Travelers, make extra room in your hearts! Because the awe-inspiring panoramic vista of the snow-capped Himalayas in Almora is going to make a reservation there soon. Once the heart is taken care of, the next mission is to please your soul, and don’t worry, Almora has your back in that aspect too.
Living up to the state’s nickname of “Land of Gods”, the religious atmosphere and numerous historic temples will put your mind and soul at ease, providing you with unparalleled positivity. So, go ahead and give yourself this much-needed break from monotonous life and plan a trip to this culturally rich district. For success with your trip, let’s also give you a better understanding of the region with our guide on traveling to Almora.
If you sit down to write about the historic significance and background of this district in Uttarakhand, you’d have enough material to offer it as a separate syllabus in History class. Yes, there’s a lot. Starting with the region’s name, “Almora '' finds its origin in a plant called Kilmora, which was used for washing utensils of Katarmal’s Sun Temple. Interesting to know that the essence of plants is often interconnected to so many things, isn't it?
The Chand dynasty is known to have ruled over the Kumaon region for almost 300 years, after which a succession of monarchs fought for control of the territory. Despite this, the community has done an outstanding job of maintaining its culture and traditions. You can visit the Govind Vallabh Pant Museum to relive the town's rich history and marvel at the antiques, sculptures, and weapons that depict the Chand dynasty's rise and collapse.
Because of its rich customs and past, Almora has acquired the title of "Cultural Capital of Kumaon." You must know that Aipan is a well-known traditional art form in this area. To display their artistic side, the locals utilize white flour paste on red walls as a canvas. This art form is significant because it contributes to the creation of a positive and God-friendly atmosphere. This practice is followed religiously by the inhabitants of Kumaon, particularly the women. While traveling to Almora, you could get a glimpse of this art form in a local studio.
Famously known for its authentic food, some of the popular jewels in Almora’s crown are Bal Mithai – a lip-smacking sweet, Choklate – yes, you’ve heard a very similar name since childhood, but this one tastes better! It’s a condensed milk sweet that will make you come back for seconds.
Also read: 7 Unusual Foods In India That You Must Try
At a distance of about 125 km from the main city of Almora, the nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport. You can hire a taxi or hop on a bus right outside the airport and reach Almora. The nearest international airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and you will find no trouble reaching Almora from there thanks to the well-connected and maintained roads leading to it.
While Almora doesn’t have its own railway station, the nearest one is the Kathgodam Railway Station which directly connects some of the major cities of the country. To give you a quick overview of the trains operating between these train stations, here’s a list for the same.
Despite being a hilly region, Almora is well-connected in terms of roadways. With the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation running buses from Almora to Delhi and Dehradun on a regular basis, be rest assured that you won’t have to wait for your turn to hop on the bus to Almora.
If you opt for a car ride to get to Almora, it will be a smooth one as this district is connected to major North-Indian cities. Private taxis are also readily available to drop you at this heavenly destination.
Also read: 7 Unique Things To Do In North-East India
Almora enjoys pleasant weather conditions in the months from mid-March to May and mid-September to November end. This makes it an ideal time to explore the depths of this beautiful painting of a city with the mountains proving the brush-stroke geniuses of the artist. With the temperature following the rules of letting everyone have a good time, it stays below 30°C.
Comfortably sitting at an elevation of about 1640 meters, Almora experiences enough freezing climatic conditions to compel you to blurt out smoke every time you speak. So, if traveling to Almora is on the cards for you in the months of December to February, make sure to carry warm clothes to prevent the snow from slowing down your movement. During the last week of December and almost the entirety of January, you can expect snowfall around this part. So, if you don’t mind visiting during cold-chilly nights, the snowfall will fill like icing on this picturesque nature cake.
Also Read: 11 Best Winter Tourist Destinations In India
The intrastate bus service provided by the Uttarakhand government and many private bus services will make your life much easier to commute in Almora.
What’s the best way to explore a hill station sitting at an elevation of 1640 meters? - By trekking! So put on your running shoes and a wooden branch to accompany you as you explore this scenic masterpiece of a place. After all, there’s only so much you can enjoy while riding in a vehicle. The true essence of a place is best experienced by exploring it on foot and getting the real feel of the said place.
The transportation services provided by Cabbooking and Bharat Taxi help you book cabs online so that you enjoy a hassle-free ride to your preferred destination.
The most affordable and convenient mode of traveling in Almora is the autorickshaw and cycle-rickshaw. You will find a plethora of these rickshaws scattered all over the place ready to take you to your desired place.
Also Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Uttarakhand
There’s no surprise to the fact that the state which is nicknamed Devbhumi won’t have famous and picturesque temples in every nook and corner. Conforming to this norm, the Chitai Golu Devta Temple is one of the most historic temples in Uttarakhand. If you are confused whether you are at the desired temple or not, look for the one with the most copper bells hung and increase the decibels around the area. If you find one such temple, it is probably the Chitai Golu Temple. The aura and all-around belief of people here are hypnotic which will give you goosebumps even from afar, making it a must-visit when traveling to Almora.
One peculiar thing that distinguishes this temple from the other ones is the unique method of praying followed here. You can have a heart-to-heart with the Lord by writing him a letter which would contain all your wishes and desires. Once your wishes come true, as a token of gratitude, you can tie bells of any size in this temple. It is truly angelic to see so many people actually visiting again to complete the ritual. One thing you must beware of while visiting this area are the notorious monkeys looking to steal things from anyone who comes on their radar.
Although this place bears the term corner in its name, it is one of the central attractions of this district/town. The prominent reason behind this is that Swami Vivekananda halted at this very location while making his journey to the Himalayan mountains. Located at about 3 km from the main Almora city, this place has spell-binding views of the valley and the snowy peaks.
It's not often that you get to see a sunrise or sunset this close to the mountains let alone the Himalayas! So, if you are one of those who can spend hours admiring the scenic beauty of something so elegant, then the Bright End Corner will quite literally be heaven on earth for you.
If the wildlife lover in you is frantically searching for a sanctuary in this winter-friendly area, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary should be the first and final stop in your search. About 35 kilometers north of Almora town, this national park sits comfortably atop Jhandi Dhar hills in the Himalayas. Located in the heart of this sanctuary is a place called Zero Point. The specialty of this area is that you can capture the stunning views of the Shivling, Kedarnath Peak, Trisul, and Nanda Devi with your naked eye.
Speaking of the flora and fauna, it is home to numerous species like the Himalayan bear, fox, flying squirrel, chital, musk deer, etc. It is also one of the most prominent sanctuaries for bird watching with about 200+ species of birds, including many of these rare winged creatures. As you go at the higher altitudes, you will find rhododendrons and oak trees greeting you on your way up. So, a visit to this mini paradise for a day’s outing is an ideal option for you.
Also read: 5 National Parks In North India You Can Travel To
How Many Days Is Enough For Almora?
The ideal number of days for a trip to Almora depends upon your reason to visit. If you’re traveling to Almora solely for the purpose of visiting temples, a 2-day trip should do the trick for you. However, if you want to experience the culture and take in the scenic pleasures of the place, consider stretching your itinerary to 5-6 days.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Almora?
The best time to experience Almora in its full glory is in the months of March to May and September to November. The district will greet you with mild and tranquil weather conditions during this time.
Which Month Does It Snow In Almora?
Almora doesn’t experience quarter-year long snow but it does snow here in late December till the end of January. It is the ideal time for people looking for cold and cozy climatic conditions.
How Far Is Almora From Nainital?
The distance separating Nainital and Almora is about 61 km making it fairly easier to travel by road.
What Is Almora Famous For?
There is no surprise that being a part of Uttarakhand, a region will be known for its scenic view. Almora is no different in that aspect. However, it is also famous for its rich culture, local traditions, and mouth-watering cuisines.
The river which flows through the Almora district is the river Gori.
Who Founded Almora?
The founder of Almora is Kalyan Chand.
