Almora is a beautiful and serene cantonment town, in the Northern Himalayas of the Indian state Uttarakhand. It is the administrative headquarters of the Almora district which is fundamental for governance in the Kumaoni region.
Placed on the stunning edge of the Kumaon Hills, Almora has all-encompassing glimpses of the Himalayas. Located amidst a beautiful natural landscape that includes those jagged peaks, National Park is the ideal destination for nature lovers.
The town is visited by tourists and pilgrims mostly because of its rich history, alongside the beautiful views. Almora is a place often associated with the divine temples oozing an ancient vibe that brings one close to spirituality and calm.
From Delhi to Almora:
It’s a distance of 365 km, which is approx. 9 hours by road. One can leave early in the morning by private vehicle or bus, to reach Almora by afternoon or evening.
Routes to reach Almora:
Drive Through Beauty to Almora
- One can start from Delhi, taking the Hapur highway. This road will travel through Moradabad to Rampur, crossing Haldwani to finally reach Almora. It covers a distance of 365 km, in about 8-9hrs.
- From Delhi, one can take the Hapur highway till Moradabad. Then take a detour via Tanda, towards Bazpur and Kaladhungi. This route offers beautiful forested surroundings. From Kaladhungi to Almora, the hilly route offers scenic beauty. It covers a distance of 350-360 km, taking about 8-9hrs.
Easy Bus Ride to Almora
One can take a direct bus from Anand Vihar ISBT, Delhi. Buses are run by Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation (USRTC) or private operators. It takes about 9-11 hours to reach Almora. It’s a very economical option.
Fly, Then Explore Almora
You can also take a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH). Pantnagar Airport is approx. 120 km from Almora. From Pantnagar, one can take a taxi or bus to Almora. The road travel will be around 120 km, 3-4 hrs.
When to Visit Almora: Seasons of Beauty and Bliss
March to June: Spring-Summer Bliss
During this time, temp stays in between 12°C to 28°C. The cool weather and clear skies is perfect for local sightseeing and exploring.
October to November: Autumn Trails
Post-monsoon, temperature ranges from 8°C to 15°C. It’s perfect for trekking, sightseeing, and soaking in the beautiful fall foliage.
December to February: Winter Magic
During the winter months, Almora experiences a temperature range of 0°C to 12°C. Consequently, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of snow-clad mountains, which create a picturesque winter landscape. However, it’s essential to be aware that some roads may become unnavigable due to snowfall.
Exploring Almora’s Heritage:
Ancient Nanda Devi Temple
It’s an ancient and revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi. Notably, the temple is believed to be over 1000 years old, showcasing intricate wooden carvings and a beautiful idol of Nanda Devi. Visitors can enjoy the temple’s serene atmosphere from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, during the Nanda Devi Fair, it is important to note that timings may be modified. Therefore, planning your visit accordingly will enhance your experience at this significant spiritual site.
Mystical Kasar Devi Temple
It lies 8 kilometers from Almora, which makes for a 30-minute drive. Historians believe the temple dates back to the 2nd century CE. This location features a strong geomagnetic field, akin to that found at Stonehenge and Machu Picchu. The Kasar Devi Fair takes place annually from November to December. Visitors can explore the temple in the morning from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and in the evening from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Bell Wishes at Chitai Golu Devta
From Almora, the temple is approx 8 km away, which typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes by road. Moreover, this temple is dedicated to Golu Devta, a revered deity in the region. Interestingly, there’s a unique tradition where devotees offer bells as a symbol of their prayers and wishes. Furthermore, the temple generally remains open throughout the day.
Dive into History at Pant Museum
Govind Ballabh Pant Museum, established in 1980, honors the prominent Indian freedom fighter and politician, Govind Ballabh Pant. The museum showcases a diverse array of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, traditional paintings, and local handicrafts. Additionally, it opens its doors from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, except for Mondays, making it accessible for visitors throughout the week.
Into the Wild: Explore Binsar Sanctuary
The sanctuary is situated about 30 km from Almora. Moreover, this serene sanctuary offers not only dense forests and diverse wildlife sightings but also beautiful trekking paths. Established in 1988, it aims to protect the region’s flora and fauna. Furthermore, one can trek to Zero Point, where panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and Trishul, await. Overall, the sanctuary provides a perfect blend of nature and adventure for all visitors.
Echoes of the Past: Discover Ancient Cave Art
The caves are situated about 16 km from Almora. Interestingly, these cave paintings date back to the Mesolithic era, roughly around 5000 to 3000 BCE. In particular, the paintings predominantly feature hunting scenes, animals, human figures, and various symbols. Therefore, it is advisable to visit between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, which offers ample daylight for exploration. Moreover, one is encouraged to wear comfortable shoes since the terrain can be uneven and requires a fair amount of walking. Ultimately, this adventure promises to be both educational and enjoyable, immersing visitors in the region’s rich history.
Read More: Ranikhet: A Tranquil Himalayan Escape
