Almora, Uttarakhand, India

Almora: A charming Himalayan town blending nature, culture and quiet

(Almora – Uttarakhand, India)

Almora-Panorama view

Almora, perched in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, is a captivating hill station known for its panoramic Himalayan views, rich cultural heritage, and age-old temple architecture. Once the seat of the Chand dynasty, Almora retains strong roots in traditional Kumaoni art, customs, and handicrafts. The town is also renowned for its quiet lanes, colonial era buildings, and forested ridges that afford serene mountain vistas.

Almora appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers: families seeking a quiet Himalayan escape, couples wishing for romantic mountain mornings, backpackers longing for offbeat trails, and culture lovers drawn to temples, rituals, and folk art. Here one can stroll through bazaars selling local woolens and handicrafts, visit ancient temples, trek to viewpoints, and immerse in the region’s spiritual ambiance.

The town’s elevation ensures cool weather even in the summer months, while winters bring crisp air and occasional frost. For those seeking a Himalayan destination that balances natural beauty with cultural richness—without the bustle of crowded hill stations—Almora stands out.

How To Reach Almora

• By Air: The nearest major airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 60-80 km away by road. Travelers may hire taxis or take shared transport from Pantnagar to reach Almora (2–3 hours depending on road conditions).
• By Train / Rail: The closest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 68 km from Almora. From Kathgodam, you can travel by road (bus, taxi) to Almora (roughly 2 to 3 hours).
• By Road / Bus / Car: Almora is well connected via the Uttarakhand road network. Buses, shared jeeps, and taxis ply from Haldwani, Kathgodam, Nainital, and nearby towns. The roads wind through forested terrain and hills.

Tips / Local Safety

• In monsoon or winter, landslides or snow may block routes—check local reports.
• Hire experienced local drivers familiar with mountain roads.
• Travel during daylight when visibility is better and conditions safer.
• On narrow stretches, heed cautious driving and slow speeds.

Tourist Attractions in Almora

Here are some of the must-visit places and best attractions in and around Almora:

• Kasar Devi Temple & Crank’s Ridge — temple on hillock with reputed magnetic vibes, favored by seekers and writers.
• Chitai Golu Devta Temple — iconic temple dedicated to Golu Devta (deity of justice), with bells and rituals.
• Katarmal Sun Temple — ancient Surya temple with sculptural heritage, ~17 km from Almora.
• Bright End Corner — a ridge viewpoint ideal for sunrise/sunset and Himalayan vistas.
• Govind Ballabh Pant Museum — local history, art, culture exhibits.
• Zero Point (Almora) — mountain viewpoint offering panoramic snow-peak views.
• Jageshwar Dham Temples — cluster of ancient Shiva temples in dense forest, ~30-40 km away.
• Lakhudiyar Rock Shelters, Barechhina — prehistoric cave paintings depicting humans, animals, geometric motifs. (~19 km)
• Golu Dev Temple, Gairad (Gairad Golu Dev) — district-listed temple in Almora district.
• Banri Devi Temple — ~26 km from Almora, located on Almora–Lamgarha road.
• Nanda Devi Mandir (Almora town) — temple built by Chand kings inside Almora.
• For more – explore – Uttarakhand Tourism – Almora

Things To Do in Almora

Here are top activities, experiences & things to do:

• Walk and photograph Crank’s Ridge & Kasar Devi
• Visit Chitai Golu Devta Temple and tie bells / petitions
• Trek to Katarmal Sun Temple and explore sculptural ruins
• Catch sunrise / sunset from Bright End Corner or Zero Point
• Explore Lakhudiyar Rock Art Caves with prehistoric paintings
• Visit Govind Ballabh Pant Museum and local heritage walks
• Journey to Jageshwar Dham temple cluster via forest trails
• Attend local fairs, cultural events or temple festivals
• Forest walks in adjacent wooded slopes
• Enjoy panoramic Himalayan vistas, videography & quiet time

Best Time To Travel

• Ideal Seasons: March to June (spring-summer) — clear skies, mild weather, blossoming hills.
• Autumn / Post-Monsoon: September to November — fresh landscapes, crisp skies, pleasant climate.
• Winter: December to February — cold, possibility of frost or snow, peaceful but limited services.
• Monsoon: July–August — heavy rains, landslides risk; outdoors may be restricted.

Comparisons:

• Spring–summer: best for sightseeing, trekking, temple visits
• Autumn: ideal for clear views and quieter ambiance
• Winter: solitude, cold charm, limited mobility
• Monsoon: risk of disruption, avoid travel then if possible

Events & Precautions

Events / Festivals

• Almora is known for its unique Dussehra tradition where 17 effigies of Ravan’s extended clan are burnt—a tradition continuing over 160 years.
• The Almora Literature Festival (ALF) is held annually, focusing on Himalayan literature, art and local voices.
• Local temple festivals (Chitai, Golu Devta) attract devotees seasonally.

Precautions

• Landslides block roads in monsoon — monitor route alerts.
• Avoid traveling narrow hill roads at night or during heavy rain.
• In winter, frost and icy patches are dangerous — use good footwear and avoid steep trails.
• Respect restricted military or forest areas; some museums / cantonment zones may require permissions.
• For bus or road travel, avoid overcrowded mountain buses. (Note: a serious bus accident occurred near Almora in Nov 2024)

Useful Travel Tips

• Transport & Local Guide: For temple circuits and forest treks, hire local guides familiar with trails.
• Currency & Payments: Use Indian Rupee (INR); many local shops accept cash; ATM availability in town.
• Accommodation: Guesthouses, heritage homestays, hill lodges — book in advance in peak season.
• Internet / Connectivity: Mobile signal is decent in town; remote trails may have patchy connectivity.
• Language: Hindi, Kumaoni dialect, some English in tourist areas.
• Sustainable Travel & Responsible Tourism: Don’t litter in forests or temples; avoid plastic; stick to marked trails.
• Health & Wellness: Carry basic medicines, layers, altitude consciousness, avoid exertion on first day.
• Packing Essentials: Warm clothes, rain jacket, good walking shoes, sun protection, water bottle, flashlight.
• Connectivity & Communication: Share your route and lodging with someone; use offline maps.
• Local Etiquette & Cultural Norm: Dress modestly especially in temples; remove footwear; ask permission before photography.
• Shopping Guide & Souvenirs: Local woolens, handicrafts, metalwork, Kumaoni musical instruments, herbal products.

Things Not To Do / Avoid

• Don’t stray off trails in forests at night.
• Avoid loud music or disturbance in religious or quiet zones.
• Don’t litter, deface or write on temple walls or caves.
• Don’t trespass into restricted forests or military zones.
• Avoid traveling in poor weather or when landslides are likely.
• Don’t board overcrowded buses in hilly terrain.

Things To Remember

• Essential Packing Advice: Layered clothing (warm + daylight), rain gear, sturdy shoes, torch, meds.
• Health & Safety: Adjust gradually to altitude, stay hydrated, avoid sudden excessive walking.

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Itinerary (Popular)

Day 1: Arrival & Town Walk

• Arrive in Almora via Kathgodam / Haldwani route
• Stroll old town, visit Govind Ballabh Pant Museum
• Evening to Bright End Corner for sunset

Day 2: Temples & Views

• Visit Kasar Devi / Crank’s Ridge
• Head to Chitai Golu Devta Temple
• Trek or drive to Katarmal Sun Temple
• Evening forest walk or light exploration

Day 3: Heritage & Departure

• Explore Lakhudiyar caves (Barechhina)
• Visit Jageshwar Dham if time permits
• Depart

5-Day Itinerary

• Follow: Day 1 to Day 3 plan from “3-Day Itinerary” above
• Day 4: Deep dive to Jageshwar Dham, temple circuit and nature walk
• Day 5: Leisure, revisit favorite view points, shopping, depart

7-Day Itinerary

• Follow: Day 1 to Day 5 plan from “5-Day Itinerary” above
• Day 6: Excursion to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary or distant hill circuits
• Day 7: Relaxing walks, photography, depart

Nearby Destinations for Extended Trip

• Jageshwar (≈ 30-40 km) — ancient Shiva temple cluster in forests
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (≈ 35-40 km) — forest sanctuary, rich flora & fauna
• Kausani (≈ 70 km) — Himalayan vistas, tea gardens, quiet hill town
• Dwarahat (≈ 40-50 km) — historic temples, medieval architecture
• Katarmal (≈ 17 km) — sun temple and sculptural ruins
• Barechhina (≈ 18 km) — Lakhudiyar rock art & cave shelters

Trip extension tip: Use Almora as base to explore forest sanctuaries, temple circuits, and quiet hill towns across the Kumaon region.

Must Try — For Foodies

Indian Veg / Local Cuisine

• Himalayan Homestay Kitchen, Almora — local Kumaoni, simple home-cooked fare. (@approx ₹150–₹400)
• Shah’s Cafe & Restaurant, Almora — vegetarian & light meals, café style. (@approx ₹200–₹500)
• Swaad Restaurant, Almora — Indian and local cuisine in town. (@approx ₹250–₹600)
• Mukta Foods & Furnishings Café — snacks, North Indian dishes. (@approx ₹150–₹450)

Non-Veg / Mixed / Specialty

• Some hill lodges and restaurants serve non-veg Himalayan dishes (check locally)
• Mountain View Restaurant, Almora — mixed menu (veg + non-veg) options. (@approx ₹300–₹800)

Cafés / Light Bites / International Options

• Kasar Café (near Kasar Devi route) — snacks, teas, café setting
• Coffee & Co., Almora — café for coffee, cakes, light fare
• Crank’s Ridge café (on route) — small café stop for trekkers

Local / Traditional Dishes Worth Trying

• Aloo Ke Gutke — spiced potatoes, Kumaon staple
• Bhatt Ki Churkani — black gram dish, local taste
• Bal Mithai — sweet specialty of Kumaon, often found in Almora markets

Additional Information & Links

• Uttarakhand Tourism — Almora destination page: Uttarakhand Tourism – Almora
• Emergency numbers: Police (100), Fire & Rescue (101), Ambulance (108) or one Unified No. (112)
• Tourist Helpline: 1800-11-1363