Almora City Guide
Almora is one of the most beautiful places in Kumaon Uttaranchal region. It is a virgin hill-station and is full of scenic beauty. Nestled in the lap of nature this region has small houses built on the slopes and splendor of this place is added colorful attire of the natives. Just besides city flow the Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali) rivers. In the 9th century Almora was ruled by Katyur dynasty. The forts, monuments and palaces built by the rulers of Chandravansh and Katyur dynasty are even today evidence of the splendor this place had in the past. Almora is situated on a hillock, which is in Horseshoe shape and is surrounded by dense forests of fur and pine trees. In the backdrop are the lovely snow-capped peaks of Himalayas. Almora has been able to retain the tradition and ancient culture even when other places are being influenced by modern trends. The absence of any town planning and inclusion of tiles and stones on the pavements and houses prove that this place has not yet adopted the modern technology in a big way. 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.
Shopping in Almora
Visit Almora and do not forget to taste the sweets here, which are quite famous. Particularly Singora and BAL Mithai are liked by one and all. Apart from sweets, Almora is famous for Rabbit wool cloths. A special breed of Rabbit, Angora produces wool, which is very soft, fine and very warm. Warm clothes made from this wool are famous all over the world. In Almora one can get good bargains at comparatively low prices. Then there are decorative items, brass items and other kind of metal utensils, which are quite popular among the visitors. One can purchase woolen garments at reasonable rates from the Garud woolens. This shop is part of the Kumaon Schedule Tribe Development Corporation at Shikhar Hotel compound. For Bronze and Brasswares & decorative items one can have a look in shops at Lal Bazaar and Chowk Bazaar.
Fairs and Festivals of Almora
Kasar Devi Mela : The picturesque old part of the town of Almora is the venue for the fair held twice a year.
Shravan Mela : Jageshwar lying in the beautiful Jatganga Valley, housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas of India is a complex of 12 temples in all.
Somnath Mela : The Somnath Fair held on Vishuwat Sankranti day is celebrated in the Shiva Temple at Masi.
Devidhura Mela : The Devidhura Fair is held on the day of Raksha Bandhan in August, at the Varahi Devi Temple.
Ram Lila : The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and show all over Kumaon.
Things to see
