Jageshwar Dham Must visit
A group of about 125 stone temples to Shiva in a deodar forest, one of the holiest sites in Kumaon.
Almora
A quiet Kumaon hill town of temples, Himalayan views and bal mithai.
Reviewed by Ghumo Bihar team
- Best time
- March–June and October–December
- Days needed
- 2–3 days
- From Patna
- Via Kathgodam, then 3.5 hrs by road
- Good for
- Couples, devotees, quiet getaways
About Almora
Why visit Almora
Almora sits on a horseshoe-shaped ridge in the Kumaon hills, with wide views of the Himalayan peaks on clear days. It was the capital of the Chand kings, and its old bazaar, carved wooden houses and temples still feel unhurried.
Visit Kasar Devi, where Swami Vivekananda meditated, the bell-covered Chitai Golu Devta temple, and the 125 stone temples of Jageshwar Dham in a deodar forest. Binsar's sanctuary offers one of the best Himalayan panoramas in Kumaon. Almora is an easy add-on to Nainital.
Places to visit
Top places to visit in Almora
8 places, best first. Timings and fees change often, so check before you go.
Kasar Devi Temple Must visit
A hilltop temple where Swami Vivekananda meditated, with sweeping views.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple Must visit
A temple hung with thousands of bells and letters of prayer to the god of justice.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Must visit
Oak and rhododendron forest with Zero Point, one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Kumaon.
Nanda Devi Temple
An old temple in the bazaar, centre of the Nanda Devi festival.
Bright End Corner
A popular sunset and sunrise point on the edge of town.
Katarmal Sun Temple
A 9th-century Sun temple on a hillside, about 17 km away.
Lala Bazaar
The old stone-paved bazaar with carved wooden shops and sweet sellers.
Nearby, add to the same trip: Jageshwar Dham, Binsar, Kausani and Ranikhet.
Travel with Ghumo Bihar
Trips to Almora
No group date announced yet. Tell us when you'd like to go and we'll let you know first, or plan a private trip below.
Private trip
Your dates, your group, your pace
- A plan made for you: families, friends, schools and companies
- Car, hotels, tickets and guide arranged
- Pay in parts by UPI, with a GST invoice
- Rated 4.9 on Google by 175+ travellers
When to go
Best time to visit Almora
Spring and autumn are best. October to December brings the clearest Himalayan views.
Spring and summer
March–June
12–28°C
Pleasant days, rhododendrons in spring.
Monsoon
July–September
Rain, landslide risk
Quiet; roads can close.
Autumn and winter
October–February
Clear and cold
Best Himalayan views; cold nights.
Festivals worth planning around
- Jageshwar Monsoon FestivalHeld in the Shravan month at Jageshwar Dham.
- Nanda Devi MelaA major Kumaoni festival in August–September at the Nanda Devi temple.
- DussehraAlmora is known for its effigy processions at Dussehra.
Getting there
How to reach Almora
Take a train to Kathgodam, then drive about 90 km (3.5 hours) to Almora. Most people combine it with Nainital.
- KathgodamCar or taxi
About 90 km, 3.5 hours
Via Bhowali, close to Kainchi Dham.
- NainitalCar
About 65 km, 2.5 hours
Easy to combine on the same trip.
On the ground
Getting around, stay and food
Getting around
Hire a car for Jageshwar, Kasar Devi and Binsar; the sights are spread out.
The old bazaar is best explored on foot.
Where to stay
Stay in town for convenience, or on the Kasar Devi ridge or in Binsar for views and quiet.
- Hotels in Almora townNear the Mall Road · Convenience
- Homestays and cottagesKasar Devi ridge · Views and quiet
- KMVN rest housesAlmora, Jageshwar and Binsar · Value
Food to try
- Bal mithai and singori: Almora's two famous sweets; buy them from the old bazaar.
- Kumaoni thali: bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, ras and madua roti.
Travel tips
- Mornings give the clearest mountain views.
- Carry warm clothes for evenings all year round.
- Jageshwar is about 1.5 hours away; plan half a day for it.
- Binsar sanctuary has an entry fee and limited electricity; plan the day in daylight.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How far is Almora from Nainital?
About 65 km, around 2.5 hours by road.
What is Almora famous for?
Its Himalayan views, Kasar Devi and Jageshwar temples, the old bazaar and bal mithai.
Does Ghumo Bihar run trips to Almora?
Yes, usually together with Nainital and Kainchi Dham.
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