ALMORA
Almora is a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, North of Uttar Pradesh
in India, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas. This hill station
is at an altitude of 1650 metres. It is one of the few towns which were not
built by the Britishers while they ruled India. Some 400 years ago it was the
capital of the Chand rajas of Kumaon. Almora is larger than Ranikhet and Kausani,
there's an interesting bazaar, good views of the mountains and some great walks.
The Kasar Devi Temple is 8 km away from the town centre - this is the place
where Swami Vivekananda came to meditate.
Almora has been able to retain the tradition and ancient culture even when other
places are being influenced by modern trends. Right in the middle of the town
is the Nanda devi temple and Narsingh temple are evidence of the great faith
of people in their God. Culturally also this place is very rich and all round
the year Almora celebrates many festivals and cultural events.
How to reach Almora:
Air: The nearest airhead is Pantnagar (127 kms).
Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam (90 kms).
Road: Well connected to major towns of Kumaon and nearby districts -
Delhi (378 kms), Lucknow (460 kms), Kathgodam (90 kms).
Ranikhet is situated
49 kms from Almora at an altitude of 1,829 m. Ranikhet means Queen's Field. According
to legends the place won the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev, and
she chose this place as her abode. It was chosen as a hill-station for the British
troops and in 1869 a cantonment was established. In Ranikhet one can easily find
all the elements of Himalayas : lush green forests, majestic mountains, diverse
flora and fauna, etc. The place offers splendid views of the various Himalayan
peaks. During monsoons it turns into a paradise with trees full of ripe fruits
and countless varieties of colorful flowers blooming in its fields. In winters
snowfall turns the whole place to pure white. Thus Ranikhet is an all season destination.
Major tourist attractions are Kumaon Regimental Center Museum and Memorial, Golf
club, various view points (from where one can see ranges of the majestic Himalayas),
fruit orchards, etc.
