Almora

From Open Encyclopedia

Almora is the cultural and geographic centre the Kumaun region, approximately 80km north of the railhead at Kathgodam.

Founded in in 1560 by Kalyan Chand, the town still retains a medieval flavour best seen along the flagstone paved market that runs along the ridge that bisects the town. Walking along the market it’s easy to see the influences of the many cultures that have contributed to the towns development. The buildings with elaborately carved wooden facades date back to the Chand dynasty. The small, simple wooden buildings near the military base are from the Nepali occupation of the town (1760-1817). The buildings with elaborately carved wooden facades that incorporate coloured glass and pressed metal were built during the British occupation for “natives“. Many fine Raj era buildings are to be found, most prominently “Ramsey School”. Some very unfortunate Indian buildings do intrude onto the market.

Almora sits at an altitude of 1645m on a ridge that projects off from the much larger Almora Massif. The views onto the main Himalaya are limited from the town itself but a short stroll up to Simtola Top (3.8km)or Kesar Devi (6.7km) rewards you with a fantastic 400km view of the mountains all the way from Api in Nepal to Bandarpunch on the Himanchal border.

Most foreigners choose to stay up on the ridge above town colloquially known as Crank’s Ridge. Named for the many gentle lunatics who have made it their home over the years.

The following is the official blub. I’ll leave it in despite its irrelevance and inaccuracies Almora is a high-lying town at the foot of the Himalaya, 137 km (85 miles) north of Bareilly. It is the headquarter of Almora District.

Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, East of Uttaranchal in India, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring grandeur of natural beauty. Almora is famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife.

The ancient town of Almora, before its 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.

In the days of the Chand Kings it was called Rajapur. The name 'Rajpur' is also mentioned over a number of ancient copper plates. The town of Almora is situated over a horse saddle shaped ridge of a mountain. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat. The market is at the top of the ridge where these two, Talifat and Selifat jointly terminate.

The market is 1.25 miles long and is covered with stone slabs. The place of the present cantonment was formerly known as Lalmandi. Presently where the collectorate exists, the 'Malla Mahal' (Upper Court) of Chanda kings was located. The site of present District Hospital used to be 'Talla Mahal' (Lower Court) of Chand rulers.

Almora was also the site of the famous dance academy set up by Udai Shankar, the famous danseuse in the 1938 - several famous Indian and French dancers trained here. The Almora dance academy was housed in Pine Lodge on the outskirts of the town (Ranidhara). The site has a fantastic views of the Himalayas and the city.

"In these hills, nature's hospitality eclipses all men can ever do. The enchanting beauties of the Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that envelopes you leaves nothing more to be desired. I wonder whether the scenery of these hills and the climate are to be surpassed, if equalled, by any of the beauty spots of the world. After having been nearly three weeks in Almora Hills, I am more than ever amazed why our people need go in Europe in search of health." - Mahatama M.K. Gandhi

"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 to realize it." - Swami Vivekananda

(replying to the address given to him by the people of Almora)

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How To Get There

By Air: Nearest Airport is Pantnagar (Nainital): 127 km.

By Train: Nearest Railway Station is at Kathgodam, 90 km, from where direct trains are available for Delhi, Lucknow and Agra. Some of the important trains for Kathgodam are: