Almora district,Uttarakhand

Almora district is a district in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand state, India. The headquarters is at Almora. It is famous for its beauty and views of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts and cuisine. It is 1,638 meters above sea level. The town of Almora is surrounded by Pithoragarh district to the east, Garhwal region to the west, Bageshwar district to the north and Nainital district to the south.

The hill station of Almora is situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge of a mountain, the eastern portion of which is called Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat. The landscape of Almora attracts thousands of tourists each year and it is a business hub for the Kumaon region. Developed by the kings of Chand dynasty, it was later maintained and further developed by the British regime.

History

The ancient town of Almora, before its establishment, was under the possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated the major part of this land to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari.Later on when Chand kingdom was founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally located place in 1568 by Kalyan Chand.In the days of the Chand Kings it was called Rajapur. The name ‘Rajpur’ is also mentioned on a number of ancient copper plates.

In the 1960s Bageshwar district, Pithoragarh district and Champawat district had not yet been formed and were part of Almora district.

Geography

The town of Almora is situated over a horse saddle-shaped ridge of a mountain. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat. The market is at the top of the ridge where these two, Talifat and Selifat jointly terminate.

The market is 1.25 miles (2.01 km) long and is covered with stone slabs. The place of the present cantonment was formerly known as Lalmandi. Presently where the collectorate exists, the ‘Malla Mahal’ (Upper Court) of Chanda kings was located. The site of present District Hospital used to be ‘Talla Mahal’ (Lower Court) of Chand rulers.

Simalkhet is a village situated in the border of Almora and Chamoli. People of this village can speak both kumauni and garhwali languages. On the top of a hill there is a temple called Bhairav Gadi.

Gori River flows through Almora District.
Places to visit

Chitai Temple: 10 km from the main city of Almora. Chitai temple is dedicated to Golu Devata, The God of Justice, popular in Kumaon region. An incarnation of Lord Shiva, he’s reputed for the fulfillment of one’s wish if prayed with clear conscience.

Nanda Devi Temple: A historic temple is placed in the center of the town of Goddess Nanda Devi. An interesting feature of Nanda Devi Temple is image carving on the temple walls. Nanda Devi festival is held in the month of September every year.

Bright End Corner: This place is locating 2 km away from the main city of Almora, is famous for pleasant scenes of sunrise and sunset. A circuit house, Swami Vivekanand Memorial and VIvekanand Library is also situated here.

Binsar Mahadev Temple: Binsar Mahadev Temple was built around 9-10 century A.D. It is believed that Binsar Mahadev Temple was built in a single day. Ladies come here on Vaikunth chaturdashi and light a lamp on their palm to fulfill the desire of child. Binsar Mahadev is located 19 km from Ranikhet. Binsar Mahadev Temple is surrounded by thick decor forests and lies at an altitude of 2480 m. Binsar Mahadev is famous for its Archeological significance and its dense forest.

Lal Bazaar: Almora is a shopper delight as offers wide variety of options to buy that include local crafts, woolen garments, decorative items and metal utensils.

Someshwar: Situated 35 km away from Almora city. Someshwar is famous for its ancient Lord Shiva Temple. This temple was constructed by Raja Som Chand from Chand Dynasty.

Jageshwar: Famous for Shiva temple with stunning architecture style within dense forest. The temple complex has 124 shrines and hundreds of statues with outstanding craftsmanship.