Here are some best tourist places to visit in Almora
Located in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand, Almora is a charming hill town renowned for its dramatic panoramas of the Himalayas, vibrant cultural life, ancient temples, and verdant pine forests. In contrast to many other crowded holiday destinations, Almora exudes an old-world charm that has the ability to attract travelers yearning for tranquility, nature, and heritage. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful destination, here’s a complete guide to the best tourist places to visit in Almora, along with helpful travel tips.
Bright End Corner
A serene spot 2 km from Almora town, Bright End Corner is ideal for viewing spectacular sunrises and sunsets. It was so named after Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here. The Himalayas and the surrounding valleys can be viewed from here.
Highlights:
Perfect for early morning or night time visits
Serene setting for meditation and photography
Local bookshops and coffee shops for a soothing break.
Kasar Devi Temple
One of the most visited places in Almora, Kasar Devi Temple is a 2nd-century CE temple. Kasar Devi Temple is said to be resting on the magnetic belt of the planet, similar to Machu Picchu and Stonehenge. The site was an international phenomenon with visits from Swami Vivekananda, Bob Dylan, and other famous people.
Highlights:
Breathtaking scenery of Almora and the Himalayas
Spiritual and energetic ambiance
Renowned for its annual Kasar Devi Fair in November
Jageshwar Dham
Situated around 35 km from Almora, Jageshwar is an assemblage of over 100 ancient temples made of stone that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples, which date back to the 7th–12th centuries, are surrounded by dense deodar forests and thus constitute one of the most spiritual places in Uttarakhand.
Highlights:
Pilgrimage and religious destination
Archaeological significance and historical statues
Quiet forest pathways and crisp mountain breezes
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Only 33 km from Almora, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a place one must visit for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and adventure enthusiasts. The sanctuary has leopards, Himalayan goral, barking deer, and more than 200 species of birds.
Highlights:
Treking tracks and environment-tourism locations
Zero Point View for panoramic Himalayan views
Forest rest houses and eco-camps available for overnight stays
Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Dedicated to Golu Devta, the God of Justice of the Kumaoni culture, this peculiar temple is located about 8 km from Almora. Thousands of devotees tie written petitions on paper, seeking the intervention of the deity in their matters.
Highlights:
Thousands of bells presented by followers
Strongly rooted in local folklore and belief
Pretty scenery and spiritual atmosphere
Lakhudiyar Caves
Located close to Barechhina, 19 km from Almora, the Lakhudiyar Caves (literally “one lakh caves”) are famous for the prehistoric cave paintings. The ancient rock shelters give a glimpse of the lives of early humans who lived in this area.
Highlights:
Rock paintings of geometric patterns, humans, and animals
Excellent for history buffs and adventurers
Situated in a picturesque valley with surrounding trails
Deer Park
Deer Park, located just a few kilometers from the town of Almora, is perfect for a leisurely walk or a family outing. Deer, leopard, and Himalayan wildlife may be spotted here surrounded by thick oak and pine forests.
Highlights:
Child-friendly atmosphere
Perfect for a brief day excursion
Ideal place for photography and unwinding
Almora Market (Lal Bazaar & Thana Bazaar)
No Almora trip is done without visiting its colourful bazaars. The Lal Bazaar and the Thana Bazaar are well-known for handicraft woolen products, copper utensils, woodcrafts, and Kumaoni sweets like Bal Mithai and Singori.
Highlights:
Local authentic shopping experience
Enjoy special local food and snacks
Great for picking souvenirs
Kalimath and Katarmal Sun Temple
Kalimath is a peaceful place to relax, rest, and meditate with views over the valleys around.
Katarmal Sun Temple, a 9th-century temple, is one of the few sun temples remaining in India after Konark. It’s a strange history experience.
Highlights:
Old architecture and less populated
Spiritual ambiance and surrounding nature
Bonus: Nearby Places Worth Visiting
Ranikhet : Only 60 km from here, this quaint hill station is ideal for a day outing.
Nainital : About 63 km from Almora, worth pairing in an extended Kumaon tour.
Kausani : A scenic town 50 km from Almora with excellent views of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.
Best Time to Visit Almora
March to June (Spring/Summer): Ideal for trekking and sightseeing. Good weather and clear skies.
September to November (Autumn): Heavy leafage and festive environment.
December to February (Winter): Cold climatic conditions with chances of snowfall in adjacent higher elevations.
How to Reach Almora
By Air: Closest airport is Pantnagar Airport (about 115 km away). Taxis are readily available from there.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (approximately 82 km). Shared cabs and buses connect it with Almora.
By Road: Almora is well connected by road with Delhi, Nainital, Haldwani and other major towns.
Travel Tips
Pack woolens even in summer season because the evenings can be chilly.
Make advance reservations in hotels in season.
Don’t miss to relish local food like Bhatt ki Churdkani, Aloo ke Gutke, and Madua Roti.
Be sensitive to local customs, especially when visiting temples and historical sites.
Wear comfortable walking shoes – all the sites have some walking or light hiking involved.
Conclusion
Almora is a place that provides the ideal combination of spirituality, history, nature, and culture. Whether you’re a spiritual wanderer, a history buff, or a nature lover, Almora has something to ensure your trip becomes one to remember. From Jageshwar’s ancient temples to Kasar Devi’s magnetic power, Kumaon’s soul awaits your discovery.
So pack your bags, make a travel plan, and get prepared to best tourist places in Almora – a location where serenity blends with tradition in the fold of the Himalayas.
