Almora is an old hill town in Kumaon at about 1,650 m, built on a horseshoe-shaped ridge. It was the capital of the Chand kings from the 16th century and is still seen as the cultural heart of Kumaon. Visitors come for its temples (Jageshwar, Chitai Golu Devta, Kasar Devi, Nanda Devi), its old cobbled bazaar, the famous bal mithai, and views of the Himalaya. Almora is about 85 km from Kathgodam and makes a great base for Binsar, Kausani and Jageshwar.
Almora at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 1,650 m |
| From Kathgodam | About 85 km, 3 hours |
| From Nainital | About 65 km, 2.5 hours |
| From Delhi | About 370 km, 9 to 10 hours |
| Nearby | Kasar Devi 8 km, Chitai 8 km, Katarmal 17 km, Binsar 33 km, Jageshwar 36 km, Kausani 52 km |
| Best time | March–June and September–November |
| Days needed | 2 to 3 |
Places to visit in Almora town
1. Nanda Devi Temple
In the middle of town, this temple of the Chand dynasty's protective goddess is the centre of Almora's big Nanda Devi Mela held every year around August–September.
2. Lala Bazaar and Mall Road
The old bazaar has stone-paved lanes and carved wooden houses. This is where you buy bal mithai and singori (sweet wrapped in a leaf), copper utensils and woollens. The famous sweet shops are always busy.
3. Bright End Corner
A viewpoint about 2 km from the bus stand, known for sunsets over the hills and, on clear days, Himalayan peaks.
4. Govind Ballabh Pant Museum
A small museum with Kumaoni art, old coins and items from the Katyuri and Chand periods.
5. Simtola Eco Park and Deer Park
Pine forest walks a short drive from town, nice for families.
Places to visit near Almora
Kasar Devi Temple (8 km)
A small hilltop temple of the goddess, on Kasar Devi hill. Swami Vivekananda meditated nearby in 1890. In the 1960s and 70s the ridge, called Crank's Ridge, drew writers and seekers from around the world. Today it is a calm area with cafes, homestays and lovely Himalayan views at sunset.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple (8 km)
Golu Devta is the god of justice in Kumaon. Devotees write their wishes and complaints on paper or stamp paper and tie them at the temple and offer bells when their wishes come true. Thousands of bells hang along the paths. A truly unique place.
Katarmal Sun Temple (17 km)
A 9th-century sun temple built by the Katyuri kings, with a main shrine surrounded by many smaller temples. It is one of the few sun temples in north India. The short walk up from the road is worth it.
Jageshwar Dham (36 km)
A group of more than 100 stone temples from about the 7th to 14th centuries, in a deodar forest. Many devotees regard it as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (Nageshwar). The Jageshwar Monsoon Festival in the month of Shravan is a busy time. The Vriddh Jageshwar temple on the hill above has fine views. Keep half a day for Jageshwar.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (33 km)
Oak and rhododendron forest with a 300 km Himalayan view from Zero Point. Read our Binsar travel guide.
How to reach Almora
By train: Kathgodam is the nearest station, 85 km away. Taxis and shared jeeps go via Bhimtal and Bhowali (about 3 hours).
By air: Pantnagar airport is about 115 km away.
By road:
- Delhi to Almora: about 370 km via Moradabad, Haldwani and Bhowali.
- Nainital to Almora: about 65 km via Bhowali and Kainchi Dham.
- UTC and private buses run from Delhi's Anand Vihar and from Haldwani.
Best time to visit Almora
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | 8 to 24°C | Pleasant, rhododendrons |
| Summer | May to June | 15 to 30°C | Warm days, cool nights |
| Monsoon | July to August | Rainy | Green; landslides on hill roads |
| Autumn | September to November | 8 to 25°C | Clear views; Nanda Devi Mela |
| Winter | December to February | 1 to 15°C | Cold, clear; occasional light snow nearby |
Suggested 3-day Almora itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kathgodam to Almora via Bhimtal and Kainchi Dham. Evening at Lala Bazaar and Nanda Devi temple. |
| 2 | Chitai Golu Devta, then Jageshwar Dham (half day). Sunset at Kasar Devi. |
| 3 | Katarmal Sun Temple, then on to Kausani or Binsar, or back to Kathgodam. |
Almora works well as the centre of a Kumaon trip with Kausani, Binsar, Ranikhet and Chaukori.
Where to stay
- Almora town (Mall Road area): convenient, close to the bazaar and temples.
- Kasar Devi ridge: homestays and cottages with views; popular with long-stay travellers.
- Outskirts (towards Binsar or Kasar Devi): quieter resorts.
Food to try
- Bal mithai and singori from the old bazaar
- Kumaoni thali with bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, raita with cucumber and mustard
- Madua (finger millet) roti with ghee
- Fresh fruit from local orchards in summer
Travel tips
- Roads in town are narrow, and parking is limited. Park once and walk in the bazaar.
- Carry a light jacket even in summer evenings.
- Visit Jageshwar early in the morning for a peaceful darshan.
- At Chitai, buy bells and petition papers from the shops at the entrance if you wish to offer them.
Plan your Almora trip with Gokeys
Our Auli–Nainital–Kausani–Almora 8-day tour covers Almora with the best of Kumaon. We also plan custom trips from Kathgodam, Delhi and Haridwar. Contact us.
Last updated: 22 October 2026 · Written by: Gokeys Travel team, Haridwar
