MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| ALMORA |
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| Almora
guide>> Almora travel guide and tourist information on Almora, how to get to Almora,
also details on sightseeing in Almora, best time to visit Almora and accommodation in
Almora |
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Ask any mithai-loving Kumaoni
about the best sweet in the Uttaranchal hills, and chances are you'll hear a litany in
praise of Almora's baal mithai, that deliciously chewy, chocolate-brown sweet coated with
teensy-weensy globules of sugar. Baal mithai is reason enough to visit Almora- but so is
the ancient Nanda Devi Temple, the cool pine forests, and the quiet, quaint town itself.
Refreshingly unspoilt, Almora is a peaceful little town where the evenings are cool, the
views panoramic and the ambience perfect for a quiet break from big-city bustle.There's plenty to do in Almora- wander past lovely old houses and churches, such
as the Budden Memorial Church- which stand, reminders of British days,
all across town. |
| Make your way along Almora's main street, the
Mall; visit the ancient stone Temple of Nanda Devi,
dedicated to the presiding deity of Kumaon; or trudge up to the hilltop Shrine of
Kasara Devi, 8 km from Almora. Pay your respects at Almora's Chetai
Temple, much revered by the local people; get a gorgeous view of the sun setting
beyond the mountains from Bright End Corner, or discover the intricacies
of pahari folk art at Almora's Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum. Take a
picnic lunch to Simtola, or wander further afield from Almora to idyllic Binsar.
Feast your eyes on mile upon mile of the most
stupendous mountain ranges in this part of the world. Go trekking and mountain-climbing.
Shop for warm shawls and rustic copper utensils- and don't forget Almora's famous baal
mithai.
Getting to Almora
The airport closest to Almora is at Pantnagar, 127 km away, and linked to Almora by bus
and taxi. The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 90 km down in the plains, connecting the
region to many major north Indian cities including Delhi, Lucknow and Agra. There are
private taxis at the station and daily buses from Kathgodam to Almora, a drive of about 4
hours. In addition, there are buses to Almora from other major hill towns of Kumaon
including Nainital (3 hours), Ranikhet (2 ½ hours) and Kausani (3 hours).
Best time to visit Almora
The peak tourist season in Almora is between April and June and then again between
September and November. The rainy season from June till August should be avoided. Almora
can also be visited in winter, when the tourist traffic is less and hotels drop their
rates. Almora's Nanda Devi festival in August and the Dussehra celebration in
September-October are special occasions to savour the flavour of local customs.
Accommodation in Almora
Most of the hotels in Almora are around the Mall. There aren't any 5-star international
chains here, but tourist accommodation is largely comfortable and Almora's hotels are
decent. The tourist authority, KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam), runs a holiday home with
a main building and tourist cottages. You could also stay with some of the local families
that take in guests in the area of Kasara Devi temple, 7 km out of Almora town. |
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