Information about Almora District

Almora is endowed with exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, delectable cuisine and exotic wildlife.

This charming hill resort was the flourishing capital of the Chand dynasty. The region was earlier under the reigns of the Katyuri king Baichaldeo, who donated this area to a Gujarati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. In 1560 the capital of Chand Dynasty was shifted to Almora (from Champawat) by Kalyan Chand. The beautiful town is set on a 6 kms long horse saddle shaped ridge. It affords breathtaking views of the snowy summits of Himalayas and is an excellent place for a peaceful holiday. 

Almora Stats

 

District Headquarters: Almora
Area: 3090 sq km
Latitude 29° 36' N
Longitude 79° 30' E
Total Population: 630,567
Literacy : 74.53%

Places to Visit in Almora

Chitai Temple:

Eight kms from Almora is the Chitai Temple, dedicated to Golu Devta. An incarnation of Gaur Bhairav, he is reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper ask for it with a clear conscience. All he asks for in propitiation is a bell, as was evident from the thousands of bells strung across the temple premises. Anyone can even seek Gol Devta's divine intervention by writing to him.

Kosi Temple (10 kms):

The temple was built in the 12th century by the Katyuri dynasty. One of the earliest Sun temples in India.

Gananath (47 kms):

Gananath is famous for an old Shiva Temple and many interesting natural caves in a charming landscape. It is located 47 kms north of Almora.

Someshwar :

About 35 kms north from Almora, Someshwar has an ancient Shiva temple considered to be constructed by the founder of the Chand Dynasty, Raja Som Chand.

Kausani :

This charming hill resort set amidst several snow- capped peaks is endowed with exceptional natural beauty. Mahatma Gandhi came here in 1929, and was fascinated by the scenic grandeur of Kausani. His commentary on the Gita-AnaShakti Yoga was written here at the Anashakti Ashram. Sumitra Nandan Pant, a noted Hindi poet was born here.

Jageshwar :

The pilgrim site located in a verdant valley is 38 kms from Almora and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga's in the country. The Swayambhu Linga named Nagesh is enshrined here. The temple complex has 124 shrines and hundreds of statues noted for exquisite craftsmanship. In Jageshwar, fairs are held during Shivaratri and in the month of 'Shravan' (July - August). The place is frequented by both religious as well as nature lover tourists.

Vridh Jageshwar :

Scenic beauty and an old temple.

Mritola Ashram (10 kms) :

A centre of spiritual and natural beauty.

Ranikhet :

Ranikhet or the "Queen's Field" perched at an altitude of 1829 metres represents the very best of Himalayan beauty. The lush forests, magnificent peaks, and exotic flora and fauna have made Ranikhet a tourists paradise. It is believed that Rani Padmini, the queen of Raja Sukhdev was completely captivated by the scenic splendour and decided to settle over here and thus the town came to be known as Ranikhet.

Chaubatia : (3kms from ranikhat)

It is popularly known as 'Orchard Country' for its fruits and government apple gardens. It commands a picturesque view of the Himalayas. The Bhalu dam near Chaubatia is famous for an artificial lake and a fine picnic spot.

Tarikhet (8 kms) :

It is famous for the Gandhi Kuti and the temple of Golu Devta venerated in the Kumaon hills.

Upat & Kalika :

Six kms from Ranikhet, Upat is a modern but historical place with one of the best 9-hole golf course in the country. The course was originally laid out by a British cavalry officer. Upat is a boon to the enthusiast. At 6000 feet above sea level there is a different satisfaction in playing golf. In this course there are bungalows for the players to stay. Many films have been shot here.

Majkhali (13.5 kms) : 

Just one km from Upat is Kalika village famous for its temple to the Goddess Kali. It also hosts a forest nursery. A beautiful snowcapped mountain view is available on the other side of the golf link at Upat.

Jhoola Devi Temple (7 kms) :  

The famous temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Rama.

Chilianaula (4 kms) :

 The temple of Baba Haira Khan here is located amidst scenic surroundings.

Binsar Mahadev :

Binsar Mahadev is located at 19.5 kms from Ranikhet, on the way to Ramnagar and 2kms from Sonidant, amidst dense Pine and Deodar forests. The shiva Temples of Binsar Mahadev are a unique place for meditation and picnics. 

Manila : 

Manila (means 'enchanting') is 87 km from Ranikhet and 75 km from Ramnagar. One can also reach the wilderness of this place after walking 13 km from Bhikiyasain. Manila is the seat of Manila Devi, the family Goddess of Katyuri clan. The forests and Himalayan views from this hill, which is spread from Sadar to Dotiyal are worth remembering. 25 km from this place is the memorial of 'Quit India Movement Martyrs' of this region at Khumar.

Dwarahat :

Situated in a wide valley of the river Ramganga, Dwarahat lies around 32 KMs from Ranikhat.  Dwarahat was once the seat of the Katyuri kings who are said to have ruled from the Great Himalayas to the plains. It is famous for its 55 cluster temples of Katyuri period. Main attraction is 8 groups temple (Mrityunjay, Dhwaj, Badrinath, Durga, Duijar Deval, Ratan Dewal, Maniyal and Kachri) dating from the 11th century and have some fascinating stone carvings. Kumaon's famous Syalde-Bikhoti Mela is held in Dwarahat from 13th to 15th April annually.

Doonagiri : (47.2 kms north of Ranikhet) 

Doonagiri is rich in historical and religious significance. Many myths bear testimony to this fact, according to which when Hanuman was carrying the Sanjiwani booty a piece fell here and since that day, this place is known as Doonagiri. Rich in natural splendour, Doonagiri is adorned by a temple of Vaishno Devi (the famous cave Goddess). To cap it all, Doonagiri offers a clear picture of the imposing Himalayas. For pilgrims Doonagiri is abuzz with festivals during Chait and Ashwin months of Navratras.

Pandukholi : (10 kms from Doonagiri)

From Mangalikhan to Kukuchina you can come by bus. The remaining distance is a 5 kms walk. The caves built by Pandavas are worth watching at Pandukholi.

Taragtal: (5 km treks from Pandukholi)

Taragtal is a seasonable Lake. This place can also be visited from Chaukhutia.

Chaukhutia:

This picturesque place derives its name from a Kumaoni word "Chakuta" which means four feet. In Chaukhutia's context four feet means four ways. From here the entire region is easily accessible. 54 kms from Ranikhet, Chaukhutia is on the Ranikhet-Badrinath highway. It is situated in the bank of Ram Ganga River. Chaukhutia's historical past and religious significance can be seen basking in its glory in nearby areas. Kali temple, Vaishno Devi's temple, ancient fort and ruins of Katyuri dynasty all makes Chaukhutia an explorer's delight. This place is also famous for fishing centre.

Kali (Agneri Devi) Temple:

Kali Temple popularly known as Agneri Devi Temple, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali is situated around half km from Chaukhutia in Jaurasi road near Dudhalia village on the bank of Ram Ganga River. Every year thousands of people witness a large number of animal seacrifice (mainly buffalos and goats) in Navratras in the month of March-April.

LakhanPur Temple:

Lakhanpur temple is situated at 6 kms from Chaukhutia in Jorasi-Chaukhutia road. This temple belongs to the Katyuri kings. A small fair is also held here every year in the month October-November.

Jaurasi :

16.1 kms from Chaukhutia at an altitude of 6000 ft. above sea level is Jaurai. It is famous for its panoramic view.

Masi : 

34 km from Bhikiyasen on the way to Chaukhutia and 54 km from Ranikhet is the famous temple of Goddess Durga called Naithna Devi. It can also be reached through a 4 km. trek from Masi. Every year, Somnath Fair on Vishuwat Sankranti day is held in Masi during May-June. It is a famous fair of Pali Pachhaun. Brisk business takes place during the fair and animals, specially bullocks and calves are sold.

Bhumia Temple :

Situated at the bank of Ram Ganga River near Masi Bazaar is the Bhumia Temple. Thousands of people from different parts of Uttranchal visit and worship in this temple through out the year.

Rudeshwar Mahadev Temple :

 

Rudeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at Sanana around 50 km from Raniket in Bhikiasain-Chaukhutia Road along the banks of Ram Ganga River. This is one of the historic temples of Lord Shiva in Kumaon region. It is believed that Lord Rama had worshipped in this temple that’s why the river called “Ram Ganga”. It is also evident from the marks on the temple’s walls and Shivling that here worshipped have been held for many era. For last few years, Almora’s biggest Shivratri Mela is being held in this temple.

How to reach Almora 

By Air: The nearest airport for Almora is Pantnagar (127 kms)
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (90kms), which is connected with Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata (Howrah).
By Road: Almora is well connected by road. Main road distance from Almora are - Lucknow (466 kms), Dehradun (412 kms), Nanital (71 kms), Delhi (382 kms), Bareilly (205 kms), Kathgodam (90 kms), Pithoragarh (122 kms), Haridwar (357 kms), Haldwani (96 kms).