Almora: Temples, Bazaars and Destinations

Almora combines historic temples and bazaars with destinations farther afield. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Almora, you can plan around visits in town and excursions to the surrounding area. These two areas offer different points of interest: in Almora, temples, a fort and bazaars are among the highlights; farther afield, you’ll find nature destinations and longer journeys.

Temples and Bazaars in Almora

For hundreds of years, Nanda Devi Temple has been regarded as a cultural and religious center of Almora. The temples of Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwer and Parbateshwer are also part of the town’s history. They were built in 1688 after Almora’s ruler at the time, Udyot Chand, defeated Doti and Garhwal, and are located on the hill above Lala Bazaar. Parbateshwara Temple was endowed by Dip Chand in 1760 and renamed Dipchandeshwar.

A walk titled “A Walk Through the Bazaars of Almora” includes Chaughanpatha, Lala Bazaar, Chowk Bazaar, Karkhana Bazaar, Kutchery Bazaar, Shah Residence, Khazanchi Mohalla, Johari Bazaar, Thana Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar and Clock Tower, according to its list of attractions. This makes it possible to follow the route by its named stops. An easy climb to the Fort of Almora, also known as Lal Mandi Fort, offers a 360-degree view of the town and surrounding areas.

During Holi, Baithaki Holi is associated with Lala Bazaar. This tradition provides a seasonal reference point for trip planning; it is not tied to a specific annual schedule. Bal Mithai is a specialty of Almora district, particularly associated with areas around Almora. This brown, chocolate-like sweet is made from roasted khoya and coated with white sugar balls.

Temples and Trails in the Wider Almora Region

The wider Almora region is home to other historic and religious destinations. Nanda Devi Mandir was built by the Chand Rajas. The Nanda Devi Mela takes place there every September and has been a fixture at the temple for more than 400 years. Katarmal Temple is considered the only sun temple in Kumaon and stands at an altitude of 2,116 meters. Its structure dates to the 2nd century AD. Reaching it involves a trek of almost three kilometers via Hawalbagh and Matela, near the Kosi River.

Other temples and trails in the wider Almora region have their own distinct features. Banri Devi Temple houses an ancient four-armed statue of Vishnu in the Sheshnag pose. The 26-kilometer route from Almora includes almost ten kilometers of trekking; the temple is difficult to reach. The trail from Takula to Gana Nath is about five kilometers long. Gana Nath Temple is known for its caves and a Shiva temple; a festival featuring rhythmic hymns and striking folk songs is held there on Kartik Purnima.

Thousands of bells of various sizes hang on the grounds of Gairad Golu Dev Temple. According to religious tradition, Golu Devata is regarded there as an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav, a form of Shiva. Gairad Temple is well connected by road. Chitai Golu Temple is recognizable by the many copper bells on its grounds. The structure of Kasar Devi Temple dates to the 2nd century AD. Crank’s Ridge, outside the village of Kasar Devi, was a popular destination during the hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s and continues to attract trekkers as well as domestic and international tourists.

Binsar is about 30 kilometers from Almora. It has oak and rhododendron forests, as well as views of the Himalayan peaks; the entire region is a wildlife sanctuary. Binsar thus complements visits to temples and bazaars with a nearby destination known for its forests and mountains.

Getting to Almora

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, about 90 kilometers from Almora. Train connections include services to Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata and Dehradun. Buses and taxis frequently run between Kathgodam and Almora; check current connections and arrangements before you travel. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 127 kilometers from Almora.

Discover more destinations: Chaubattia, Simyal Gaon, Ranikhet, Ghweri, Almora Range, Shitlakhet, Someshwar Range, Ghaglori.

For the broader travel overview: Almora.