Almora is a charming hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, known for its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual atmosphere. Almora offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers who want to explore the hidden gems of the Himalayas. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or inspiration, Almora has something for everyone.
In this blog, we will show you how to experience the best of Almora in 3 days, covering the most popular places to visit, things to do, and tips to make your trip memorable.
Day 1: Explore the Almora town and its temples
Begin your Almora adventure by immersing yourself in the town’s vibrant culture and heritage. Spend your first day exploring its charming streets and ancient temples that offer glimpses into the region’s illustrious past. Visit the Govind Vallabh Pant Museum, housing a fascinating collection of antiques, sculptures, and weaponry from the Chand dynasty, which reigned over Kumaon for nearly three centuries.
You can also see the Aipan art, a traditional form of painting done by the locals using white flour paste on red walls.
Next, you can go to the Nanda Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of Kumaon. It’s a very important temple in Almora and is in the middle of the town. There’s a busy market around it where you can buy local crafts, warm clothes, and tasty snacks. Don’t forget to try the famous Bal Mithai and Choklate, which are sweet treats made from condensed milk.
Then, visit the Chitai Golu Devta Temple, which is known for its special tradition of hanging bells and letters as offerings. From the temple, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains.
Day 2: Enjoy the nature and wildlife of Binsar
On your second day in Almora, you can explore the nature and wildlife of Binsar, a wildlife sanctuary and scenic area around 30 km from town. You can get there by taxi or bus from Almora. Binsar is home to many plants and animals, including leopards, deer, black bears, and over 200 types of birds. At Zero Point, the highest spot in the sanctuary, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of snowy mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Shivling.
During your visit to Binsar, you can spend the day exploring nature trails and observing wildlife, or you can choose from various adventure activities like trekking, camping, or cycling. Don’t forget to visit the Binsar Mahadev Temple, a 10th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its beautiful carvings and architecture. You can also explore Jageshwar Dham, a group of over 100 ancient temples dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries, which are considered sacred as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Day 3: Experience the culture and cuisine of Kumaon
On your last day in Almora, you can explore the unique culture and delicious food of Kumaon, a diverse region in Uttarakhand. Begin by visiting the Katarmal Sun Temple, a special 9th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God. It’s the second most important sun temple in India after Konark. You can get to the temple in two ways. You can either walk for about 4 hours, or you can take a taxi or a bus. The temple is well-known for its beautiful stone carvings and sculptures. Plus, it gives you an amazing view of the valley.
After that, head to the Kasar Devi Temple, a popular spot for meditation and spirituality. It’s said to have a strong magnetic field that attracts people from all over the world seeking inner peace. The temple also hosts the Kasar Devi Fair every November and December, celebrating local culture, music, and art.
Finally, wrap up your trip by savoring the delicious cuisine of Kumaon, a delightful fusion of flavors from the hills and plains. Don’t miss out on tasting Bhatt ki Churkani, a flavorful soup made with black beans and spices, along with Aloo ke Gutke, crispy fried potatoes seasoned with mustard seeds and red chilies.
Treat yourself to Singhal, sweet pancakes crafted from semolina and banana, and Kumaoni Raita, a refreshing yogurt dish with cucumber and mustard. Quench your thirst with local beverages like Buransh, a refreshing rhododendron flower juice, and Malta, a citrus fruit akin to orange.
Some Trek Can Explore in Almora for Views
- Kasar Devi – Binsar Trek:
- Moderate trek from Almora to Kasar Devi Temple.
- Visit the 9th-century Katarmal Sun Temple dedicated to the Sun God.
- Continue to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary for nature and wildlife.
- Enjoy stunning views of Himalayan peaks from Zero Point.
- Binsar to Jageshwar Trek:
- Easy trek from Binsar National Park to Jageshwar Temple.
- Pass through dense forests and Dhaulchina village.
- Interact with locals and learn about their culture.
- Enjoy views of snow-capped mountains and valleys.
- Doba – That Trek:
- Moderate trek from Almora to That village.
- Pass through Doba village, observing traditional houses and farms.
- Enjoy views of green hills and streams along the way.
Tips to Make Your Trip Memorable
- Plan ahead: Make sure to plan your itinerary well in advance and book your accommodation and transportation early, especially during peak seasons.
- Pack wisely: Bring essentials like warm clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, water bottles, snacks, medicines, and a camera. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially colder nights and winter months.
- Respect local customs: Embrace the rich culture and heritage of Almora by respecting local traditions. Follow basic etiquette such as dressing modestly, removing shoes before entering temples, avoiding littering, and seeking permission before taking photos.
- Learn some local phrases: Familiarize yourself with basic words and phrases in the local language to enhance your interactions with locals and show appreciation for their culture.
- Explore local cuisine: Indulge in the authentic flavors of Kumaon by sampling local dishes made with fresh, organic ingredients. Don’t miss out on trying local beverages like Buransh and Malta.
- Take home souvenirs: Support local artisans by purchasing handmade products such as Bal Mithai, Choklate, woolen shawls, copper utensils, and Aipan paintings as keepsakes or gifts.
- Immerse yourself in nature: Appreciate the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Almora by exploring its natural wonders. Engage in adventure activities like trekking, camping, cycling, or paragliding to experience the thrill of the Himalayas.
- Explore nearby attractions: Venture beyond Almora to discover nearby destinations like Ranikhet, Kausani, Mukteshwar, and Nainital, each offering its own scenic charm and attractions.
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