Almora is located at 29.62°N 79.67°E.[2] It has an average elevation of 1,651 metres (5,417 feet). It is located on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalaya range. In the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock, it is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fir trees. Flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi, (Kaushiki), and Suyal (Salmale). The snow capped Himalayas can be seen in the background. Almora got its name from “Kilmora” a short plant found nearby region., which was used for washing the utensils of Katarmal Temple. The people bringing Kilmora were called Kilmori and later “Almori”and the place came to be known as “Almora.
HOW TO REACH
By Train :-
Nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. Kathgodam railway station to Almora city is about 91 km, which can be covered by nearly 2 hours and for a cab it costs about Rs 1,500, one way. Kathgodam is directly connected to many cities in the state like Delhi (Kgm Anvt Sht), Haridwar (Kgm Ddn Express) and Kolkata (Bagh Express).
By Air:-
Nearest airport is Pantnagar, which is about 125 km away from the heart of Almora. Taxi costs about Rs 1,600 from airport to Almora. Pantnagar is connected to Delhi on alternate days. Delhi (334 km) has the nearest international airport and is well linked to various cities across the world.
By Bus:-
Regular bus services are available from Delhi to Almora, the distance covered is about 334 km. Luxury bus services are also available. State owned buses connects Almora to other cities in and around Uttaranchal.
WHAT TO SEE
Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum:-
Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum is a famous Museum of Almora and is one of the major attractions here. It has a valuable collection of archaeological, historic and culturally significant articles. This museum is famous for its collection of folk paintings.
Bright End Corner:-
Bright End Corner is only 2 km away from Almora and magnificent views of sunrise and sunset can be seen from here. It is famous as Bright End Corner because of the beautiful view of the rising moon and the sinking sun along with the orange, red colours. This place is especially dedicated to Swami Vivekananda who spent his time here while his in the Himalayas. The beauty of this place is just amazing. It is one of the best spots for meditation and has natural beauty and unusual tranquillity all around.
Chitai Temple:-
Chitai Temple/ Gollu Devta is a masterpiece in Almora and is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is referred here as Lord Gollu. It is 8 kms away from Almora. This temple is unique as there are large numbers of bells hanging in the temple. Devotees hang these bells before making a wish or after the fulfilment of their wish.
Kasar Devi Temple:-
The Kasar Devi Temple is 5 km away from Almora. The overview of Almora can be taken from this temple and it also serves as a picnic spot.
SHOPPING:-
Almora has a beautiful mall which is the storehouse different materials from quaint looking souvenirs to the intricately designed craftwork of the artisans. There are different shopping areas or markets in Almora which are quite popular. They are the Lala Bazar, Karkhana Bazar, Khajanchi Mohalla, Jauhari Mohalla, Malli Bazar and Thana Bazar. For shopping in Almora you can visit a few of these shopping areas in Almora.
FOOD:-
The traditional food in Almora is quite simple. The restaurants are dominated by the famous Peeli Dal that is served to the guests along with long Basmati Rice which are cooked with several flavours such as Zeera and Lemon. You also wouldn’t want to miss a serving of Aloo Puri and Aloo Tikki during your vacation here. If you are non-vegetarian then Chicken Curry especially at Shikhar Restaurant will definitely water your mouth beyond your belief.