Almora is one of the most popular hill stations of Uttaranchal.It is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, known as the king of the mountains and the abode of the gods. It is a very famous hill station. Almora is a good place to enjoy the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains of the central Himalayas. There are some beautiful and interesting places to visit in and around Almora. The temple of Nanda Devi is 1000-year old temple and is one of the main attractions of Almora.An interesting fact about the discovery of Almora is that unlike other hill stations, it was not discovered and developed by the British.The ancient town of Almora, before it's establishment was under the possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated major part of this land to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally located place in 1560 by Kalyan Chand.

The town of Almora lies along a saddle-ridge amidst a lush amphitheatre of terraced slopes. Overlooking the arterial Mall, where the bus terminus, shops selling bal mithai (a famous milk confection of Kumaon), and private lodges and restaurants are located, is flattish bowl-the virtual picture of fertility with its canals, hamlets and the foaming Kosi river. Beyond and behind the ridge lie tiers of hills and dales, edged ultimately by a Himalayan panorama.

Almora is situated at an altitude of 1,638 meters. The climate in Almora can be described as moderate. The summers are warm in the morning and pleasant in the evenings. The winters are cold and sunny during the daytime while the nights are very cold with snowfall a couple of time during the season. The best season for tourist is during the months April-June and September-November. one can have the view of the snow-capped mountains during the early summers and autumns. The best time to witness snowfall is from the end of December till the early February.

AROUND ALMORA
Almora, is surrounded by many sightseeing places. Binsar hill, locally known as Jhandi Dhar, rises to a height of 2,412 meters and offers a panoramic view of Almora town,Binsar, is an hour' s motor drive from Almora,the Kumaon hills and the Greater Himalayas. The region around in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. The brow is reached by an unpaved ridge lined by prosperous private estate. A walk through the woods comprising mostly oak and rhododendron forest, leads to a vantage point at the summit, which offers an uncluttered view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valley. Hindi poet Ajneya treated it as a famous summer spot.In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi spent three fruitful weeks at this charming spot called Kausani (51 kilometers from Almora) and described it as India' s Switzerland. Quaint villages, orchards laden with fruit and hill slopes covered with pine trees are responsible for the outstanding beauty of Kausani. The snow mantled peaks glitter in the sun and the breeze carries with it much of the cool freshness of the snows.The mountains around Kausani seem to change in shape and color all through the day. The Anakshakti Ashram on the top of a hill where the Mahatma stayed commands one of the most magnificent views of the mountain ranges around Kausani. The vast sweep of the mountain view , which encompasses a remarkable 350 kilometers at Kausani, is the central point of attraction in this little hill station.There are shady paths carpeted with pine needles and in the air is the wonderful, inimitable fragrance of pine. Terraced fields add a distinctive touch to the pastoral picture around kausani.

VISITING ALMORA
By Air - The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar, district Udham Singh Nagar. Regular flights operate during the summer. By Rail - The nearest railhead for Almora is Kathgodam