Almora
About the city
This nearly 500-year-old town, once famous for its pretty paved roads and its wooden houses with elaborately carved faades, continues to be on the traveller's map because of the dozens of excursions possible to scenic retreats and pilgrimage centres nearby. Almora is one of the rare places in the hills where short distances take hours to cover because of twisty, undulating roads which enables you to discover many places from one central point. Settle down in one of the many hotels here and visit, among other places nearby, Binsar, Kausani or JageshwarAlmora is one of those few, rare places here, that has not been founded by the British - it was believed to be the capital of the Chand kingdom, about 400 years ago. Yet, despite being old and historic, one really cannot see much evidence of anything historical here.
Almora is an important trade and administrative centre. Like every place, Almora too, has something special about it - the bal mithai here, which is a specialty of this place. The Kasaar Devi temple 8 kilometres away from the town, seems to be popular amongst the people.
Almora is frequented quite a bit by foreign tourists. But the place became well known, since it is apparently believed that Swami Vivekananda had come here to meditate. Now Almora is considered to be a spiritual haven.
We also visited Kausauni, 51 kilometres away from Almora, where the scenery started to change -there was a stream all along and lush, evergreen forests, as far as the eye could see.
Almora, the charming hill resort set on a 6kms. Long horse saddle shaped ridge is famous for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, delectable cuisine and exotic wildlife. For years it remained the hedquarters of the chand dynasty, the Gorkha invaders and the British colonialists. The region was earlier under the reign of the Katyuri king Baichaldeo, who donated this area to a Gujarati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari, Later on, the chand dynasty was founded in Baramandal and Almora was made its capital in 1560, by Kalyan chand. The beautiful town affords breathtaking views of the snowy summits of Himalays and is an excellent place for a peaceful holiday.
Discover the art and culture of the Kumaon region at the Gobind Vallabh Pant Public Museum near the bus stand. you will be surprised to find a very rare collection of Apen folk-paintings, apart from other treasures. Bright End Corner is the place to eat the air and watch the sun rise and set over the hills. If you are in a great hurry to escape to more enchanting locales, do visit the Chitai Temple, a good 8 km from Almora. Soak in the atmosphere at this important shrine to Gollu Deva, who is the most popular Kumaon deity. Thousands of bells chime as goats are sacrificed here in place of the more pacific marigold offerings made at most other temples in India. Built more than 800 years ago by the Katyuri rulers, the Katarmal Sun Temple complex, with nearly 50 stone temples, is a prelude to a visit to the Jageshwar shrines complex. Drive down to Kosi (13 km), where you cross the river before making a 1 1/2-km trek up the mountainside to these temples. Try and time your visit around the Mahashivratri mela in spring, when the complex is awash with colour as droves of pilgrims come to worship and celebrate.