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An exceptionally beautiful place that is sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of India', Almora is all about three things; romance, charm and serenity. Its rich cultural heritage, amazing handicrafts, the one-of-a-kind cuisine and the mystical wildlife are some of its main attractions. Almora promises to make the visit of the tourists, unforgettable and full of fun and adventure.
The legend
More than 5 centuries ago, Raja Kalyan Chand who was the ruler of Kumaon at that time, stumbled upon the place while he was in pursuit of prey riding on the back of his. The bush, Kilmora, where the hunted quarry took refuge to safeguard itself revealed the place where the Raja decided to build his new capital in place of Champawat.
Situation
The beautiful town served as the capital of the Chand dynasty. Set on a 6 kms long horse saddle shaped ridge, one gets to see stunningly beautiful views of the snowy summits of Himalayas from here.
Fairs and Festivals
Doonagiri mela
Doonagiri, noted for its ancient Durga Temple, is a pilgrim spot that attracts a large of pilgrims, during the fair days at Navratri in October.
Kasar Devi Mela
A fair is held twice a year, during winter and summer moths, in the picturesque and older part of the town. The fact that the great Swami Vivekananda came to Almora and gained enlightenment in a small cave at Kasar Devi adds the trivia to give a lot more significance to the place.
Shrawan Mela, Jageshwar fair in July & August, Gananath Mela in October-November and Dwarahat Mela held in April are some other important festivities of the region.
Attractions:
Chitai Temple
This sacred temple, built in the memory of Gollu Devta, is situated 6kms from Almora at a place called Chitai. Sacrifices of goats are offered to the deity which was, at one time, a sort-of law court, that decided several pleas received from the distressed people of the region.
Doonagiri
Doonagiri is extremely rich in historical and religious significance and has many myths attached to it. According to one, when Hanuman was carrying the Sanjiwani booty to save Lakshman, a piece fell at this place and since that day, this place is known as Doonagiri. A temple of Vaishno Devi, the famous cave Goddess, is situated here. Doonagiri is abuzz with activity in Chait and Ashwin months of Navaratris as many festivals are celebrated around that time.
Pandukholi
Situated 10kms. from Doonagiri, the temple is famous for the caves built here by the Pandavas.
Apart from these, many other places are worth visiting around Almora like Kosi temple, Gananath and
Jageshwar.
Getting there:
The nearest airport for Almora is Pantnagar (127 kms) and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam (90kms).
Almora is well connected by road as well. Distances of some of the bigger towns from Almora are –
- Lucknow (466 kms),
- Dehradun (412 kms),
- Nainital (71 kms),
- Delhi (382 kms),
- Haridwar (357 kms)
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