Almora is an offbeat hill station in Uttarakhand.
It is one of the most captivating hill stations in India, with its stunning backdrop of snow-capped Himalayas, is a place that will leave you spellbound. From its rich cultural heritage to the unique handicrafts and delicious cuisines, Almora is a town that has something for everyone.
Did you know that the name Almora is believed to have originated from “Kilmora”, a short plant commonly found in the area? It’s said that this plant was used to wash the utensils of the sun temple at Katarmal. The town, situated on a 5-km-long ridge in the shape of a horse saddle, was once the capital of the Chand dynasty rulers.
Over the years, Almora has attracted several famous personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Uday Shankar and his troupe, Ravi Shankar and even Sir Ronald Ross, the Nobel Prize winner for Physiology (or Medicine).
With its rich cultural diversity, Almora is also the starting point for several popular treks, such as Jageshwar, Pindari, Mukteshwar, and Binsar. If you’re an adventure junkie, you’ll be happy to know that Almora also offers activities like Rock Climbing, Burma Bridge, and Spider Web.
And as if the beauty of the town wasn’t enough, you’ll also have the chance to indulge in some shopping for Angora woollen clothes. The city is surrounded by dwindling pines and old oaks, giving it a divine aura that will definitely allure any backpacker.
So what are you waiting for? Get your bags packed and head to Almora, where the scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage will leave you breathless! Just make sure to avoid the monsoons if you’re planning to visit.
Note: The average elevation of Almora is 1,638 meters, and it’s spread across a 5 km ridge atop the Kassyap Hill.
