity ofKumaon Nanda Devi. Deer Park (3km) set amongst idyllic settings is an ideal picnic spot. Chitai Temple (6km) has the great faith of the Kurnaonis and the presiding deity is virtually laden with bells. The Museum near the bus stand contains archaeological pieces of significance dating back to 11th century Chand & Katyuri era.

Interesting Facts About Almora :

• The first British Nobel Laureate (in medicine),  Sir Ronald Ross was born in Almora in 1857.

• Pt.Govind Ballabh Pant was born in Khoont village on the Shyahi Devi hill of Almora.

• Doyen of Indian bureaucrats Bhairab Dutt Pande ICS, Padma Vibhushan, was born in Almora.

• Swami Vivekananda, who established 'Adwaita Ashrama' in Almora which is also known as Mayabati. Sister Nivedita and many disciples of Swamiji came here for spiritual salvation.

• A few miles away from Almora lies Mirtola, where an ashram was established in the 1929, by a Vaishnav saint 'Yashoda Ma', and later run by her disciples Sri Krishna Prem and following him by Sri Madhav Ashish.
  

Getting ThereAir :

127km from Almora, Pantnagar is the nearest airport. At present flights are however not operational.

Rail : Kathgodam (90km) is the nearest railhead with connection to Delhi, Howrah & Lucknow.

Road : Buses connect Almora with Kathgodam, Nainital (66km), Ranikhet, Pithoragarh(122km) & Delhi (380km) directly. There is also direct connection to Nepal Border, Banbassa (7 hours). Buses depart at a regular interval, every half of an hour for Kathgodam (3 hours). It takes about 2 hours to travel to Nainital & 4 hours to Pithoragarh. Infact road transportation is the most convenient way to travel to Airnora.

Private taxis & jeeps are also available from Kathgodam & other places. The rate for share taxi is around Rs. 60 per person from Kathgodam.

Local Transport : Taxis & Jeeps are available for hire. The main road in Almora town allows only one way traffic. Taxis normally charge for full day sight-seeing nearly Rs. 600 Rates can be negotiated for sight-seeing and half day excursion.

Useful Links : Hotels in Corbett, Manali Hotels, Nainital Tour, Wildlife Conservation Society India