Nature’s Magnificence
Area : 11.9 Kms.
Altitude : 5,400 ft.above sea level
Season : September-November
This picturesque hill town was established as a summer capital and
is much more Indian in atmosphere than the other hill resorts in the
area. It is situated at an elevation of 5400 ft in the Kumaon hills
Almora is known for its beautiful climate. It is perched atop the 5
kms-long saddle-shaped ridge of the kashya hill which is mentioned
in ancient scriptures. Balo Kalyan Chand the Raja of Champavat who
later made the town of Almora the capital of the Chand kingdom
founded it about 1560 AD.It was ruled by the Chand Rajas upto the
18th century. Traces of the old Chand fort paved roads wooden houses
with beautifully carved façade sand homes decorated with traditional
murals reflect its heritage.Overrum by the Gorkhas in 1798 it was
heavily bombed by the British as they tried to expel the Gorkhas in
1798 it was heavily bombed by the British as they tried to expel the
Gorkhas in the Gorkha wars of 1814-15. The Gorkhas ruled for about
25 years after which Almora came under British control till
independence. Now it is an important market town and administrative
centre with an agricultural research station.
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 again milling holiday-makers.
Almora is the cultural centre of Kumaon and a picturesque mountain
resort. While it is bordered by thegentle hills of Kumaon on three
sides its northern front affords a breathtaking view of the Trishul
peaks. Sunrise offers a particularly beautiful view of the
Himalayas.
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