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Almora is a cantonment town in Almora district in
the state of Uttaranchal, India. It is considered the cultural heart of
Kumaon.Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous
cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy cessibility, Almora
promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.
Almora is also called a town of temples. Situated in the centre of the town
is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Unlike Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital
which were developed by the English, Almora is a hill station totally
developed by the Indians.
The ancient town of Almora, before it's establishment was under the
possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated major part of this land to
a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was founded
in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally located
place in 1560 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it was called
Rajapur. The name 'Rajpur' is also mentioned over a number of ancient copper
plates. The town of Almora is situated over a horse saddle shaped ridge of a
mountain. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat and the
western one is known as Selifat. The market is at the top of the ridge where
these two, Talifat and Selifat jointly terminate.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Nearest domestic airport: Pantnagar, 127 km away from Almora.
By Rail - The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 90 km down in the plains,
connecting the region to many major north Indian cities including Delhi,
Lucknow and Agra.
By Road - There are private taxis at the station and daily buses from Kathgodam to Almora, a drive of about 4 hours. In addition, there are buses
to Almora from other major hill towns of Kumaon including Nainital (3
hours), Ranikhet (2 1/2 hours) and Kausani (3 hours).
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Agartala is between April - June and September -
November.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Ranikhet - It is fifty Kms from Almora, Ranikhet
is famous for it's salubrious climate, balmy breeze captivating and
panoramic Himalayan View and soothing and pollution free greenery of
pines and oaks. It is also famous as the regimental center of the Kumaun
Regiment of Indian Army- one of the most prestigious and the most
decorated of all. The Kumaun Regimental museum and amicably maintained
grassy and green golf course are memorable experiences even for the most
experienced tourists. |
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Kausani - It is situated around 52 KMs from Almora is
famous for it's breathtakingly close view of the Himalayan Peaks and
it's solitudes and greenery. The wide expanse of the famous Katyur
Valley lies in front of it as you wake up to experience the Kausani
sunrise. Kausani's beauty arrested the feet of even Mahatama Gandhi, who
stayed for some time at this place. The memory that brief stay of that
great man lingers behind in the Anasakti Ashrama. Another great man of
India the famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant was born here. There is
small museum to earmark that sacred spot. The famous folk singer Gopidas
was also inspired by the beauty of Kausani. Pinnath (10KMs), Bura
Pinnath (5KMs) and Bhakot are the highest points near Kausani.
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Binsar - It is 35 km from Almora and is a notified forest
reserve and bird sanctuary. There is no town called Binsar, not even a
settlement of huts or anything, it is just the forest reserve that has
been named Binsar. The placed affords wondeful views of the snowcapped
Himalayan ranges, like the peaks of Nanada Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba,
Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Kot.
Binsar is famous for it's views of the snow capped Himalayan mountain
ranges, so one can sit back and enjoy the view while savouring your
favourite drink. One can also go trekking with abundant nature trails
available from Binsar. Binsar also houses a forest reserve with a rich
diversity of flora and fauna with forests of oak and rhododendron with a
large species of flowers and birds along with some wild animals. The
famous temple of Binsar Mahadev is also nearby.
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Bageshwer - It isSituated around 90 KMs from
Almora, Bageswer is now a new district headquarter and the centre of
administration for the entire region called Danpur. The place is
significant from both religious and tourist point of view. Situated at
the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti, Bageswer is the seat of
the famous Uttaraini fair which is held every year in January. The
famous and ancient temple of Bagnath from which the township gets it's
name has been attracting thousands of devout Hindus year after year
since the birth of history. It is believed that Markandey sage has lived
at the place and that Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods of
Hindus had wandered about as a tiger. Even for the adventurous tourist
Bageshwer is a necessary destination since in order to reach the
glaciers of Sunderdunga, Kafni and Pindari one has to necessarily cross
Bageshwer.
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Shitla Khet - It is Situated between Ranikhet and
Almora this picturesque place not only affords a wide view of the
Himalayan peaks but is also full of fruit orchards. Scouting camps are
frequently held here and there is a beautiful temple of Syahi Devi
around 3 KMs away on a lovely mountainous trail. The birth place of the
first chief minister of the province of Uttar Pradesh , Pandit Govind
Ballabh Pant is a place called Khunt situated nearby. |
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Baijnath - Baijnath is a place of much historical
importance. This is 71 kms from Almora and 21 kms from Bageshwar. There
are many ancient temples at Baijnath. These temples have historical and
archaeological importance. These temples have Shiva, Ganesha, Parvati as
the presiding deities. Most of the temples are located along the Gomti
River. These temples were built in 12th and 13th century by rulers of
Katyur dynasty.
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Jageshwar - Jageshwar is located 34 kms from Almora.
There is an ancient Shiva temple at Jageshwar. This temple is surrounded
by huge fur trees. In fact, this temple is in the series of ancient
temples which were built in Kumaon region many centuries ago. The
Jageshwar Shiva temple carries archaeological importance too. the
architecture of this temple is worth giving a close examination. |
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WHERE TO EAT
There are good restaurants in the city and you can also try the special
restaurant at the luxury hotels. Madras Cafe Located just off the
Mall near the hotel Shikhar, and it is a good vegetarian restaurant with
main dishes. Swagat Restaurant has an extensive vegetarian menu, wich
features the sweet milk-based rabri faluda and New Glory Restaurant It
offers good vegetarian food
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