Why Almora in India Should Be on Your Travel List?

shibnathkhan

Explore Almora, Uttarakhand — a serene Himalayan town offering panoramic views, ancient temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and rich Kumaoni culture. Looking for a peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand away from tourist crowds? Almora is your perfect Himalayan retreat. Nestled in the Kumaon region, this scenic town is known for its breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, ancient temples like Kasardevi and Chitai Golu Devta, and the tranquil Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Almora is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, photographers, and spiritual seekers alike. This detailed Almora travel guide covers how to reach Almora, top tourist attractions, best time to visit, cultural festivals, local cuisine (don’t miss the famous Bal Mithai!), shopping at Lala Bazaar, and offbeat activities like trekking to Jageshwar or exploring prehistoric rock art. Whether you're planning a summer escape, winter holiday, or wellness retreat, Almora offers a blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and adventure enthusiasts, Almora remains one of Uttarakhand’s best-kept secrets. Plan your 2025 trip now and experience the magic of this culturally rich hill town. Keywords: Almora travel guide, places to visit in Almora, Uttarakhand hill stations, things to do in Almora, Kumaon tourism, best time to visit Almora, Almora itinerary.  KEY WORDS: Almora travel guide Places to visit in Almora Almora tourism 2025 Best time to visit Almora Almora hill station Things to do in Almora Almora itinerary Hidden gems in Uttarakhand Kasar Devi temple Almora Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Chitai Golu Devta temple Almora food and cuisine Bal Mithai Almora Uttarakhand travel vlog Kumaon travel guide Offbeat hill stations in India Almora nature walk Spiritual places in Almora Almora local culture Himalayan views from Almora  HASH TAGS: #AlmoraTravel #AlmoraVlog #UttarakhandTourism #KumaonHills #HillStationIndia #ExploreUttarakhand #IncredibleIndia #BinsarWildlifeSanctuary #KasarDevi #HiddenGemsOfIndia #OffbeatIndia #HimalayanViews #MountainEscape #TravelIndia2025 #ShibnathKhan #Travel-Shibnath

Transcript

00:00Nestled in the tranquil embrace of the Kemoa Hills in Uttarakhand, Almora is a picturesque

00:16hill town that offers a heady mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, spiritual depth,

00:20and colonial charm. Perched at an elevation of about 1,651 meters above sea level, Almora is

00:28often overlooked in favor of more commercial destinations like Nanytal or Masuri. However,

00:35for those seeking an offbeat yet deeply fulfilling Himalayan experience, Almora is a perfect getaway.

00:42Almora has a deep historical and cultural lineage. According to legend, the region was initially

00:48under the control of the Katuri dynasty in the 9th century and later ruled by the Chan dynasty

00:53in the 16th century, who made Almora their capital. The Chans built palaces, temples, and other public

01:00works, laying the foundations of Almora's cultural identity. During British colonial rule, Almora gained

01:07importance as a strategic hill station. Its cool climate and scenic vistas made it a favored summer

01:13retreat. The British influence still lingers in the architecture, with old bungalows and narrow

01:18cobbled streets weaving through the heart of the town. Interestingly, Almora also played a vital

01:24role during India's freedom struggle. Freedom fighters like Govind Bola Pant and Swami Vivekananda

01:31walked its streets, and Mahatma Gandhi himself described it as a place that leaves a lasting impression

01:36on the soul. Almora sits on a 5-kilometer long horse saddle-shaped ridge atop Kusyap Hill.

01:43It offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi,

01:49and Panchachuli. It is surrounded by thick pine and diadar forests, lush valleys, and terraced fields.

01:57The climate of Almora is temperate. Summers, April to June, are pleasant with temperatures ranging

02:04between 15 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. Monsoons, July to September, bring lush greenery,

02:12while winters, November to February, are cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 2 degrees

02:18Celsius, and occasional snowfall. The nearest airport is Puntungur Airport, located about 125

02:25kilometers from Almora. Taxis and buses are available from there. Kathgadam Railway Station,

02:33around 90 kilometers away, is the nearest railhead. It is well connected to major cities like Delhi and

02:39Lucknow. Almora is connected by good motorable roads. State-run and private buses, taxis, and

02:48self-driven cars from Holdbani, Kathgadam, and Nanital make the journey scenic and comfortable.

02:54Bright End Corner. Located about 2 kilometers from the Almora city center, this is the ideal place to

03:01watch mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas. A small memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda

03:08marks the spot where he meditated and wrote part of his philosophical works. Khazar Devi Temple.

03:15Just 8 kilometers from Almora, this ancient temple is believed to be around 2000 years old.

03:21It is dedicated to goddess Khazar Devi and has attracted spiritual seekers and celebrities like

03:26Bob Dylan, Allen Ginsberg, and even members of the German and American counterculture movement in the

03:311960s. The area is considered to be located on the Van Allen Belt, known for its strong geomagnetic fields,

03:39similar to those in Machu Picchu and Stonehenge. Chitai Goludepta Temple. Located about 10 kilometers

03:47from Almora, this unique temple is dedicated to Goludepta, the presiding deity of justice.

03:53What makes it fascinating is the thousands of bells and petitions tied to the temple walls.

03:58Locals believe Goludepta dispenses justice swiftly when petitioned sincerely.

04:04Nanda Devi Temple. An important religious and cultural center in Almora,

04:09this 1000-year-old temple is dedicated to goddess Nanda Devi, the guardian deity of the region.

04:16Every year in September, the Nanda Devi Mela is celebrated with vibrant processions, folk music,

04:22and dance. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. About 30 kilometers from Almora, this sanctuary is a must

04:30visit for nature lovers and bird watchers. Home to over 200 species of birds, leopards, Himalayan goral,

04:37black bears, and deer, the sanctuary is also famous for the zero-point view, offering unobstructed views of

04:44the Himalayas. Located in the Barakina village, about 20 kilometers from Almora, these prehistoric

04:54rock shelters feature ancient cave paintings that date back to the Stone Age. The paintings depict

04:59animals, humans, and geometric patterns in red, black, and white pigments, offering a peek into early

05:06human life in the region. Katarmal Sun Temple. This 9th century temple is one of the few temples

05:13dedicated to the sun god in India. Though partially in ruins, the temple's architecture and scenic

05:19surroundings make it a hidden gem. Almora is a melting pot of Kamani traditions. People are known

05:26for their warmth and hospitality. The local dialect is Kamani, though Hindi is widely spoken.

05:33Festivals such as Uttarayani, Jade Shore Monsoon Festival, Nanda Devi Fair, and Dasara are celebrated

05:40with traditional music, dance, and rituals. Almora's cultural expressions include folk dances like

05:47kolia, music using traditional instruments like hurka and dal, and oral storytelling traditions.

05:53The region is also famous for its handwoven pecora tapatas, wood carvings, copperware, and hand-knit woolens.

06:01The food in Almora is simple, nutritious, and deeply rooted in local produce and tradition.

06:06Some must-try dishes include, bodhki churkani, a curry made from black soybeans.

06:14Alokuguk, spicy, fried potatoes served with puri. Dubuk, a lentil-based dish eaten with rice.

06:22Jangora kikir, a sweet dish made from barnyard millet and milk.

06:27Balmithi, a unique, chocolate-brown fudge covered in tiny white sugar balls, exclusive to Almora.

06:33Local eateries and sweet shops, like Kim Singh Mohan Singh Rotala, have been selling Balmithi for generations.

06:42Almora has accommodations for all types of travelers, from luxury heritage hotels to affordable homestays and eco-resorts.

06:50Kalmasha Sangam Himalayan Resort, a luxurious resort offering panoramic views, cottages, and organic food.

06:57Deodar House, a colonial-era homestay in the heart of Almora.

07:03Imperial Heights, a mid-range hotel with modern amenities and fantastic views.

07:08Binsar Eco Camp, perfect for nature enthusiasts who want a sustainable and immersive forest stay.

07:15Staying in traditional Kamani homestays also allows travelers to connect with local families and experience their way of life.

07:22Best time to visit, March to June, ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the pleasant weather.

07:30September to November, best time for clear views of the Himalayan ranges.

07:35December to February, suitable for snowfall lovers, but some areas may become inaccessible.

07:41Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, July to August, as heavy rains may lead to landslides and roadblocks.

07:48Almora is a treasure trove for souvenir seekers.

07:53The Lala Bazaar, which dates back over 200 years, is a bustling market where you can shop for,

07:59woolen clothes and pashmina shawls, handcrafted jewelry and wooden artifacts,

08:03Ayurvedic herbs and local spices, traditional Kamani copperware, organic honey and jams.

08:08The market's narrow lanes are a sensory delight filled with aromas, colors, and sounds of authentic Kamani culture.

08:14For the adventurous, Almora offers several trekking routes, Almora to Jade Shore, a scenic trek through dense forests and meadows.

08:22Binsar to Zero Point, a short but rewarding trail with spectacular Himalayan views.

08:29Kazar Devi to Cranks Ridge, ideal for spiritual seekers and sunrise chasers.

08:34Bird watching, nature photography, and camping are also popular activities, especially in and around Binsar and Jade Shore.

08:44If you're in Almora for an extended stay, consider visiting nearby gems,

08:48Rani Ket, 50 kilometers a quiet cantonment town with golf courses and apple orchards.

08:54Jade Shore, 36 kilometers known for its 124 ancient Shiva temples surrounded by Deodar forests.

09:02Kasani, 55 kilometers a hill town famed for its tea gardens and views of Nanda Devi.

09:09Mutt Shore, 70 kilometers a tranquil spot ideal for meditation and temple visits.

09:14Almora is increasingly becoming a center for spiritual retreats and wellness tourism.

09:20The Khazar Devi Ridge is home to yoga ashrams, meditation canters, and holistic healing retreats.

09:27International travelers often visit for spiritual detox and introspection, citing the powerful energies of the place.

09:35Almora is not just a destination, it's an experience that connects you with nature, history, and your inner self.

09:41With its vibrant culture, warm people, stunning landscapes, and spiritual energy, Almora offers a rare kind of soulful travel.

09:51Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, spiritual seeker, or just someone looking to unwind in the Himalayas,

09:58Almora is a destination that promises not just memories, but transformation.

10:03Don't forget to like, subscribe this channel, leave a comment and share this video with friends and relatives.

10:10Please wait for next eye catching travel video.

10:13Thanks for watching.

Category

Transcript

Recommended