Almora

Almora Travel News

Activities in Almora

Almora offers a vast array of activities for tourists and backpackers alike. If one is traveling between October and March, the mesmerizing panorama of the snow-clad peaks of Himalayas is complementary.

Adventure activities: The rugged terrain and undulating hills of Almora makes it a perfect spot to try some adventure activities to test your strength and endurance. Rock climbing, Burma Bridge and Spider Web are some of the activities that one can partake in. 

Cycling: Cycling is a fun and healthy way to explore the nearby surroundings at Almora. One can cycle through the dense forest area of Binsar Wildlife with family and friends. 

Shopping: Being a commercial hub, Almora has one of the largest markets in the Kumaon region and a perfect spot for shopaholics. Apparels made from Angora wool are quite popular in Almora. 

Nature Walks: The natural beauty that encompasses the vicinity of Almora is quite breathtaking. The possibility of exploring this beautiful region would be hard to resist. Nature walk to the nearby villages and hiking are quite popular at Almora.

Check out here more:  Things to do in Almora 

Staying in Almora

Accommodation is the last thing one needs to worry about when visiting the cultural and commercial hub of Kumaon region – the multihued town of Almora. As one of the busiest town in Kumaon, Almora has accommodation options in abundance. One can easily find a luxurious 3-star hotel or a resort as well as a budget guest house in Almora. Half a dozen government guesthouses (KMVN) have also mushroomed in and around Almora.

Almora Food Guide

Kumaoni cuisine is scrumptious beyond words and one would agree with the first savory bite of it. There are plenty of restaurants pepper all over Almora that would offer delicious North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and continental food, however finding a restaurant serving an authentic Kumaoni dishes like Gahat Dal, Sisunak Saag, Kappa, Chainsoo would be hard to find. Maybe you’d get lucky and a humble local would invite you for lunch, or maybe not.

Still, nothing can stop one from trying the delectable Kumaoni sweets that local confectioneries would have at display after every nook and corner. The iconic Bal Mithai (a milk sweet), Choklate (no, not your regular ‘Chocolate’ but a fudge-like sweet) and Singauri (a kind of milk sweet draped in a green Malu leaf) is all yours to devour and take home! 

History of Almora

Developedby Chand Rajas and nurtured by the British, Almora had been an importantcultural and political region of the Kumaon for more than 400 years.

In 9th century AD, prior to its establishment, the ancient town of Almora was under the possession of the Katyur Dynasty and the region around Almora ruled by a Katyuri King called Baichaldeo. The king donated a large part of his land to a Gujrati Brahmin called Sri Chand Tiwari. Later, during Chand dynasty's rule, Almora was founded by Kalyan Chand around 1560 at the place which he referred to as ‘Alam Nagar’. Under the Chand dynasty’s rule, the place came to be known as Rajapur.

Interestingly, the historians have found many copper plates having ‘Rajpur’ name engraved on it. Almora remained under the Chand dynasty’s rule until the 18th century and was annexed by the Gorkhas in 1790, who ruled it for the next 24 years. After the Gurkha war that took place between 1814-1816, the British conquered Almora and developed it.

Have a Rendezvous with Almora – A Culture, heritage, art and shopping destination 

There are numerous things that one can do in Almora such as visiting the old forts, historical monuments and the royal courts that are still standing tall. Those in search of peace and tranquility can pay obeisance at the sacred temples of Chitai Golu Devta and Nanda Devi. 

It is only at Almora that you relish Aipan, a traditional art form of Kumaon and other cultural munificence at the Govind Ballabh Pant Museum. Stroll at the 200-year-old Lala Bazaar which sees many tourists. And in case you are an admirer of old beauties then you can visit the 800-year-old Katarmal Surya temple, located nearby. 

So if you are all ready for a short trip to Almora then don’t forget to spruce your jaded palates with the local Kumaoni sweets such as Baal Mithai and Singauri which are the highlights of Almora. 

Things that you should know about Almora 

Almora is a municipal board and a cantonment town cocooned in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is also the home to the Gurkha Rifles. Not many people know that the town is famous for Angora clothes made out of the fur of Angora rabbit and for its copper vessels. When the great Hindu philosopher, Swami Vivekananda visited this place he at once fell in love with Almora, such is the beauty of this place.