Established way back in the 16^th century, Almora is an old-world charm cantonment area situated in Uttarakhand, at a height of 1638 meters above sea level. The town is famed for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. It has managed to resist urbanization and has kept most of its original appeal. The town of Almora has also become a major tourism and commercial hub in the Kumaon district. Tourism here is booming throughout the year, especially during the summer months from March – May. Almora is easily reached via road, air or rail. It is a unique destination, offering a mix of sightseeing and outdoor activities. To learn more about things to do here, how to reach and the ideal time to visit, check out this travel guide to Almora.

By Air:

The airport closest to Almora can be found in Patnanagar Airport, some 115 km away. Visitors can easily get a taxi or bus to get to Almora from here. It is one of the most efficient ways to reach the village.

By Road:

Delhi is situated about 365 km away by road. Almora is easily reachable via well-connected roadways from most places in the Uttarakhand district. The drive is quite long but extremely scenic.

By Rail:

The station bordering Almora is Kathgodam Station, only 38 km away. Numerous bus and taxi options are on offer from the station, making it the fastest way to reach Almora.

Summer (March – June):

This is the ideal time to make a trip to Almora. The temperature is moderately warm during the day and cool in the evenings, making it perfect for all outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Winter (November – February):

Winter in Almora has a charm of its own. However, the weather conditions might get extreme, resulting in a lot of outdoor activities being shut down during this season. Visitors are advised to carefully observe the weather conditions before travelling here.

Monsoon (July – September):

The town of Almora does tend to receive heavy rainfall during this season. The monsoon tends to hit around the end of July and continues on till September. Landslides and flooding are a possibility, so visitors need to be alert at all times and ready to brave the conditions. This is not the best time to visit.

Trek to Zero Point:

An idyllic location, Zero Point is a special tourist spot, with incredible views of the Himalayas and Binsar Wildlife Reserve. It is the focal sightseeing point and is not to be missed. The true beauty of Almora’s surrounding area can be enjoyed here.

Get a glimpse of Lakhudiyar Cave:

The Lakhudiyar caves can be found close to the Suyal River in Almora. The caves are an archaeological wonder, containing hand painted depictions of animals, plants and everyday life from the bygone Stone Age Era.

Enjoy Bright End Corner:

Approximately 2 km away from Almora, this is another epic lookout spot, especially for sunrise and sunset. The stunning views itself is the major draw for most tourists who flock here year round. It is also a great spot for photography and meditation.

Visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary:

For naturalists and wildlife lovers, this reserve is a must visit location. It is home to over 200 types of birds and animals. It is a beautiful, quiet and protected wildlife reserve, some 8000 feet above sea level.

The shopping scene in Almora is one characteristic that makes it stand out from majority of other towns and villages in the area. There are multiple roadside markets, selling beautiful and intricate local handiworks. The Thana Bazaar is renowned for its coppersmiths and weavers selling exquisite traditional Kumaoni products. These handiworks have been perfected through generations and are a major draw for tourists all year round. In fact, Almora is one the most prominent business and trade centres in the Uttarakhand area.

When in Almora, visitors are strongly recommended to try out the local delicacies. This specially applies to the delicious sweets and deserts limited to the region. These include Bal Mithai, a popular milk-based desert, Chocolate fudge, Ginger Tea and Singauri, to name a few. Babas cakes, Bansal Café and Glory Restaurant are just some famous spots to sample a variety of delicious cuisines. For foodies, the streets of Almora are lined with stalls and restaurants catering to different cuisines and budgets.