Almora: Temple History and Bazaar Walks

Almora brings together historic temples, walks through the bazaars, and destinations in the wider travel area. When choosing your holiday rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: would you mainly like to explore the city’s history and its bazaars, or also make time for scenic destinations outside Almora? The following places and traditions offer concrete points of reference for planning your trip.

Temples and History in Almora

For centuries, Nanda Devi Temple has been considered a cultural and religious center of Almora. The temple history on the hill above Lala Bazaar also stretches back a long way: Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwer, and Parbateshwer are located there. They were built in 1688 after the then ruler of Almora, Udyot Chand, defeated Doti and Garhwal. Another temple, Parbateshwara, was endowed by Dip Chand in 1760 and renamed Dipchandeshwar. The different names and dates give you several specific historical points of reference for visiting the temple sites.

During Holi, Baithaki Holi is associated with Lala Bazaar. So, alongside the history of the buildings and rulers, you can also encounter local festival traditions. If you are planning your trip around a festival, check the exact dates in advance.

Bazaar Walks and Views

The “A Walk Through the Bazaars of Almora” route takes you to Chaughanpatha, Lala Bazaar, Chowk Bazaar, Karkhana Bazaar, Kutchery Bazaar, Shah Residence, Khazanchi Mohalla, Johari Bazaar, Thana Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, and Clock Tower. The walk connects numerous named stops and extends beyond the bazaars. A gentle climb to the Fort of Almora, also known as Lal Mandi Fort, leads to a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding areas. The two activities offer different perspectives: a route through several places and a view from above of Almora and its surroundings.

Scenery and Culture in the Wider Travel Area

Binsar is about 30 km from Almora. It has oak and rhododendron forests, as well as views of the Himalayan peaks. Historical accounts mention panthers and barking deer as examples of the local wildlife; the entire region is a wildlife sanctuary. This setting offers a different focus from the city’s temples and bazaars.

Katarmal Temple is also a destination in the wider Almora travel area. It is considered the only sun temple in Kumaon and is located at an elevation of 2,116 meters. Reaching it requires an almost three-kilometer trek via Hawalbagh and Matela, near the Kosi River. The distance is a practical factor to consider if you want to include this temple in your itinerary.

In the wider Almora travel area, the Nanda Devi Mela takes place every September at Nanda Devi Mandir. It has been associated with the temple for more than 400 years. At Gana-Nath Temple, a festival is held on Kartik Purnima, featuring rhythmic hymns and striking folk songs. These two occasions bring different seasonal and religious traditions into your travel plans.

Regional Cuisine and Getting There

Bal Mithai is a specialty of Almora district and is particularly associated with areas around Almora. The brown, chocolate-like sweet is made from roasted khoya and coated with white sugar balls. It offers another regional point of reference alongside the temples and scenery.

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Almora, about 90 km away. From there, train services run to destinations including Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Dehradun. Buses and taxis frequently operate between Kathgodam and Almora; check current services before departure. The nearest airport to Almora is Pantnagar, about 127 km away.

When choosing your holiday rental, you can consider how much time you want to devote to city walks and how much to destinations in the wider travel area.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ghweri, Almora Range, Chaubattia, Simyal Gaon, Ranikhet, Ghaglori, Someshwar Range, Shitlakhet.

Go to the main travel overview: Almora.