Almora Travel Guide
Nature's
Munificence Of the three districts of Kumaon, Almora
occupies a central location. Being further away from the plains than
Nainital, this district provides tranquil spots where one can enjoy the
mountain air without jostling against milling holiday-makers.
The
town of Almora (1646 m), lies along a saddle-ridge amidst a lush
amphitheatre of terraced slopes. Overlooking the arterial Mall, where
the bus terminus, shops selling bal mithai (a famous milk confection of
Kumaon), and private lodges and restaurants are located, is flattish
bowl-the virtual picture of fertility with its canals, hamlets and the
foaming Kosi river. Beyond and behind the ridge lie tiers of hills and
dales, edged ultimately by a Himalayan panorama.
Unlike
Shimla, Nainital and Ranikhet - north Indian hill stations discovered
and patronized by the British. Almora is truly Indian hill resort. It
was founded by Raja Kalyan Chand in 1560 (he shifted his capital here
from Champawati).
There
is Mohan Joshi Park, a favorite picnic ground close to the Mall. Bright
End Corner, 2 km away, commands a grand view of the Himalayas -
particularly spectacular at dawn and dusk. Deer Park and Simtola (both
3km away) offer lush environs. Kalimath (5km) is famed for its scenic
grandeur and a panoramic view of Almora town. A kilometre from here is
Kasar Devi temple, worth a visit for its superb surroundings. Excursions
BAGESHWAR :
77 km This pilgrim town, once a trade terminus, lies at the sangam
or confluence of Gomti and Saryu rivers. This is also the base for treks
to Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga glaciers (all in Almora district).
Baijnath :
71 km (19 km fro Kausani) Lying on the bank of Gomti river in a
flat valley, the temple complex of Baijnath or Vaidyanath was
constructed by the Katuri kings. Binsar : 30
km Chosen summer retreat of the Chand rulers, it derives its name from the
temple to Bineshwar (an aspect of Shiva) built by Raja Kalyan Chand. The
main attraction is the stunning and uncluttered panoramic stretch of the
Greater Himalayan range.
Chitai : 8 km The Gaur
Bhairav temple here enshrines Gollu Devta, the much loved deity of the
Kumaonis. He was a valourous general of the Chand rulers and embodies the
martial tradition of the hillmen. The hundreds of brass bells strung on
chains in the temple compund are donations from devotees whose wishes were
fulfilled.
Gananath : 47 km . It boasts of Shiva
temple, caves and marvellous scenery.
Gwalkot : 26 km
A bend in the Kosi river mid-way between Kausani and Almora has so
fashioned a land mass that it ears an uncanny resemblance to peninsular
India.
Jageshwar :
34 km A complex of over 150 shrines set gem-like in a narrow riverine
valley enclosed by towery, ancient deodars. Counted amoung the 12
Jyotirlingas, it is an important Shaivite pilgrim centre. The shrine to
Vriddh Jageshwar, 8 km (motor road; 3 km trek) from here, offers a scenic
view of the Himalayas.
Katarmal : 17 km This is
renowned for an 800 years old sun temple. A little beyond are the woods of
Bikut.
Kausani : 53 km This hill station is justly
famous for spectacular sun shows as the 300 km - Himalayan snowscape of
Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot appears incredibly close. Kausani also has
the distinction of having provided eminent Indians with inspiration .
There are many ashrams here.
Lakhu- Udyar : 16 km
Literally meaning 'one lakh caves', this is noted for pre-historic wall
paintings. A hood-likle rocky shelter is the chief specimen.
Ranikhet :
1829
M 49 km a cantonment town of immense charm, it was once the pet excursion
ground (Kshetra) of Padmini, queen of the Katyuri kind Sudhardev (1180AD).
There is much to see in and around Ranikhet starting with Kalika temple
(5km) known for its forest nursery and the shrine to goddess Kali. The
plateau of Upat (6km) has a 9-hole golf course ringed by tall pines.
Tourists visit Chillianaula (5km) for its Shiva temple.
Trikhet
(8km) is known for its Gandhi Ashram, and the highly venerated temple to
Gollu Devta. Both Majkhali (13km) and Chaubatia (10km) offer a view of the
Himalayas. Picnickers flock to the lake at Bhaludam (13km) while anglers
coverage on Kherna (24km)
Idyllic Sitalakhet (34 km) is ideal
for a quiet holiday. If ruins can recall grandeur then the cluster of 55
temples at Dwarahat (38km) recreates the glory of the Katyuri kingdom
through its architecture. Dating back to the 12th century, the Durga
temple at Dunagiri (52 km) attracts pilgrims round the year. Not being
widely known, the resort of Manila (77km) can be enjoyed in solitude.
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