Almora is a lively hill town spread along a horseshoe-shaped ridge at about 1,640 m in the heart of Kumaon. It is not a resort town like Nainital. People live and work here, children walk to old schools, and the narrow lanes of the bazaar smell of roasted khoya and sugar.
On a clear day the ridge looks out over a long line of Himalayan peaks. Add old temples, writers' and artists' retreats at Kasar Devi, and the famous Bal Mithai, and Almora becomes one of the best places to understand Kumaoni culture.
The story of Almora
In the 16th century the Chand kings moved their capital here from Champawat, and Almora remained the seat of Kumaon's rulers for more than 200 years. The Nanda Devi temple in town and the old stone houses of the bazaar date from those times.
Later, Almora drew thinkers from across the world. Swami Vivekananda meditated at Kasar Devi in 1890, and in the 20th century the ridge nearby, nicknamed Crank's Ridge, became home to writers, artists and seekers. The Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant studied here, and the town still has a strong love of music, theatre and the Ramlila.
Why go to Almora
Sweets and food
Bal Mithai, Singori and home-style Kumaoni meals.
Himalayan views
Peaks from Trishul to Panchachuli on clear days.
Temples and history
Nanda Devi temple, Kasar Devi and the old Chand capital.
Main things to see
Kasar Devi temple
A hilltop shrine about 8 km away, where Vivekananda meditated in 1890.
Bright End Corner
A popular sunset and sunrise point about 2 km from town.
Lala Bazaar
Stone-paved lanes with old wooden shopfronts, copperware and sweets.
Nanda Devi temple
The Chand-era temple to the guardian goddess of Kumaon, centre of the September fair.
Distances from Almora
Before you go
- The town is hilly; wear comfortable shoes for the steps and lanes.
- Traffic jams near the market are common in peak season; walk where you can.
- The Nanda Devi Mela in September and Dussehra with its effigy parade are great times to see local culture.
- Most viewpoints are clearest from October to February.
Almora FAQs
What is Almora famous for?
Bal Mithai and Singori sweets, its Chand-era history, Kasar Devi, and wide views of the Himalaya.
How far is Almora from Nainital?
About 65 km, around 2.5 hours by road.
Is Almora better than Nainital?
They are different. Nainital is a lake resort with more crowds; Almora is a lived-in cultural town with quieter stays and big mountain views.
How many days are enough for Almora?
Two to three nights: one day for the town and Kasar Devi, and one or two for Jageshwar, Chitai or Binsar.
Does it snow in Almora?
Occasionally in January or February, more often on higher ridges like Binsar.
