ALMORA

An exceptionally beautiful place that is sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of India', Almora is all about three things; romance, charm and serenity It is a cantonment town in Almora district in the state of Uttaranchal, India. It is considered the cultural heart of Kumaon.Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility, Almora promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments. Almora is also called a town of temples. Situated in the centre of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Unlike Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital which were developed by the English, Almora is a hill station totally developed by the Indians.

More than 5 centuries ago, Raja Kalyan Chand who was the ruler of Kumaon at that time, stumbled upon the place while he was in pursuit of prey riding on the back of his. The bush, Kilmora, where the hunted quarry took refuge to safeguard itself revealed the place where the Raja decided to build his new capital in place of Champawat.

The ancient town of Almora, before it's establishment was under the possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated major part of this land to a Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally located place in 1560 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it was called Rajapur. The name 'Rajpur' is also mentioned over a number of ancient copper plates. The town of Almora is situated over a horse saddle shaped ridge of a mountain. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat. The market is at the top of the ridge where these two,ridges meet.

Temple-

Chitai Mandir-A landmark in Almora, Chitai Temple has the presiding deity Lord Shiva, who is referred here by the name Lord Gollu. Local folks have much faith in this hilltop temple, they often visit here with offerings. The history says the temple was constructed by a general belonging to the Chand dynasty.

The temple is characterized by the large number of bells hanging in the premises. These bells are hung by the devotees as offerings making a wish or in thanksgiving on the fulfillment of one’s wish. This is an important religious attraction on tourist map.

Kasardevi Mandir- The Temple Located at a distance of 5 km from Almora is the temple of Kasar Devi. Dedicated to Kasar Devi, this temple can be dated back to 2nd century. Sited on the mountain, the temple overlooks the town and the beautiful Hawabagh valley. Also, serves as a picnic spot, the temple can be easily reached on foot from Kalimath town, which is hardly a kilometer away.

Katarmal Surya Mandir-Katarmal nearby Almora has the second important Sun temple in the country, the first being the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa. This 800-year-old temple complex has one main temple, surrounded by 45 smaller shrines.

The temple is a monument of historical importance, though presently the structure is in a decayed state. The temple has some unique architectural style and the images carved on the walls are very intricately done. Though amidst ruins, it still stands as a major point of attraction in the region and many devotees visit here to offer prayer to the Sun God.

Jageshwar-Jageshwar near Almora is a prestigious Hindu religious location. There is a mythological belief that it is the abode of one among the twelve Jyothirlingas. The temple Jageshwar is the Siva temple has the legacy of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Jageshwar assumes importance and considered as sacred as the rivers Surabhi and Nandini flows down and joins at this place. 

This place is renowned for having 124 temples and has many super statues demonstrating the craftsmanship during that period. The oldest temple among is Mrityunjaya, and Dindeshwara carries the credit of being the biggest. Jageshwar temple, an ancient Shiva temple, is a highly revered temple complex, built between 8th and 18th centuries, housing 108 temples.

Binsar mahadev- Binsar, name derived out of the Lord Shiva known as Binsar Deo, is the erstwhile summer capital of the Chand Rajas situated in the backdrop of the lovely snow-capped peaks of Himalayas. It is an acclaimed hill resort and one of the most scenic spot in the Kumaon part of Himalayas. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary located near to Almora attracts lots of tourists who are enthusiastic about viewing animals and birds. The sanctuary has a forest guesthouse with an attached restaurant and also served as a resort. Binsar has an enchanting beautifully lazy feel around it. There are jungle walkaways and one can see large number of birds everywhere. True to its nature, Binsar provides peace of mind and soul.

Dunagiri Mandir-Doonagiri Temple is 15 kilometres far from Dwarahat is the famous temple of Doonagiri. Legend has it that when Hanuman was carrying the rock laden with 'Sanjiwani buti' to rescue Laxman injured in the batte of Ramayana, a piece of it fell here. This incident gave this place its name 'Doonagiri' ('giri' meaning fell). This temple was built in honour of goddess Vaishnavi. It is believed that the bronze plate inside the temple dates back to 1181 A.D. Standing majestically on a hill top, the temple attracts a large number of pilgrims every year.