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Situated at an elevation of 5400 ft, in the Kumaon Hills, Almora is well known for its healthy climate. Balo Kalyan Chand, the Raja of Champawat, founded the town of Almora about 1560 AD.Almora is cultural centre of Kumaon and
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a picturesque mountain resort. Sunrise offers a particularly beautiful view of the greater Himalayas. Almora is also called a town of temples. Situated in the center of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Unlike Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital that were developed by the English, Almora is a hill station totally developed by the Indians. Almora is a town in the shape of a horseshoe. It is on a 5 km long mountain range. It has its own historical, cultural and political importance. Once upon a time, it was the capital of Kumaon.
The descendents from the Katyur dynasty and the Chand dynasty ruled here in the old times. The forts, other historical monuments, courts and governmental offices are still present today. The two rivers, Kaushik (Koshi) and Shalmali (Suyal) flow near the town. The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas look like a long train of ice and snow from here.Binsar Hills known and Jhandi Dhar, rise to a height of 2412 mts. And offer an excellent view of Almora town, Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayas.
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| The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species of wild flowers. The chief attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas - a 300 kms, stretch on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, nanda Kot and Panchchuli. |
Shitlakhet - Watching the Himalayas from Shitlakhet, 35 km from Almora, is an incomparable experience. Scouting camps are often held here and Syahi Devi temple is just km ahead.
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Kausani - The distance from Almora is 52 km. The birthplace of famous poet, and a place where Gandhiji stayed for some time, this place offers a view of seven peaks of Himalaya including Trishul and Nanda devi.
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Gananath - At an altitude of 2116 meter and at a distance of 47 km from Almora, this place is known for its natural landscapes.
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Baijnath - 71 km from Almora are located the famous temples of Baijnath. Built by Katyuri rulers, these temples have over the time become synonymous with India's rich mythology. Here a cluster of temples holds in their folds beautiful idols of Goddess Parvati chiseled in black stone. Innumerable tales of Lord Shiva and Parvati make these temples a fascinating experience.
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Jageshwar - 38 km from Almora, Jageshwar is believed to be the abode of twelve Jyotirling's. It is situated in a beautiful narrow valley surrounded by magnificent Deodar trees. The complex, consisting of 124 temples and hundreds of statues, is famous not merely for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for its Swayambhu Linga named Nagesh. In Jageshwar, fairs are held during Shivaratri and in the month of ' Savan' (JuIy, August). Both religious as well as nature lover tourists frequent the place.
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Bageshwar - 77 km from Almora, Filled with the religious aura and peace of the soul and mind after the visit to Baijnath, the visitor, inevitably becomes a pilgrim and his steps lead him to the confluence of the sacred Gomti and Saryu, at Bageshwar.
Mentioned on the copper plate here, like in Varanasi, the spirit of Siva prevails. This is his town. An entrancing spot in the valley, it is pilgrim centre, with the 15 shrines and ancient temple of Baijnath, built in 1450 A.D., that gives the town its name.
In the month of January, thousands of pilgrims converge here to the Uttargayani Fair to have a dip in the holy waters of the confluence. Fasting and chanting, they worship Siva in the temple built for Him many centuries ago. During the Katyuri rule, it was one of the administrative centres, near their capital. |
| By Air : Nearest airport is Pantnagar (127 km) |
| By Rail :Nearest railhead is Kathgodam (90 km). |
| By Road : Khajuraho is connected by regular and direct bus services with Chhatarpur, Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna, panna, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, Sagar, Jabalpur, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Allahabad. |
| Tourist Places In Almora |
| Naina Devi Temple |
This ancient temple is one of the main attractions of Almora town. This temple is hundreds of year old and carries deep faith of many people from this area. The images and statues on walls of this temple are intricately and delicately carved. They are very attractive and almost true to life depiction has been done. Every year a fair is organized here. People from all over the place come and participate in this fair. Groups of young men & women dance on the pulsating music of the mountains.
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| Deer Park |
Deer park is located some three km from Almora. An evening stroll in Deer park has its own pleasure.
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| Chetai Temple |
The local people have much faith on this temple. The Chetai temple is located eight km from Almora. This temple is surrounded by dense fur and pine tree forest. If you are a nature lover then you will certainly enjoy this place.
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| Public Museum |
Near Almora bus stand is the Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum. This museum provides a deep insight of the development of art, culture, life style of this region. It has a very rich collection items relating to Archaeological, Historic and cultural significance. This museum has unique collection of 'Apen', a folk style of painting. One can have a good view of the various aspect of this style painting. This museum is open from 10:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the evening. |
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| Simtola |
This is a picnic spot about three km from Almora town. The whole place is covered with pine and fur trees. The calmness and peaceful environment has fun of its own kind.
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| Bageshwar |
77 km from Almora, Filled with the religious aura and peace of the soul and mind after the visit to Baijnath, the visitor, inevitably becomes a pilgrim and his steps lead him to the confluence of the sacred Gomti and Saryu, at Bageshwar. |
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| Baijnath |
71 km from Almora are located the famous temples of Baijnath. Built by Katyuri rulers, these temples have over the time become synonymous with India's rich mythology. Here a cluster of temples holds in their folds beautiful idols of Goddess Parvati chiseled in black stone. Innumerable tales of Lord Shiva and Parvati make these temples a fascinating experience |
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