Saturday, September 4, 2010

How to Get There

By Air:The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, about 127 KMs from Almora.
By Rail:The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 kms away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun and Calcutta.
By Road: Almora is well connected by road with other cities by various Transportation.

Almora Weather



Almora is situated at an altitude of 1,638 meters. The climate in Almora can be described as moderate. The summers are warm in the morning and pleasant in the evenings. The winters are cold and sunny during the daytime while the nights are very cold with snowfall a couple of time during the season. The best season for tourist is during the months April-June and September-November. one can have the view of the snow-capped mountains during the early summers and autumns. The best time to witness snowfall is from the end of December till the early February

Almora is situated at an altitude of 1,638 meters. The climate in Almora can be described as moderate.
The SUMMERS are warm in the morning and pleasant in the evenings.
The WINTERS are cold and sunny during the daytime while the nights are very cold with snowfall a couple of time during the season.
The best season for tourist is during the months April-June and September-November. One can have the view of the snow-capped mountains during the early summers and autumns. The best time to witness snowfall is from the end of December till the early February.

Almora Local Sightseening


Travel Almora


Almora was the seat of power of the Chand Dynasty who ruled the land of Kumaon for almost one thousand years. While you travel Almora, you will discover interesting fact that unlike other hill stations, it was not discovered and developed by the British. The Katyuri Dynasty ruled the region around Almora from the 9th century AD. Raja Balo Kalyan Chand made Almora as his new capital in 1568 AD, when he transferred his capital from Champawat to Almora. The Chands occupied Almora till the 19th century AD. The rivers Kosi and Suyal flow through Almora providing a natural barrier.

Almora Tourism

Almora is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, known as the king of the mountains and the abode of the gods. It is a very famous hill station. Almora is a good place to enjoy the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains of the central Himalayas. There are some beautiful and interesting- places to see in a Almora. The temple of Nanda Devi, Jageshwar Almora are one of the main attractions of Almora.
Most of the Almora hotels e.g the snow view resort Almora, Almora hotel shikhar are located in Almora town. During daytime Almora town is bit crowded as roads are narrow and traffic jams are frequents during the daytime While hotel Imperial Heights is located away from hustle and bustle of Almora city in rich natural surroundings. It provide the best view of Almora Valley from all its rooms - that hotels in Almora are famous for.

The Chitai temple
 is 8 km away from the main city. The people of Kumaon have strong faith in the local god Golu. The temple of Chitai is dedicated to him. It is visited by thousands of Kumaonis living in Kumaon or outside. People write letters to the god to fulfill their desires and in return they hang bells in the temple. You can see several thousand bells hanging all around the temple. The 800-year old Sun Temple at Katarmal is 7 km from Almora. It is exceptional for its architecture and intricate carvings. It is one of the few sun temples of Uttaranchal and probably the biggest group in Uttaranchal. Jageshwar is 34 km away from Almora. There is a group of almost 125 temples dating back to 7th to 11th century AD. The majority of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and a few to various goddesses. The group of temples is situated amidst a dense Deodar forest. Jageshwar is considered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
Bright End Corner, 2 km from Almora, is a picnic spot. The spot gives a superb view of the sunrise and sun set. The Vivekananda Memorial and the Library is a little away from here. Swami Vivekananda stopped here while on his journey to Himalayas. Martola, another picnic spot surrounded by gardens, is 10 km from the town. Govind Vallabh Pant Museum is near the main bus stand. On the display are the idols and statues found during the excavation in the region of Kumaon.

Almora - Getaway

Almora has attracted many people including famous personalities and dignitaries. Swami Vivekananda visited Almora at the turn of this century. The famous lectures 'From Almora To Colombo' quotes that he was spellbound by the beauty of the mountains here as much as by the ocean at Kanyakumari. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission was earlier located at Mayawati Ashram then in Almora. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore came here to spend his summers to forget the personal loss of a beloved child and found the environs of the hill station salubrious. The internationally acclaimed dance choreographer Udaya Shankar fell in love with this place and set up a cultural center here. Sitar player Ravi Shankar, artist Zohra Sehgal, the film star Guru Dutt, painter Brewster, mystic Lama Govinda and scientist Boshi Sen have stayed and enjoyed the natural beauty of Almora. Jawaharlal Nehru served a term of imprisonment in the Jail at Almora during the British rule. He had left behind an elaborate account of the pleasures of solitude and the varied moods of nature in his various letters written from this place to his daughter.

Around Almora

Places To See

Nearby places of tourist interest where an excursion can be made within a day are Bright End Corner's unforgettable sunset, Chitai temple with it's
unique collection of brass bells of all sizes, gifted to the temple by devotees since centuries, Kasar Devi which houses many Europeans who fell in love with the place so much that they settle down, Nanda Devi Temple the cultural and religious center of Almora for now hundreds of years and Lala Bazaar a unique market of more than two hundred years with paved streets of stone.

BRIGHT END CORNER


Almora is 2 kms away from here. A highlight of this point is the sunset and the sunrise seen through the Himalayan peaks. A circuit house close by allows tourists to spend some time in this peaceful surrounding. Close by, is the Vivekanand Library which has many books on literature. A little away is the Vivekanand Memorial where Swami Vivekanand had stopped for a while on his journey to the Himalayas.

MARTOLA
This picnic spot amidst gardens is 10 kms away from Almora. Most of the people who live here are foreigners. Buses and taxis come up to a point called Panuwanaula and from there onwards one has to walk.

KALIMUTT


4.5 kms from Almora, this picnic spot gives a lovely view of the Himalayan Peaks.

DEER PARK


3 kms from Almora this park is in NTD (Narayan Tiwari Dewai).

STATE MUSEUM


This museum is near the bus stand . It is closed on Mondays and other Government Holidays. It is open from 10:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

SIMTOLA


3 kms from Almora Simtola is a picnic spot from where one can view the beautiful mountains covered with pine and deodar trees.

CHITAI TEMPLE


This is a very busy area. This temple is dedicated to Lord Golu. The people of Kumaon worship him. Once a wish is fulfilled people hang little bells in this temple. Therefore there are thousands of little bells hanging there. The view of the Himalayas is extremely beautiful from here. This temple is 8 kms away by walk through a beautiful pine forest, but one can go by cart too.

KATARMAL


This 800-year old Sun Temple is the second in importance after the Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. 7kms away from Almora this historical important temple is an example of intricate sculpturing. This temple is in need of restoration now.

BINSAR


30 kms from Almora Binsar has a temple of Shiva who is also called Bineswar. 2412 mts above sea level this temple was constructed by King Kalyan of the Chand Dynasty. Visiting this temple gives one peace of mind.

JAGESHWAR


34 kms away from Almora this temple of Shiva is situated amidst a dense Deodar forest and has a lot of mythological importance. Here there are about 164 temples of this kind.

NANDA DEVI TEMPLE


This 1000-year old temple is one of the main attraction of Almora. Its walls have carvings on them. Every year a festival is held here in which youth from various mountainous areas come here to participate in this dance festival.

GANNATH
47 kms from Almora this is an ancient Shiva temple with natural caves. 2116 mts above sea level this place is a favourite with nature lovers.

KASAR DEVI


Near Kalimutt is the temple of Kasar Devi. This ancient temple was built on a mountain peak in the second century. The distance between Kalimatt and Kasar Devi is less than 1 km and can be easily covered by foot. The surrounding area has become the home of many foreigners. The main town is 6 km away

Pilgrimage Attractions

Chitai Temple



This temple is dedicated to Lord Golu. There are thousands of little bells hanging there. From this temple you can have a picturesque view of the Himalayas. This temple is 8 kms away on foot through a beautiful pine forest.

Public Museum



Near Almora bus stand is the Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum. This museum has very rich compilation related to Archaeological, Historic and cultural significance. This museum has also a unique collection of 'Apen', a folk style of painting.

Simtola
This is a picnic spot about three kms from Almora town. The place is draped with pine and fur trees.

Bright & Corner
Famous for superb sight of sunset and sunrise is Bright & Corner.

Fairs & festivals

Kasar Devi Mela


The old part of the town of Almora is the venue for the fair held twice a year.

Somnath Mela


The Somnath Fair held on Vishuwat Sankranti day is celebrated in the Shiva Temple at Masi.

Devidhura Mela


The Devidhura Fair is held on the day of Raksha Bandhan in August, at the Varahi Devi Temple.

Ram Lila


The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great splendor.

Around Almora

There are quite a few hill stations to visit near Almora. Binsar is situated 30 km from Almora. You can have an unobstructed view of the important mountain peaks of Uttaranchal from here. Binsar wildlife sanctuary is located 35 kms from Almora.




The entire area is various species of exotic flora and fauna. Ranikhet is almost 35 km from Almora. It was one's the British cantonment and you will find buildings of the British period even today. There are several places to visit at Ranikhet. Bageshwar is 90 km from Almora and is a newly made district. There is an ancient and famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the banks of the confluence of two rivers Gomati and Saryu. Baijnath is a small town famous for a group of temples. It is a small distance away from Bageshwar. Kausani is a small hill station mid way between Almora and Bageshwar. Mahatma Gandhi spent three weeks in the Anakshakti Ashram in this small hill station and described it as the Switzerland of India. The view of the snowline is spectacular from here. Sitalakhet is a small hill resort, which is yet unexplored. There is the temple of Sayahi Devi on the top of a mountain peak.

Nestled in the Kumaon hills, Almora is an ideal destination for all the peace seekers.Imperial Heights provides peace and serenity and is centrally located among all Almora Hotels hence it is easily first choice of all travelers among all hotels in Almora. Surrounded by modern and ancient temples - with the glorious Himalayan peaks overlooking it - Almora has fascinated travellers from far and wide. The mystical and spiritual qualities associated with this place have attracted people of the likes of Swami Vivekanand, Mahatma Gandhi, Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru and many others. Travellers continue to flock the serene locales every year to view the snow glistened Himalayas outlining the blue skies, and soak themselves in the calm and solitude.

Located in the newly formed state of Uttaranchal, Almora is one of the very few hill stations that were not developed by the English. Rather, it was the Chanda dynasty that established it, nearly 400 years ago. Geographically, Almora is bound in the east by the district of Pithoragarh - bordering Tibet, in the west by the district of Garhwal, in the north by the district of Bageshwar and in the south by Nainital district.

Almora Hotels

One of the best luxury hotels in Almora

Almora, offers breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, and its full natural beauty enriched with flora and fauna. Almora is also known as the cultural capital of Uttarakhand. Almora is famous for its temples, Binsar Bird Sanctuary, Jageshwar temple, rich cultural heritage and handicrafts.
Almora hotels are located either in Almora town or in the hills surrounding Almora. The Almora town is a crowded place, so if you are looking for peace and wildlife you should choose hotels in Almora situated in ridge or hills surrounding Almora
Imperial Heights hotel in Almora is situated in top of ridge in place called as Kasardevi , famously known as European Village among the local peoples because of large no of foreigners living and visiting this area. The heritage look, large area inside the hotel, Valley Facing Views from all its rooms, clean air prevailing in this area give you perfect place to relax amidst lush green hilly terrains, make Imperial Heights the first choice to stay among all- Hotels in almora .
Hotel Imperial Heights- Almora well-furnished rooms provide you warm welcome at the time of your arrival. Enjoy the luxuries of life on your stay at the hotel. Whether you are looking for l budget hotels in Almora, star hotels in Almora, heritage hotels, 5 star hotels in Almora, 4 five star hotels in Almora, 3 star hotels in Almora,2 five star hotels in Almora , Imperial Heights is considered as ideal and it provide good value for money during your Almora travel
Imperial Height - is located in close proximity of Binsar Sanctuary that has - dense forest area from where one can see the 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling , Trisul and majestic Nanda Devi from a place called 'Zero Point'and is considered by many as the best hotel in Almora
Imperial Heights- 



Hotel in Almora Uttaranchal offers full power backup and its restaurant in Almora - the ruby is the largest and most luxurious restaurant among all Almora Hotels Resorts- that can accommodate at a time more than 250 guest where you can dine and enjoy the breathtaking views of valley in front of your eyes
Come experience the elegant cultural lifestyle in Imperial Heights natural surroundings, views accentuated by our eye for detailing. Almora Hotels- will never be same again !

Almora Uttarakhand




Almora is an amazing place to engulf the spectacular snow cape of the central Himalayas. Almora is situated at the top a peak that is half circular on a 5 km long mountain range and is a town in the shape of a horse shoe. The town has its cultural, political and historical importance from time immemorial. At a time it was the capital of Kumao. The descendents from the Kyutar dynasty and the preserved today. Chand dynasty ruled here in the old times. There are many forts and historical monuments still

Kaushik (Koshi) and Shalmali (Suyal) are the two rivers that flow near the town. There are many temples there in Almora and so is called the town of temples. In the centre of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Almora is a hill station totally created by the Indians unlike Shimla
and Nainital. Almora has many fruit orchards like apples, peaches, apricots, plums, etc. To get over the personal grief after the demise of his beloved child, the great poet Rabindranath Tagore spent a summer over there. Pundit Nehru also had a session of captivity in the jail of Almora and left behind an account of the bliss of loneliness in his various letters.