Places to Visit in Almora

Chitai temple, also called as Golu Devta temple is one other tourist attraction spot in Almora. It is located approximately 15 kilometres away from the city of Almora and is one of the popular tourist destination among the devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed dedicating it to the incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav.

This abode is considered as one of the hippie trails and most exciting of Almora’s tourist places. Its history is traced back to second century. The temple is dedicated to a goddess called Kasar Devi and is considered one of the most popular temples in this township. Every year there are a number of devotees that visit this temple during the special annual festival organised by the villagers and temple authorities.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a famous wildlife abode to explore in Almora. It is approximately 33 kilometres away from the city and is situated on top of Jhandi Dhar Hills within the district premises. The sanctuary is surrounded by dense forests and is an absolute thrill to watch animals here from a distance. If you trace the history of this place, you can find that Binsar was once a summer resort of Chand Kings during 11th to 17th century. 

Located about seven kilometers away from the city of Almora, Kartarmal is considered to be one of the hidden gems of Almora district. The village is popular for the per-historic sun temple located amidst the beautiful trails of the Almora. This temple is dated back to 800 years and is believed to be built by the Katyuri kings. It is the second most famous temple in Almora and also backs the sun temple in Odisha. Adding to the list of places to visit in Almora, Katarmal Sun Temple is a blissful visit. 

Located just 3 kilometres from Almora, the Deer Park is a great way to explore the rich wildlife of this city. Known as one of the most beautiful and must-visit places in Almora, the Deer Park is a place where you can spend a relaxing time amidst lush green nature. From the usual deer, you can also catch a glimpse of other exotic wildlife at this park, which includes the leopard as well as the Himalayan Black Bear.

Gobing Vallabh Pant Museum is named after one of India’s freedom fighters, Gobind Vallabh Pant. It is an easy place to find in the small city as it is located on mall road in Almora. The museum has exquisite collection of artefacts and ancient items from the times of Chand and Katyuri dynasties that ruled this region. The museum has a collection of paintings, historic things and is a mirror that represents the culture, diversity and rich heritage of Uttarakhand. It is one stop destination and one among the desirable places to visit in Almora.

Located around 30 kilometres from the centre of Almora and dating back to the 7th century, the Jageshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is amongst the cluster of 200 Hindu temples hidden in Almora. Built in the exquisite Nagara style of architecture, this temple houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Moreover, the temple is situated along the Jata Ganga river and is surrounded by thick dense forests of pine and oak trees, and the famous rhododendron flowers.

Binsar is a beautiful hill station valley of flowers which offers breathtaking views of the Kumaon Valley. The beautiful Himalayan range stretches to about 300 kms along the horizon out of which the most noticeable peaks are the Chaukhamba, Trishuli, Kedarnath, Panchchuoli, Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi.

The Binsar trek begins from Thalisain towards Pauri. The trek leads through thick forests of oaks, pine, silver fir and deodar that describe complete wilderness. The ascents and descents are gradual and the best time to visit is during winters. One can come across the Samadhi of the great Indian hero Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali situated at Musa Kota amidst Dudhatoli sanctuary.

The Binsar trek is an exciting experience and the trekkers can enjoy the beautiful views throughout the expedition. Binsar is enveloped with hanging moss, ferns, alpine flora, different varieties of wild flowers and forests where one can find rhododendron and oak trees.

Kuari Pass which signifies doorway is one of the best treks in Uttaranchal. It is also known as Curzon trail as this trekking trail was discovered by Lord Curzon in 1905. The panoramic views of the eastern slopes of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, Neelkanth, Mana, Hathi Ghori Parvat, Bertholi, Trishul, Dronagiri, Kamet and Nanda Devi peaks can be experienced on Kuari Pass Trek.

The trek has dense deodar, ok and rhododendron forests which present a picturesque view. Rare and protected flora and fauna can be found on this trail.  The trek passes via major rivers like Mandakini, Kaliganga and Dhauli Ganga .The ideal time to visit here is in summers.

Best Season: December - January
Duration: 6-8 Days
Max. Elevation: 4,264 m