Almora History

Almora town was founded by Raja "Balo Kalyan Chand" in 1563 A.D. in the north part of Uttarakhand. Many of the old houses of almora have upper storeys finaly carved in Nepalese tradition. The bazaar a single long street paved with stones, which runs along the rest of the ridge for about two miles houses spilling down on both sides, has cited as one of the best and most picturesque of the old hill bazaars in India. Escape from the heat of the tropical Sun and enjoy the spectacular snow of the central Himalayan holidays in the small horse-shoe shaped small town called Almora.

During summers the temperature of this place is comparatively more than any other Indian hill station. Even then evening and morning temperatures are low enough to wear light warm cloths. The town is extremely serene and the beauty of nature is such that people come here to spend a few days but simply fall in love and return to this place time and again. This town is built on a 5 km long natural mountains trail.

Almora one of the hill station India is famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility and beauty, excellent climate and peaceful atmosphere of the city is its unique selling proposition, Almora hill station promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments. The historic fort and the government buildings that were once the seat of power, have now become places of tourist attraction.

It has an almost healthful climate, not too cold in rainy season , which enables the inhabitation to lead an out-door life almost throughout the year. This is the town where Swami Vivekanand has set his foot three times and addressed the almora public at Raghu Nath Temple in 1897, after the biggest triumph of World Parliament of Religion in America.For Years almora was the headquarters of the Chand kings, Gorkha invaders and the british colonialists. The town which is and amalgamation of social and cultural influences drawn from all over Kumaon, has given birth to many famous freedom fighters, writers, religious, journalists, editors, sages, administrators, soldiers and artists. The district almora is full of gardens orchards and religious center. One can get a panoramic view of the Himalayas with divine feeling from a number of places in the district.

Almora is one of the most beautiful places in Kumaon region. The glamour and glitter which is seen in Ranikhet and Nainital is totally absent in Almora. In this point of view Almora is very virgin hill-station and is full of scenic beauty. It appears that mother nature has spread and blessed this place with her pure love. Nestled in the lap of nature this region has small houses built on the slopes and splendor of this place are added colorful attire of the natives. Just besides city flows the Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali) rivers.

In the 9th century Almora was ruled by Katyur dynasty. By 16th century this place was ruled by rulers from Chandravansh. This town was established by King Balo Kalyan Chand in 1563. This place was then capital city of Kumaon region. The forts, monuments and palaces built by the rulers of Chandravansh and Katyur dynasty are even today evidence of the splendor this place had in the past. In 1790 Almora passed in the hands of Nepali Gorkhas. The Britishers gained control of this place from Gorkhas in 1815.

Almora is situated on a hillock which is in Horse shoe shape and is surrounded by dense forests of fur and pine trees. In the backdrop are the lovely snow-capped peaks of Himalayas. Almora has been able to retain the tradition and ancient culture even when other places are being influenced by modern trends.

The absence of any town planning and inclusion of tiles and stones on the pavements and houses prove that this place has not yet adopted the modern technology in a big way. Right in the middle of the town is the Nanda devi temple and Narsingh temple are evidence of the great faith of people in their God. Culturally also this place is very rich and all round the year Almora celebrates many festivals and cultural events.