Almora

A cozy heritage town nestled in the Himalayas.
Almora is the perfect destination for everyone. It is very popular with honeymooners, adventure travellers, photographers, families and groups of friends looking for somewhere to cool off. Almora is located in the Kumaon mountain range and is one of the most popular destinations in India for mountain biking. Since it is easy to reach Almora and the altitude is relatively low, one does not need too much training to bike here. Many shops and resorts rent bikes by the hour or by the day, and you can enjoy cycling across the rugged mountain paths.

Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility. This agrarian town has two major rivers- Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali) flowing through it. "The enchanting beauties of the Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that envelopes you leaves nothing more to be desired. Almora is an excellent place to explore various valleys, plains and forested areas on the bike and many roads are lined with flowers. Fruit orchards and pine trees that are most loved by bikers. Trekking is another activity that draws adventurers to Almora. Many routes that go deeper into the Himalayas start from Almora, and there is also a single day to weekend treks near the town. The smaller treks are famous for the bird and animal life the trekkers get to experience on the route.

How to Reach Almora:Almora does not have its own airport but it is well connected with cities like Delhi and Dehradun by road. You can reach Almora from the Pantnagar airport.

Here is how to reach Almora:
By Air-Pantnagar is the closest airport about 125 km away. Daily flights operate between Delhi and Pantnagar. Some hotels also arrange taxis to pick up tourists from the airport. The closest international airport is at Delhi (290 km). Delhi is connected to many cities of India and most major cities across the world. Taxis are easily available from the airport for Almora.

By Rail-Kathgodam is the nearest railhead situated at a distance of 91 km. Cities like Kolkata, Dehradun, Delhi, Jammu, Kanpur, etc. are connected to Kathgodam by rail. Taxis are easily available from Kathgodam station to Almora.

By Road- State-owned bus services connect Almora to most major neighbouring cities like Ranikhet (57 km), Kasauni (55 km), Nainital (71 km), Pithoragarh (122 km), etc. Daily overnight buses ply from Delhi to Almora

Restaurants and Local Food in Almora:
While in Almora, you can indulge in the delicious and authentic local cuisines of Uttarakhand. Do try these dishes, as these are some of the most unique preparations that the Indian platter has and almost exclusive to the area. The must try items here include the popular and traditional local sweets. Bal Mithai , a famous milk sweet of Almora, Choklate - a condensed milk sweet with fudge-like consistency and Singauri - a kind of milk sweet wrapped in a green Malu leaf used for flavoring are some popular treats in Almora that one just cannot miss.
The other local delicacies include Bhaang Ki Khatai, Mixed dal Salad, Kappa (a green curry), Sisunak Saag(a dish prepared with green leafy vegetables and many local ingredients), Aloo ke Gutke( a Kumauni potato dish), Aloo Daal Pakora, Rus ( a preparation of many dals) and much more. The 'Adrak' (ginger) tea is also a famous welcome drink here.

Restaurants in Almora:
Bansal Cafe
This cafe, near the Lalal Bazaar, is a simple cafe that makes for a good snacks place including good coffee, lassis, chaat (snack served with chutney) and samosas.
Lal Bazaar, Almora Chawlas Veg and Non Veg

Glory Restaurant
Glory Restaurant is a family run place that serves both North Indian and South Indian food. It serves good biryani and is a good place to enjoy typical Indian dishes.
LR Sah Road, Almora 263601

New Soni Restaurant
It is a popular dhaba in Almora that serves good North Indian food and tasty veg and non-veg curries.
Mall Road, Almora

Silver Oak Restaurant
Silver Oak Restaurant is probably the most preferred restaurant in town located at Bageshwar Road. Offers amazing ambience with the best quality of food. It's particularly known for its delicious Chinese food.
Club Mahindra Valley Resort, Manipur Villa, Binsar Village & P O Bhainsori, Almora Bageshwar Road, Almora

Best time to visit Almora:
The best season to visit Almora is the summers and the onset of winters. The favourable months to visit the place are between April to June and September to November. The climate remains pleasant during these moths offering tourists the best holiday experience.
Summer season in Almora
Summers are moderately hot in Almora and generally last between the months of April to July. The temperature ranges between a comfortable 12°C - 28°C in these months and relaxing cool breeze lifts up the spirits in the evenings.
Monsoon season in Almora
Almora experiences moderate rainfalls in the months of August, September and October. The rains bring freshness and rejuvenating greenery to the place.

Winter season in Almora:
November marks the beginning of the winter season in Almora and it lasts till the month of February. Winters are extremely cool here with the temperature diving down to a chilling -3°C. The place looks just ethereal in the month of November after being freshly washed with the waters from the heaven.

Things to do in Almora:Almora is located close to some pilgrim centers like Nanda Devi and is the base for some amazing treks like Ranikhet. This makes it a popular place for pilgrims and trekkers. You can go temple-hopping or trekking keeping Almora as your base. You can also go shopping in Almora at the various bazaars known for their woolen garments. A safari in the Binsar wildlife sanctuary is recommended for all wildife enthusiasts.

Trekking in Almora: Trekking in Almora is fun for adventure enthusiasts, the trial is about 3kms from Ranikhet. If a person is experienced with trekking, he/she can opt for the Jageshwar trek which is around 41kms long.

Shopping in Almora: Shopping options are limited in Almora. Garments made of angora wool can be purchased from Chowk Bazaar, Karkhana Bazaar, Thana Bazaar and Lala Bazaar. Copperware found in the markets is also a popular tourist buy.

Places to visit in Almora:

Kasar Devi temple
Built by King Rudrak, Goddess Kasar Devi is the presiding deity. Besides its religious significance, it offers splendid views of the Himalayas. Swami Vivekanand is believed to have meditated in this temple during his stay in Almora.

Chitai temple:
It is dedicated to Lord Gollu, an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav. Locals believe the deity fulfills all wishes. Devotees write their wishes on paper and offer it at the feet of Lord Gollu.

Binsar
Famous for the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Binsar is a popular place to visit in Almora. The lush green forest and rich wildlife makes it a place worth visiting.
January to December: Open all days 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

Katarmal Sun temple
The 800-year-old temple is regarded as the second most important Sun temple in the country after Konark. The intricate sculptures add to the beauty of the temple. It also houses 45 smaller shrines.

Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum
It is an easy place to find in the small city as it is located on mall road in Almora. The museum has exquisite collection of artefacts and ancient items from the times of Chand and Katyuri dynasties that ruled this region. The museum has a collection of paintings, historic things and is a mirror that represents the culture, diversity and rich heritage of Uttarakhand.

Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum belongs to the Kumaon Regiment, which is known to be the most decorated infantry that traces its history back to the 18th century. It is also popular for being a part of every campaign of the British Indian Army and the Indian Army. The museum is located in the city premises and is a reflection of the glory of Kumaon regiment. The museum showcases several military memorabilia, medals and weapons conquered during the wars that were fought pre and post-independence of India.

Martola
Located about 520 meters above the sea level, Martola is one of the most picturesque destinations that surround the Almora city. There may be numerous places to visit in Almora, but Martola is something that no tourist can miss out on. The place is best known for the lush greenery around it and mesmerising hill top view. It is also said that a number of tourists that visit the place desire to stay here permanently because of the beauty it is surrounded with.

Kalimath
Kalimath is yet another place to visit in Almora, which is tailor made for family trips and picnics. Nested in the hills that will hypnotize its visitors with its beauty, the wonderful location is known for being nature’s true escapade.
Kalimath is located at a distance of about three kilometres from the city of Almora and is known for the greenery that surround it. It is a perfect destination to do nothing but relax in the soothing lap of Mother Nature.

Zero Point
Within the premises of Binsar village and in close proximity to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located one of the most amazing viewpoints of Almora. Zero Point is a calm and mind soothing destination that will allure you with the never ending terrains of greenery of Almora. The tourist spot is famous for picnics and its lush green sceneries and is also one among the great places to visit in Almora.
It is one of the must visit view point of this picturesque city that will add to your holiday experience at this hamlet. Zero Point peak gives a majestic view of the Himalayan Ranges, Kedar Nath peak and Nanda Devi. It is also famous for the one of the most blissful sunsets in Almora district.

Bright End Corner
Adding to the list of places to visit in Almora, Bright End Corner is another exciting nature hub that attracts visitors of this city towards it. With the most enchanting view of sunsets and sunrises, Bright End Corner qualifies to be called one of the best places to visit in Almora. The place also marks the beginning of mall road in Almora and is known for its scenic beauty.
There are several meditation centres around this destination that makes it all the more interesting to pay a visit. The place is also known to be dedicated to Swami Vivekananda as he spent several days in meditation here. Bright End Corner is just around the corner of the city and is surely something you cannot miss spotting.