Uttarakhand ·
Almora
Almora is a hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The town is typical of crowded hill towns in northern India, but the natural beauty around it is astounding.
Almora at a Glance
Why Almora?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Mahavatar Babaji Cave
- Nakshatra Kasar Observatory
Almora at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Almora before planning your visit.
Can be combined with
Explore Almora
Places to Visit
- Mahavatar Babaji Cave: Mahavatar Babaji's Cave is the place where the immortal Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga in 1861 (as described in the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda).
- Nakshatra Kasar Observatory: One of India's oldest observatories with a number of telescopes and other astronomical equipment for wondrous stargazing. The guides present freely share their knowledge, making the experience informative and educational as well.
Things to Do
- Temples Nearby: There are many temples in and around Almora. One can visit Chitai Temple, 8 km from city, and a group of temples in Jageshwar (20 km from Almora).
- Mahavatar Babaji Cave: Mahavatar Babaji's Cave is the place where the immortal Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga in 1861 (as described in the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda).
- Nakshatra Kasar Observatory: One of India's oldest observatories with a number of telescopes and other astronomical equipment for wondrous stargazing. The guides present freely share their knowledge, making the experience informative and educational as well.
Sightseeing Places
- Mahavatar Babaji Cave: Mahavatar Babaji's Cave is the place where the immortal Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga in 1861 (as described in the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda).
- Nakshatra Kasar Observatory: One of India's oldest observatories with a number of telescopes and other astronomical equipment for wondrous stargazing. The guides present freely share their knowledge, making the experience informative and educational as well.
Places That Define Almora
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Mahavatar Babaji Cave
Mahavatar Babaji's Cave is the place where the immortal Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga in 1861 (as described in the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda).
Nakshatra Kasar Observatory
One of India's oldest observatories with a number of telescopes and other astronomical equipment for wondrous stargazing. The guides present freely share their knowledge, making the experience informative and educational as well.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Almora on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 65 km from Almora.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station, about 38 km from central Almora.
- By Road: There are daily bus services from New Delhi. The buses leave from ISBT Anand Vihar and are run by Uttarakhand Roadways.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Almora (Apr, May, Jun) averages 14–26°C with about 78 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Almora (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 18–27°C with about 281 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Almora (Oct, Nov) averages 10–23°C with about 29 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Almora (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 4–18°C with about 15 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Almora trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Almora is a hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The town is typical of crowded hill towns in northern India, but the natural beauty around it is astounding.
- Overview: Almora is a hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The town is typical of crowded hill towns in northern India, but the natural beauty around it is astounding. Almora is called a town of temples.
- Ancient History: The Chand dynasty from their inception in 953 A.D. to their ouster in the late 18th century present a saga of strife, with a horrifying series of wars with the rulers of Garhwal culminating in the destruction of this prosperous land and establishment of inglorious Gurkha rule. Almora had a population of 8,596 in 1901, falling to 8,359 in 1921.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Almora is a hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The town is typical of crowded hill towns in northern India, but the natural beauty around it is astounding. Almora is called a town of temples.
- Accommodation: Hotels include the upscale Club Mahindra and the relatively down-to-earth KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) Tourist Rest House. Kalmatia Sangam - just outside of Almora. Listed options include Ayush Guest House, Hotel Bhagwati Palace and Jungal House homestay.
The Sacred Heart of Almora
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Almora was founded in 1568 by Kalyan Chand during the rule of the Chand dynasty. Prior to that the region was under the control of Katyuri king Bhaichaldeo who donated a part of Almora to Sri Chand Tiwari.
Natural Significance
Almora was founded in 1568 by Kalyan Chand during the rule of the Chand dynasty. Prior to that the region was under the control of Katyuri king Bhaichaldeo who donated a part of Almora to Sri Chand Tiwari.
Ecological Importance
Almora is a town of about 36,000 (2011) in the Kumaon mountains of the Himalayas in eastern Uttarakhand. Most of the town sits on a crescent-shaped mountain ridge about 5 km long, and most of it is above 1,800 m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almora is most comfortable in January, February, March, April and May, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is July (average high 28°C) and the wettest months are June, July, August and September.
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 65 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station, about 38 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Mahavatar Babaji Cave and Nakshatra Kasar Observatory.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 17°C to 28°C over the year, with about 1216 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Almora
Your Almora Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.