Almora Travel Guide: Temples, Bazaars & Viewpoints
Almora is the cultural heart of the Kumaon region, a horseshoe-shaped ridge town founded in the 16th century by the Chand kings. At around 1,640 metres, it blends old stone architecture, lively bazaars, ancient temples and a long history of artists, writers and spiritual seekers who have made it home over the years. Unlike the resort towns nearby, Almora feels lived-in and authentic, and a slow wander through its narrow stone lanes, past brass workshops and old wooden balconies, is as rewarding as any single sight. The town was an important centre of the Kumaon kingdom and later a hub for the freedom movement, and that layered history still shows in its buildings and traditions.
Temples worth seeing
Almora and its surroundings hold some of Kumaon's most important and atmospheric shrines.
- Nanda Devi Temple in the centre of town, which hosts the famous Nanda Devi fair each September.
- Kasar Devi, a hilltop temple on a forested ridge known for an unusual geomagnetic field and a long association with visiting seekers and bohemian travellers.
- Chitai Golu Devta Temple, hung with thousands of bells and handwritten petitions to Golu Devta, the local god of justice.
- Jageshwar Dham, a remarkable cluster of over a hundred stone temples set in a deodar forest about 35 km away.
The old bazaars
Almora's stone-paved markets are a genuine part of the experience and a great place to shop for local crafts and food.
- Lala Bazaar, along the Mall Road, a heritage market lined with intricately carved wooden shopfronts.
- Local sweets like bal mithai and singori, famous Kumaoni specialities you should taste fresh.
- Copperware, woollens and Aipan folk-art souvenirs made by local artisans.
Viewpoints
The ridge offers several lovely vantage points for the snow peaks, sunrises and sunsets.
- Bright End Corner, the classic spot for sunset and sunrise over the Himalayan skyline.
- Kasar Devi ridge, with wide valley views and a relaxed cafe and homestay scene.
- Simtola eco-park, a quiet pine forest picnic area just outside town.
Best time to visit
Almora is pleasant from March to June and again from September to November, when the skies are at their clearest. Winters are cold but atmospheric, with crisp mountain views, and the September Nanda Devi fair is a real cultural highlight if you want to witness living Kumaoni traditions, music and processions.
How to reach
Almora is about 90 km from Haldwani and roughly 65 km from Nainital. Kathgodam is the nearest railhead, around 85 km away, and Pant Nagar the nearest airport. The drive takes around three hours through forested hills, usually via Bhowali and Kainchi Dham, so you can easily fold a lake or temple stop into the journey rather than driving straight through.
A practical tip: base yourself in or near Almora for a couple of nights and use it as a hub to reach Jageshwar, Kasar Devi and Chitai at a relaxed pace rather than rushing them in a single long day.
Arjun Travels provides comfortable taxis and curated Kumaon tours to Almora from Haldwani, including Jageshwar and Kasar Devi on request. To plan your trip, call or WhatsApp +91 90844 04569.
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Book a clean, comfortable taxi from Haldwani with a professional driver — outstation, one-way or round trip, at transparent fares.