:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: N O R T H I N D I A -- A L M O R A -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


	:: N O R T H I N D I A > A L M O R A ::

	Brief -
	Known as the town of temples, Almora is surrounded by modern and ancient Hindu temples, and off in the distance, by the magnificent natural shrines of the cloud-piercing Himalayan peaks. Offering a healthy selection of treks, which combine the pleasures of sightseeing with the spirit of adventure, Almora is known for its healthy climate. Almora is the culture center of Kumaon and a picturesque mountain resort. While still an important agricultural market for the area, Almora remains the most mystical of Kumaons hill stations, bordered by the gentle hills of Kumaon on three sides, and affords a breathtaking view of the Trishul peaks on its northern front. Sunrise offers a particularly beautiful view of the Greater Himalayas.

	History -
	The town of Almora was founded about 1560 AD by Balo Kalyan Chand , the Raja of Champavat , who later made it the capital of the Chand kingdom . It was ruled by the Chand Rajas upto the 18th century. The Gorkhas ruled for about 25 years, after which Almora came under British control till Independence. Unlike nearby Nainital, or Ranikhet, Almora was developed entirely by Indians. A stroll through the old bazaar evokes those bygone days - the buildings are fading, but colorful facades, and cobbled streets could well come from centuries past. What truly defines Almora, though, and what draws travelers here, has not changed in 400 years. The mountains, which offer opportunity for day hikes and exploration, remain oblivious to passing decades and dynasties.

	Culture -
	Almora is famous for its exquisite temples and a rich medley of fairs and festivals. The picturesque old part of the town of Almora, is the venue for the fair held twice a year. The Nanda Devi Fair, Utteryani Fair, Jagedwar Mela, Kasar Devi Mela, Dussehra Festival and the Autumn Festival are a riot of colours and hues. In addition, the Shravan Mela held at Jageshwar is worth a visit. But the Ram Lila - a festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and show all over Kumaon.

	Climate & Geographical Location -
	The summers are cool and pleasant and the winters are cold and bitter. Perched atop the 5 km-long saddle - shaped ridge of the Kashaya hill, which is mentioned in ancient scriptures, Almora is situated at an elevation of 5400 ft. in the Kumaon Hills.

	How to Reach -
	Almora is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is Pantnagar at 127 km from Almora. (Flights are not operational at present.) By rail, the nearest railhead is Kathgodam at 90 km and is connected by rail with Lucknow, Delhi, Bareilly and Howrah. From here, convenient bus and taxis transfers are available from both places to Almora. The most convenient and The best way to access Almora is by bus by road. Regular bus service connects it to Nainital (67 km), Kathgodam (90 km), Pithoragarh (122 km), Delhi (381 km), and many other places. The winding and spiralling roads take you though deep valleys and dense forests. One enjoys the journey to Almora by bus as the speed is slow with scenic beauty of the region are clearly visible. There are bus services to Almora from almost anywhere in Uttar Pradesh and some of the services operate from outside the state too.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Baijnath -
	19 Km from Kausani, on the bank of the Gomti river, in a flat valley, Baijnath is an important centre for Shiva worshippers and is situated at a height of 4000 ft. The beautifully located 13th century temples here, are fine examples of temple architecture.

	Ranikhet -
	Situated at 1829 meters, this sylvan retreat, offers an interesting mix of hill and military cultures. According to legend, a queen, in the course of a journey came by this spot and was so enchanted by it that she settled down here. Ranikhet has forests of oak and pine, and is a fine place to enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas, from the Bhagirathi peaks in the west, to Nanda Kot in the east. It is an ideal holiday for nature lovers, and its main attractions, apart from its natural beauty, are a golf course, the orchards of Chaubatia and the Jhoola Devi Temple.

	Others -

	BAGESHWAR- This pilgrim town with a number of highly revered temples was once a trading centre, and is now the base for treks to Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga glaciers, all in Almora district. The town lies on both banks of the river Sarju, near its confluence.

	BINSAR - One of the most scenic spots in Kumaon hills and an acclaimed hill resort, Binsar offers the ultimate view of the Himalayas- a 300 km wide panorama, which includes the breathtaking and intimate view of the peaks of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi to Api & Saipal in Nepal.

	BRIGHT & CORNER - The Bright and Corner is famous for excellent sight of sunset and sunrise. From here, 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 views.

	CHETAI TEMPLE - The local people have much faith on this temple. The Chetai temple is surrounded by dense fur and pine tree forest. If you are a nature lover then you will certainly enjoy this place.

	DEER PARK - The Deer park is conveniently located at some 3 Km. An evening stroll in the Deer park has its own pleasure.

	GANNATH - Gannath is known for natural caves and ancient Shiva temples. It is a good place for nature lovers and ideal for spending your day with surpassing beauty. Every year on Kartik Purnima day, a fair is organized here.

	JAGESHWAR - According to legend, Shiva came here to perform penance after the sacrifice of Sati, and earned the wrath of the Sapta Rishis.

	KALIMATH - From Kalimath one gets a good view of Almora town and the adjoining area. The sight of the nearby hills is amazing. This place is 4.5 Km from Almora. Close to Kalimath is Kasar Devi. There is a temple dedicated to Kasar devi.

	KATARMAL - The Sun Temple at Katarmal is one of the most important temples dedicated to the Sun God. Katarmalla, a Katyari Raja about the 9th century AD, originally built it. The deity here is known as Bburhadita or Vraddaditya (the old Sun God.).

	KOSHI - The natural beauty of this place surpasses any other place. The Govind Vallabh Pant Environment Research Institute, is located here. There is a guesthouse here, which provides a good and comfortable stay.

	LAKHUDIYAR - Literally meaning one lakh caves; Lakhudiyar is noted for pre-historic wall paintings. A hood-like rocky shelter is the chief-specimen.

	MARTOLA - This lovely place with gardens and forests is so scenic and picturesque that many foreigners decided to settle here. This place is a good picnic spot.

	NANDA DEVI TEMPLE - This ancient temple is one of the main attractions of Almora town. Hundreds of years old, this temple carries deep faith of many people from this area. The images and statues on the walls of this temple, are intricately and delicately carved.

	PUBLIC MUSEUM - The Govind Vallabh Pant Public 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.

	SIMTOLA - A picnic spot, Simtola is covered with pine and fir trees. The calmness and peaceful environment has a fun of its own kind.