Planning to have a good time with your friends with fun and frolic on the eve of Christmas? Then why not plan a trip to Almora in Uttarakhand? Situated on a long ridge at the southern edge of the Kashyap Hills, the place holds a picturesque set against the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayas.
The ancient capital of the Chand Dynasty, the place is famous for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisines, and unique handicrafts. Almora is highly popular for mountain biking as well. Due to low altitude, anybody can give a trial to this sport. Shops and resorts rent bikes so that tourists can enjoy a good time across rugged mountain paths.
How to Reach Almora and Best Time to Visit?
Almora in Kumaon region in Uttarakhand is a famous hill station that attracts tourists from all over India and the world. It is situated at a distance of almost fifty kilometers from Nainital. From Delhi, a distance of almost three hundred fifty kilometers has to be covered to reach the place.
The place can be easily reached by air and by train. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station that is connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Calcutta, and Dehradun. From Kathgodam or Haldwani Railway Station, you may hire buses, private cabs, or scooty to explore the beautiful sightseeing of Almora. If you are traveling by air, then you need to get down at Dehradun airport followed by booking a cab.
Koshi and Suyal are two major rivers of Almora. It is advisable to plan a trip to the place either between March-to-May or September-to-December. The place comprises some pilgrimage sites that you will be able to explore during the entire tour.
Visit Dandeshwar Temple on the Way to Jageshwar Dham
On the way towards Jageshwar Dham, you will come across the Dandeshwar Temple. It is not only a temple but also a place from where it will become easy to explore the natural scenic beauty. The pictures that you come through in calendars will be visible here through naked eyes.
The temple is a complex that is in a dilapidated condition comprising of ruins. Established by the Katyuri Kings between the 9th and 10th Centuries, the place comprises small temples. The place is situated at a distance of two hundred meters from Artola Village. This is the point from where Jageshwar Dham starts.
Now The Jagesheshwar Dham!
Afterward, it is the turn to visit the Jageshwar Dham that is situated at a maximum distance of two kilometers from the Dandeshwar Temple. Jageshwar Dham is one of the most popular places to visit Almora. Located near the side of the Jata Ganga River at a height of 1800 meters, you will be catching glimpses of both Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. According to the Linga Purana and Skanda Purana, the worship of Lord Shiva commenced from this place.
It is an important tourist destination in Kumaon that receives an uncountable number of visitors annually. The dense Deodar Forest along with a stream flowing at its backyard makes the place highly attractive. The tranquility of the temple will help in rejuvenating the mind and the body.
The calmness and beauty of the surroundings make Jageshwar Temple in Almora suitable for meditation. It is advisable to be careful from the attack of monkeys inside the temple. Otherwise, the place is great!
Chitai Golu Devta Temple, a Highly Famous Temple
The Chitai Golu Devta Temple is one of the highly famous Almora visit places. There remains a crowd of almost thousands of tourists all throughout the year. It is believed that Golu Devta is the deity of justice. If you have any wish, you may write it on a piece of paper and hang it in the respective place.
Once your wish gets fulfilled, you may come back and hang a bell as regard to Golu Devta. You will be able to make out the same by coming across an uncountable number of papers and bells all around. The temple gives a positive vibe that makes the place highly attractive. The temple is honored all along in Almora City.
Tour to the Mrig Vihar
The next interesting place to visit is the Mrig Vihar that is a highly popular deer park in Almora. Situated nearby Narayan Tiwari Diwai, it features pine trees that add to the rich beauty of the place. A huge collection of deer, wild leopard, and Himalayan bears are some major attractions of the place.
While roaming around, you will come across these species wandering around freely inside their cages. This tourist place of Almora is also an ideal place for a leisure walk during the day and evening.
Vivekanand Corner
The Vivekananda Corner is another famous place to visit near Almora. This is the place where Swami Vivekananda lived for many years. A tall statue of Swami Ji and the panoramic view of the city will keep you spellbound. You may also capture some exclusive pictures from your camera or smartphone.
The Almora Nanda Devi temple is a must to visit. The incarnation of Goddess Durga in the heart of the city is believed to be the destroyer of all evils. She is the savior of the entire Uttarakhand. The tranquility of the temple will let you enjoy a good time.
Your tour to Almora will remain incomplete without paying a visit to the Almora Kasar Devi temple. The temple is solely dedicated to Kasar Devi and its structures date from the second century CE. Reaching the Shiv Temple through stairs will complete your visit to the place.
Markets to Visit in Almora
Though Almora is a land of temples and scenic beauty, it is a place that will let travelers enjoy a good time with each other. Regarding food, you will get a wide variety of vegetarian dishes from both street restaurants and dhaba. Sweets of Kheem Singh Mohan must not be missed at any cost.
Some of the most popular sweets that must be enjoyed include Singauri, chocolate sweet, balmithai and barfi. The Chowk Bazaar and Lal Bagh are the main markets from where the daily necessities can be easily purchased.
Wrapping Up!
An itinerary of a maximum of two days will be enough to explore Almora. A maximum budget of ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 is required per person for enjoying this trip. Better make your bookings from now before it becomes housefull.
Happy touring!
