|
Introduction:
Almora is a town in the shape of a horse shoe perched on a 5 km long mountain range in between the river Kosi and Suyal. It was founded Raja Kalyan of Chand Dynasty in 1568. Almora is located at an altitude of 1638 meters (5,500 feet), on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalaya range. Almora is the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock it is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fur trees. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. There is a cave where Swami Vivekananda meditated and was enlightened. The Kashaya Hill on which the town is built finds a mention in the scripture of the Skanda Purana. In 1560 Raja Kalyan Chand of Kumaon made it the capital of his kingdom. At that time it was called Rajapur and ancient inscriptions on many places still have Rajapur carved on them. The rule of the Chand dynasty came to an end after the gorkhas from Nepal occupied the area in 1790. The British defeated the Gorkhas in 1815, and established a small Army and a Cantonment.
Attraction in Almora:
Bright End Corner: This is one of the most famous spot in Almora. Bright End Corner point situated just 2 km away from Almora, in Uttarakhand. Named after Mr. Brighton, this point is highlighting 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.
Martola: Martola is the famous picnic spot in Almora, its 10 kms away from Almora. Martola is so scenic and picturesque that many forgeiners decided to settle here.
Kalimutt : The lovely picnic spot located at a distance of 4.5 kms from Almora. This picnic spot provide a beautiful view of the Himalayan Peaks.
Deer Park: This park is 3 kms away from Almora. An evening stroll in Deer park has its own pleasure.
Simtola: 3 kms from Almora Simtola is a picnic spot and whole place is covered with pine and fur trees. This place provide a view the beautiful mountains of Himalayas.
Chitai Temple: Chitai Temple is most famous temple in Almora and whole Uttrakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Golu. Local folks have much faith in this hilltop temple, they often visit here with offerings. The people of Kumaon worship him. Once a wish is fulfilled people hang little bells in this temple. The history says the temple was built by a general belonging to the Chand dynasty. 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 famous Sun Temple is the second in importance after the Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. 7 kms from Almora this historical important temple is an example of intricate sculpturing. The temple has some unique architectural style and the images carved on the walls are very intricately done.
Binsar: Binsar is very popular place in Almora. Its 30 kms away from Almora. Binsar has a temple of Shiva who is also called Bineswar. The Binsar Temple is built by King Kalyan of the Chand Dynasty. Visiting this temple gives one peace of mind.
Jageshwar Temple: Jageshwar is one of the most popular place in Uttarakhand. Its 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: Nanda Devi Temple is the main attraction in Almora. This 1000-year old temple in 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 Temple: A ancient Shiva temple with natural caves is located at a distance of 47 kms from Almora. 2116 mts above sea level this place is a favourite with nature lovers.
How to get there:
By Air: Phoolbagh is the closest airport to reach Almora. Its just 127 kms away from Almora.
By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station to reach Almora, its 90 kms from Almora.
By Road: Almora is just 380 kms away from Delhi. |
