At a glance Almora is spread across a 5-km ridge atop Kashaya Hill, 5,400 ft above sea level and 49 km from Ranikhet.
About the city This nearly 500-year-old town, once famous for its pretty paved roads and its wooden houses with elaborately carved faades, continues to be on the traveller's map because of the dozens of excursions possible to scenic retreats and pilgrimage centres nearby. Almora is one of the rare places in the hills where short distances take hours to cover because of twisty, undulating roads which enables you to discover many places from one central point. Settle down in one of the many hotels here and visit, among other places nearby, Binsar, Kausani or Jageshwar
How to reach Road: Car - Take NH24 from Delhi to Rampur, NH87 to Kathgodam via Rudrapur and Kathgodam, and then the state highway (Ranikhet-Almora Road) to Almora via Bhowali. After Kathgodam, the route gets distractingly beautiful, so watch out for the blind turns and oncoming traffic En route halts: Plenty of options on this longish drive. Try Gajraula for a paratha breakfast or Haldwani for a dosa brunch Bus: Several services from Anand Vihar Rail: Nearest railhead: Kathgodam (91 km/ 3 1/2 hrs) Best option TO Ranikhet Express (dep: Old Delhi 10.45 pm; arr: Kathgodam 6.15 am) From Kathgodam, hire/ share a taxi to Almora (Rs 600 for full taxi; rates increase slightly as you move deeper into the hills to Binsar and Kausani) Best option FROM Ranikhet Express (dep: Kathgodam 8.45 pm; arr: Old Delhi 4.45 am) Journey Time Road: 9 hrs Rail: By rail 7 1/2 hrs + road 3 1/2 hrs
Distances 365 km North East from Delhi 49 km from Ranikhet NH24 to Rampur via Hapur and Moradabad from Delhi NH87 to Kathgodam State highway to Almora via Bhowali, Khairna and Sualsari
Best Seasons April to June, September to November
Places in and around Discover the art and culture of the Kumaon region at the Gobind Vallabh Pant Public Museum near the bus stand. you will be surprised to find a very rare collection of Apen folk-paintings, apart from other treasures. Bright End Corner is the place to eat the air and watch the sun rise and set over the hills. If you are in a great hurry to escape to more enchanting locales, do visit the Chitai Temple, a good 8 km from Almora. Soak in the atmosphere at this important shrine to Gollu Deva, who is the most popular Kumaon deity. Thousands of bells chime as goats are sacrificed here in place of the more pacific marigold offerings made at most other temples in India. Built more than 800 years ago by the Katyuri rulers, the Katarmal Sun Temple complex, with nearly 50 stone temples, is a prelude to a visit to the Jageshwar shrines complex. Drive down to Kosi (13 km), where you cross the river before making a 1 1/2-km trek up the mountainside to these temples. Try and time your visit around the Mahashivratri mela in spring, when the complex is awash with colour as droves of pilgrims come to worship and celebrate.