Almora Tourist Spots

Katarmal Sun Temple

Katarmal Sun Tmple Katarmal is situated around 17 kms North West of Almora. Katarmal is famous for 800 years Temple dedicated to the sun God.

Public Museum in Almora

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 in Almora. This museum is open from 10:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the evening.

Tamta Mohalla

Tamta Mohalla House of Traditional Arts. While in Almora, travel to Tamta Mohalla to catch a glimpse of one of the traditional arts of Almora – copperware. Coppersmiths abound in the area along with another local craft – the weaving of traditional tweeds and shawls.

Deer Park

Deer Park An ideal picnic spot 3 K.M.

Bright End Corner

Bright End Corner two kms from Almora is situated Bright and Corner. This place became famous for excellent sight of sunset and sunrise. From Bright and Corner a different kind of view is obtained of dawn and dusk. The unusual calm and peacefulness during this time is rarely felt on any other hill station offering a similar view. Serene and calm circuit house very close to this point is an added attraction. Nearby is the Vivekanand library in Ramkrishna Kutir. In this library one can find many books relating to philosophy and spiritual thinking. There is also a place dedicated to Swami Vivekanand. It was at this place Vivekanand spend few days while his stay in Himalayas.

Vivekananda Rest House

Vivekananda Rest House a historical Vivekananda Shila where Swami Vivekananda fainted (2 Km)

Tarikhet

Tarikhet It is famous for the Gandhi Kuti and the temple of Golu Devta venerated in the Kumaon hills.

Almora Fort

Perch yourself atop the Almora Fort to get a bird’s-eye view of the town and its environs. This is the most valuable asset that the Chand Dynasty has bequeathed to the people of Almora. After Independence, the Fort was converted into a Collectrate and offers a 360o cycloramic vista of Almora and the surrounding countryside.

Adjacent to the Collectorate lie an array of smallish temples, and on one of them is inscribed: ‘Fort Nanda Devi, erected by Chand Rajas and strengthened by the Gurkha government, captured by the British under Col. Nicholls on 26.4.1815.
The convention for the surrender of Kumaon was formed the next day.’ The convention being referred to is the ‘Treaty of Sagauli’, whereby the entire area of Kumaon was ceded to the British.

Simtola

This is a picnic spot about three kms from Almora town. The whole place is covered with pine and fur trees. The calmness and peaceful environment has fun of its own kind.

Temples in Almora

About 400 temples were built during 700 and 1300 AD in Almora district. The Sun Temple is one of the most famous temple in Almora. The other tourist attractions in Almora are Almora Fort, Bright End Corner, Nanda Devi Temple, Kalimath and Simtola. From the Almora fort one can have a 360 degree view of Almora and the surrounding mountains. Simtola is situated about 3 km from Almora. It is a popular picnic spot covered by a thick blanket of pine trees. Simtola was selected by Uday Shankar for his cultural centre and studio. The Nanda Devi temple is approached through Lala Bazaar. The temple was an important meeting place during the freedom movement.

The temples at Almora can be conveniently divided by two groups, Shaivite temples include the temples dedicated to female form of Shiva. In the former group Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwer and Parbateshwer were erected in 1688, after the victory of Udyot Chand, the then ruler of Almora over Doti and Garhwal, are presently on the hill just above the Lala Bazar. The temple of Parbateshwara was again endowed by the then rulers of Almora, Dip Chand in 1760 and was renamed Dipchandeshwar. This present temple began to be called the Nanda Devi temple when the image of Nanda was removed from the fort by Mr. Trail, a famous British, the then divisional commissioner of Kumaun. Again eight temples of Bhirava, a form of Siva, were erected during the reign of Gyan Chand to allay the wrath of Bhola Nath. These are :

1. Kal Bhairava
2. Batuk Bhairav
3. Shah Bhairav
4. Garhi Bhairava
5. Anand Bhairava
6. Gaur Bhairava
7. Bal Bhairava
8. Khutkuniya Bhairava

It seems that eight gates of the city of Shiva are watched by eight Bhairavas. There are nine temples dedicated to nine forms of Durga. They are :

1. Patal Devi or Patreshwari Devi
2. Yakshini Devi
3. Rajrajeshwari Devi
4. Tripura
5. Nanda
6. Ulka Devi
7. Sitla Devi
8. Kot Kalika
9. Durga Ratneshwari

There are also temples of Vishwanath, Someshwar and Kshetrapal. Among the Vaishnavite temples, the most important is the temple of Siddha Narsimha. It was endowed by Gorkhalis. Raghunath temple was endowed in 1788 by Raja Mohan Singh Chand. There are four temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh. They are Bhitla Ganesh, Gairi Ganesh, Nanda Devi Ganesh and Siddha Ganesh. The Nar Singh temple at Narsimha Bari is another Vaishnavite temple. The temples of Murli Manohar, Hanuman and Badreshwer were erected very late. One of the Ganesh temples was endowed by the then ruler Kalyan Chand in 1731 A.D. This small town can fairly be called a city of temples which proves the religious zeal and favour of the Hindu Rajas and their Brahman and Kshatriya followers. The orthodox rites and rituals of Hindu religion have still been preserved in pure form.

Chitai Temple

Eight kms from Almora is the Chitai Temple, This the most popular temple of lord Golu Devta. An incarnation of Gaur Bhairav, he is reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper ask for it with a clear conscience. All he asks for in propitiation is a bell, as was evident from the thousands of bells strung across the temple premises. Anyone can even seek Gol Devta's divine intervention by writing to him. A stack of letter ws pinned up next to his image, astride a horse.

Jageshwar

The pilgrim site located in a verdant valley is 38 kms from Almora and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga's in the country. The Swayambhu Linga named Nagesh is enshrined here. The temple complex has 124 shrines and hundreds of statues noted for exquisite craftsmanship. In Jageshwar, fairs are held during Shivaratri and in the month of 'Shravan' (July - August). The place is frequented by both religious as well as nature lover tourists.

Kasar Devi Temple

A beauteous Goddess kashar devi 8 kms away from almora is from an era long gone by (second century BC) worship by the ancient kassite having beautiful view over looking the snowy heights beyond a small cave where Swami Vivekananda had meditated in 1890 and a beautiful sarda math.

Bhumia Temple

Situated at the bank of Ram Ganga River near Masi Bazaar is the Bhumia Temple. Thousands of people from different parts of Uttranchal visit and worship in this temple through out the year.

Gananath

Gananath is famous for an old Shiva Temple and many interesting natural caves in a charming landscape. It is located 47 kms north of Almora.

Upat & Kalika

Six kms from Ranikhet, Upat is a modern but historical place with one of the best 9-hole golf course in the country. The course was originally laid out by a British cavalry officer. Upat is a boon to the enthusiast. At 6000 feet above sea level there is a different satisfaction in playing golf. In this course there are bungalows for the players to stay. Many films have been shot here.

Binsar Mahadev

Binsar Mahadev is located at 19kms from Ranikhet, on the way to Ramnagar and 2kms from Sonidant, amidst dense Pine and Deodar forests. The shiva Temples of Binsar Mahadev are a unique place for meditation and picnics.

Chaubatia

It is popularly known as 'Orchard Country' for its fruits and government apple gardens. It commands a picturesque view of the Himalayas. The Bhalu dam near Chaubatia is famous for an artificial lake and a fine picnic spot. Its just 3kms from Ranikhet.

Manila

Manila (means 'enchanting') is 87 km from Ranikhet and 75 km from Ramnagar. One can also reach the wilderness of this place after walking 13 km from Bhikiyasain. Manila is the seat of Manila Devi, the family Goddess of Katyuri clan. The forests and Himalayan views from this hill, which is spread from Sadar to Dotiyal are worth remembering. 25 km from this place is the memorial of 'Quit India Movement Martyrs' of this region at Khumar.

Dwarahat

Situated in a wide valley of the river Ramganga, Dwarahat lies around 32 KMs from Ranikhet. Dwarahat was once the seat of the Katyuri kings who are said to have ruled from the Great Himalayas to the plains. It is famous for its 55 cluster temples of Katyuri period. Main attraction is 8 groups temple (Mrityunjay, Dhwaj, Badrinath, Durga, Duijar Deval, Ratan Dewal, Maniyal and Kachri) dating from the 11th century and have some fascinating stone carvings. Kumaon's famous Syalde-Bikhoti Mela is held in Dwarahat from 13th to 15th April annually.

Doonagiri

47 kms north of Ranikhet, Doonagiri is rich in historical and religious significance. Many myths bear testimony to this fact, according to which when Hanuman was carrying the Sanjiwani booty a piece fell here and since that day, this place is known as Doonagiri. Rich in natural splendor, Doonagiri is adorned by a temple of Vaishno Devi (the famous cave Goddess). To cap it all, Doonagiri offers a clear picture of the imposing Himalayas. For pilgrims Doonagiri is abuzz with festivals during Chait and Ashwin months of Navratras.10 kms from Doonagiri. From Mangalikhan to Kukuchina you can come by bus. The remaining distance is a 5 kms walk. The caves built by Pandavas are worth watching at Pandukholi.

Pandukholi

5 km treks from Pandukholi, Taragtal is a seasonable Lake. This place can also be visited from Chaukhutia.

Chaukhutia

This picturesque place derives its name from a Kumaoni word "Chakuta" which means four feet. In Chaukhutia's context four feet means four ways. From here the entire region is easily accessible. 54 kms from Ranikhet, Chaukhutia is on the Ranikhet-Badrinath highway. It is situated in the bank of Ram Ganga River. Chaukhutia's historical past and religious significance can be seen basking in its glory in nearby areas. Kali temple, Vaishno Devi's temple, ancient fort and ruins of Katyuri dynasty all makes Chaukhutia an explorer's delight. This place is also famous for fishing centre.

Lakhanpur Temple

Lakhanpur temple is situated at 6 kms from Chaukhutia in Jorasi-Chaukhutia road. This temple belongs to the Katyuri kings. A small fair is also held here every year in the month October-November.

Jaurasi

16 kms from Chaukhutia at an altitude of 6000 ft. above sea level is Jaurai. It is famous for its panoramic view.

Masi

34 km from Bhikiyasen on the way to Chaukhutia and 54 km from Ranikhet is the famous temple of Goddess Durga called Naithna Devi. It can also be reached through a 4 km. trek from Masi. Every year, Somnath Fair on Vishuwat Sankranti day is held in Masi during May-June. It is a famous fair of Pali Pachhaun. Brisk business takes place during the fair and animals, specially bullocks and calves are sold.

Kosi Temple

The temple was built in the 12th century by the Katyuri dynasty. One of the earliest Sun temples in India.

Someshwar

About 35 kms north from Almora, Someshwar has an ancient Shiva temple considered to be constructed by the founder of the Chand Dynasty, Raja Som Chand.

Vridh Jageshwar

Scenic beauty and an old temple.

Mritola Ashram

Mritola Ashram is a centre of spiritual and natural beauty. Number of tourists comes here every year.

Majkhali

Just one km from Upat is Kalika village famous for its temple to the Goddess Kali. It also hosts a forest nursery. A beautiful snowcapped mountain view is available on the other side of the golf link at Upat.

Jhoola Devi Temple

The famous temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Rama.

Chilianaula

The temple of Baba Haira Khan here is located amidst scenic surroundings.

Other temples around Almora

Kali (Agneri Devi) Temple

Kali Temple popularly known as Agneri Devi Temple, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali is situated around half km from Chaukhutia in Jaurasi road near Dudhalia village on the bank of Ram Ganga River. Every year thousands of people witness a large number of animal sacrifice (mainly buffalos and goats) in Navratras in the month of March-April.

Naithna Devi

34 km from Bhikiyasen on the way to Chaukhutia and 54 km from Ranikhet is the famous temple of Goddess Durga called Naithna Devi. It can also be reached through a 4 km. trek from Masi. Every year, Somnath Fair on Vishuwat Sankranti day is held in Masi during May-June. It is a famous fair of Pali Pachhaun.

Rudeshwar Mahadev Temple

Rudeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at Sanana around 50 km from Raniket in Bhikiasain-Chaukhutia Road along the banks of Ram Ganga River. This is one of the historic temples of Lord Shiva in Kumaon region. It is believed that Lord Rama had worshipped in this temple that’s why the river called “Ram Ganga”. It is also evident from the marks on the temple’s walls and Shivling that here worshipped have been held for many era. For last few years, Almora’s biggest Shivratri Mela is being held in this temple.