Do you wish to have a peaceful holiday snuggled in the verdant greenery and invigorating air of nature? Finding such a location in the city can be tough, but the best bet here is to head to serene hill stations. If you’re looking for a quaint, picturesque town that offers a breath of fresh air, Almora can easily be your destination.
Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Almora is a small yet beautiful hill station famous for its spectacular landscapes. Whether you need to take a break from the cacophony of city life or need a refreshing place to amp yourself up, head to Almora – it won’t disappoint! When planning your itinerary, make sure to add these 7 breathtaking places to visit in Almora, because they ought to be on every travel enthusiast’s list!
Zero Point
Your talk about breathtaking places in Almora will always have this one making a grand feature! Located within the premises of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point is a calm and alluring destination that instantly mesmerizes you with a grand view of the Himalayas. You get a close and upfront 360-degree panoramic view of several revered Himalayan peaks that’ll always make you come back to this place.
Keep your cameras ready because you’ll surely want to capture the beauty of nature at this point. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to get some pretty shots of yourself too, to up your Gram game! Catching a glimpse of the sunrise and the sunset at Zero Point is also an experience in itself that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. You can reach Zero Point by trekking your way up in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. This way you can explore the lush greenery around and also indulge in some bird-watching.
Jageshwar Temple Complex
The Jageshwar Temple is a known pilgrim site that has impressive stone formations for you to adore. The history of the complex dates back to the 7th century, and it has around 200 Hindu temples located here in a cluster. The ancient and iconic temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are built beautifully in Nagara-style craftsmanship. It’s also home to one of 12 Jyotirlingas and is surrounded by dense forests of oaks and pines. You can even spot the famous rhododendron flowers in these forests.
The best time to catch the breathtaking views of this place is during or right after the monsoons. Every nook of the heritage site looks absolutely stunning after it is washed down by the rains. Since it’s located along the Jata Ganga rivulet, the entire place is a site to behold and is worth visiting at least once during your visit to Almora.
Martola
The mesmerizing hilltop view and the lush greenery around are reasons enough to make this destination one of the best places to visit in Almora. Situated about 520 meters above sea level, Martola stands against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas. It has thick woodlands and well-manicured gardens that have tempted many tourists to permanently settle down here.
Though that may not be a possibility, Martola still makes for a great picnic spot. It’s a hidden jewel in the crown of Almora and is nothing less than a scenic wonder as well. It could get really difficult to stop yourself from capturing some picture-perfect moments here!
Kasar Devi
Home to the famous Kasar Devi Temple in Almora, this picturesque town offers peace and serenity to all its visitors. It’s known for its soothing ambiance and beautiful scenery, so you wouldn’t want to leave it out when planning your Almora itinerary. You can enjoy trekking, backpacking, and seasonal bird-watching in this town. The most famous attraction here though, is the Kasar Devi Temple, that’s considered to date back to the 2nd century CE!
Though primarily a pilgrim spot, it’s also frequented by nature lovers who wish to take in the majestic views of the Himalayas. Interestingly, famous personalities like Bob Dylan, Swami Vivekanand, and Allen Ginsburg have also made a visit to this town, so it would surely be worth planning a trip here. While at the village, don’t forget to check out Crank’s Ridge. It was once a popular destination during the hippie movement.
Deer Park
Considered to be one of the most beautiful and must-visit places in Almora, the Deer Park is a great place for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Don’t just go by the name, because you can also spot a good variety of flora and fauna here. You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a myriad of animals like Himalayan black bears and leopards, apart from a variety of deer. The tall and sturdy pine trees in the park further add to the natural beauty of the park.
It’s a great picnic spot for anyone who wishes to relax and feel refreshed amidst the beautiful surroundings. Evenings are also a good time to visit the park if you wish to take a leisure stroll. The Park is located in Narayan Tiwari Dewai that’s around 3 km from Almora city. It’s open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Kalimath
It isn’t an exaggeration when we say Kalimath is one of the best places to visit in Almora. Located at a distance of about 5 km North of the Almora district, this quaint town will leave you spellbound with its breathtaking views and serene ambiance.
The town is beautifully snuggled in the hills and is a great spot for family trips and picnics. It’s known for being nature’s true escape and a visit here will only be worthwhile. You don’t have to take our word for it; visit this awe-inspiring town and you’ll know the beauty that it is. It’s located close to Lal Bazaar and can be easily reached by taxi.
Bright End Corner
There’s nothing better than witnessing the beauty of nature through sunrise and sunset. Period. If you too are of this opinion, you’ll surely fall in love with Bright End Corner. Located just at a distance of about 2 km from the city center, this place is on every traveler’s list when visiting Almora. The tangerine hues of the sunrise and sunset beautifully splatter over Almora during dusk and dawn. It makes the hill station look like it’s pulled out from a picture-perfect painting.
No matter what you’ve done throughout the day, catching a glimpse of the alluring sunset at Bright End Corner is all you need to calm your soul. Interestingly, the place is said to be dedicated to Swami Vivekanand who spent a few days of his stay in the Himalayas here. You can also head out to the Vivekanand library located very close to this point. The simplistic yet alluring natural beauty offered by this place easily makes it grab a spot among the breathtaking places to visit in Almora.
Conclusion
Almora is just another hidden gem in the state of Uttarakhand, and all these pristine and breathtaking places are proof of that. There’s so much to do even in this small resort town that it makes every traveler’s visit here worthwhile. And what makes it even better is the company of like-minded fellow travelers who have some really good suggestions up their sleeves.
If you too are looking to get a similar experience, don’t forget to check out our goSTOPS hostel. Along with good company, you also get loads of entertainment options to keep yourself occupied all throughout the day. Bonus – you get these perks and a warm stay all at pocket-friendly prices! So cut the wait and start planning your trip at the earliest!
FAQs
What Is Famous In Almora?
Almora offers a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas and is famous for its mesmerizing beauty, picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, and delicious cuisines. The scenic views lend a soothing vibe and are perfect for travel enthusiasts looking forward to a relaxing holiday. Kasar Devi Temple, Deer Park, Zero Point, and Jageshwar Temple Complex are some of the tourist attractions that Almora is famous for.
Where Is Almora Hill Station Located?
The hill station of Almora is located in Uttarakhand. It’s situated on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills in the Himalayas. It’s located at a distance of around 363 km from New Delhi when traveling via NH9.
What Should I Buy In Almora?
Angora cloth, woolen clothes, jewelry, shawls, ethnic wear, handicrafts, decorative items, brass and copper items, and metal utensils are some of the most popular things to buy in Almora. You can check out the Chowk Bazaar, Tamta Mohalla, Lal Bazaar, Raghunath City Mall, Johri Bazaar, the Garud Woollen Shop, and the Old Almora street market, whenever you wish to indulge in some retail therapy in Almora.
Is There Snowfall In Almora?
Yes, the altitude at which the hill station of Almora is located is responsible for its cold and chilly weather. It snows in Almora during the winter months, especially in December and January.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Almora?
The summer months from March to May are the best time to visit Almora to get the best out of your sightseeing experience. However, if you love the snow and would want to witness the winter wonderland of Almora, then the months from September to December are also a good time to visit this scenic hill station.
Is It Safe To Visit Almora Now?
Traveling to Almora is safe currently during the pandemic as long as you travel cautiously and take all the safety precautions. You must follow all the travel guidelines meticulously as laid down by the state government. Wear your masks, maintain social distance, keep sanitizing your hands time and again, to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for yourself.
