Thursday, March 3, 2011

Almora Uttarkahand


Almora

Of the three districts of Kumaon, Almora occupies a central location. Being further away from the plains than Nainital, this district provides tranquil spots where one can enjoy the mountain air without jostling against milling holiday-makers.

The town of Almora (1646 m), 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.

"These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of centers, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope some one day to realize it." These were the words of Swami Vivekananda in the praise of almora where he spent some days of his life.

Almora is a good place to conveniently enjoy the spectacular snowscape of the central Himalayas. On a clear day - and most days in Almora are flawless - you can see forever and almost every peak. Almora allows you to enjoy the mighty Himalayas together with ridge after ridge of hills painted in different hues of blue and green. The terraced fields, the stone slatted barrack-like village houses have so far put up a valiant fight against the encroachments of urban expansion and destructive development.

Places to visit in almora

Lakhuudiyar
Three very important protohistoric sites in the form of rock paintings have been discovered near Almora. Twenty kilometres from Almora, near Barechhina along the Almora - Pithoragarh route, on the banks of river Suyal, are to be found paintings of human beings, animals, group of dancers, lizards, etc. in the rock - shelter known as Lakhuudiyar. These paintings are said to belong to the bronze - stone age. The place is very close to the road.

Phulseema and Pharkanauli
Similarly, in Pharkanauli and Phulseema (4 km) the rock - paintings belonging to the protohistoric age can be seen. Here one finds an abundance of red lines running in different directions and forming various dancing figures. Lately more such rock - expressions and cup marks have been discovered. One must stress at this point that any attempts by tourists to deface these valuable masterpieces are absolutely reprehensible and unforgivable.

Binsar

Situated only 30 KMs away from the township of Almora lies Binsar nestled amongst thick forests of Oak and Rhodendron and yet offering surprisingly close views of the Himalayan peaks. The entire region is now a wildlife sanctuary and has a host of wildlife like Panther and Barking Deer. The temple of Binsar lies nearby. One of the many legends concerning Binsar states that 'Should anyone take away anything belonging to the God or his worshippers and avenging spirit and compels him conscience stricken to restore it twenty fold. Even the faithless and the dishonest are said to be reformed by a visit to Binsar.

Bageshwer

Situated around 90 KMs from Almora, Bageswer is now a new district headquarter and the centre of administration for the entire region called Danpur. The place is significant from both religious and tourist point of view. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti, Bageswer is the seat of the famous Uttaraini fair which is held every year in January. The famous and ancient temple of Bagnath from which the township gets it's name has been attracting thousands of devout Hindus year after year since the birth of history. It is believed that Markandey sage has lived at the place and that Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods of Hindus had wandered about as a tiger. Even for the adventurous tourist Bageshwer is a necessary destination since in order to reach the glaciers of Sunderdunga, Kafni and Pindari one has to necessarily cross Bageshwer.

Kalimutt

Situated around 4.5 kms from Almora, this picnic spot gives a lovely view of the HimalayanPeaks.

Jageshwar

Situated around34 kms away from Almora this temple of Shiva is situated amidst a dense Deodar forest and has a lot of mythological importance. Here there are about 164 temples of this kind.

How to reach Almora

Reach Almora By Air - The nearest airport is Pant Nagar (Nainital) which is 127 kms away from almora. Regular flights operate during the summer.

Reach Almora By Rail - The nearest railhead for Almora is Kathgodam which is 91kms away from almora.

Reach Almora By Road - Almora is well connected with all-important cities by road.

About Almora
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.

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