A pleasant drive through scenic mountain roads laden with oaks and pines, with occasional glimpses of snowy mountain peaks as you round a curve in the road, leads you to the beautiful district of Almora in Uttarakhand. A district blessed with nature’s bounty, rich in ancient temples and the best things to do in Almora, it is a city-dweller’s paradise. Spectacular views of the surrounding peaks can be glimpsed on a day when the clouds are not obstructing the view and as the suns sets behind the mountains, it bathes the peaks with a warm purifying light that instils serenity in viewer.
A beautiful range of ancient temples nestled in the nooks around Almora add to the magic of the district. Nanda Devi Temple is one of the most important landmarks in Almora as is the Kasar Devi Temple. Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Katarmal Surya Temple, Gairar Golu Devta are some other temples. Plenty of small local temples also populate the mountains around Almora. Ideally located so that all important Kumaon peaks are visible from here, the Almora district features some good viewing points, of which the Bright End Corner is the best known. Spots like Martola and Kalimut also boast beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
But while Almora’s wealth of views and ancient structures attract tourists, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is its best asset. This grand sanctuary spreads out over 45 kilometres across the Himalayan mountains and provides a home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. Long winding roads, overwhelming silence broken only by the echoing chirps of lone birds and wind rustling through the trees, the spicy fresh scents of the dewy earth and leaves- all this creates a subtle magic that no human hand can recreate. The Zero Point in the sanctuary is a place from which the spectacular view comprising of the peaks of Kedarnath, Shivling, Trisul and Nanda Devi is visible on a clear day. Check out the best things to do in Almora on your vacation here.
