Almora District: Travel, History, Culture and Local Guide
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Almora district is a hill district in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand. Its headquarters, Almora town, is often called the Cultural Capital of Kumaon, and the district also includes Ranikhet, Jageshwar, Binsar, Dwarahat and many villages across the Kumaon hills. It is known for temples, Himalayan views, craft traditions and, in sport, for badminton star Lakshya Sen and cricketer Ekta Bisht.
Almora is one of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. This guide covers the district’s history, places to visit, travel, sports, education, culture and public services.
The district is bigger than the town. Ranikhet, Jageshwar Dham, Binsar and Kasar Devi are all in Almora district, while Kausani, which many travellers combine with Almora, is in the neighbouring Bageshwar district.
District at a Glance
- State: Uttarakhand; division: Kumaon.
- Headquarters: Almora town.
- Name: The district has been called Almora since 1891, when Nainital was carved out of the old Kumaon district. Pithoragarh was separated in 1960 and Bageshwar in 1997.
- Area: Approximately 3,697 square kilometres, with about 1,309 square kilometres under forest, according to the district industrial profile.
- Population: 6,21,927, according to Census 2011. The district’s population fell slightly between 2001 and 2011, at a growth rate of about – 1.7 per cent. This is a historical census figure, not a current estimate.
- Sex ratio (Census 2011): 1,142 females per 1,000 males.
- Eleven development blocks: Bhainsiyachhana, Bhikiyasain, Chaukhutia, Dhaula Devi, Dwarahat, Hawalbagh, Lamgara, Salt, Syalde, Takula and Tarikhet.
- Tehsils include: Almora, Ranikhet, Dwarahat, Someshwar, Chaukhutia, Bhikiyasain, Salt, Syalde and Jainti. The number of tehsils has changed in recent years, so check the district website for the current list.
- Assembly constituencies: Dwarahat, Salt, Ranikhet, Someshwar, Almora and Jageshwar.
- Almora town PIN code: 263601; STD code: 05962.
- Main attractions: Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi, Jageshwar Dham, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Katarmal Sun Temple, Chitai Temple and Ranikhet.
Location and Geography
Almora district lies in the Kumaon hills of central-eastern Uttarakhand. Almora town sits on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills, on a horse-saddle-shaped hillock at an elevation of roughly 1,600 metres. The Kosi and Suyal rivers flow around the town.
On clear days the Himalayan peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot can be seen from the town and nearby viewpoints, while Binsar offers views that also include Panchachuli. The landscape is made up of terraced valleys, pine, oak and deodar forests, and ridge-top villages.
The hill roads that connect the district can be slow and are sometimes affected by rain and landslides, so plan journeys by road corridor rather than by distance on a map. Places that look close on a map can take hours to reach.
History of Almora District
Almora has long been the centre of Kumaon’s cultural and political life. Sources describe the region flourishing under the Katyuri rulers and later under the Chand dynasty, who made Almora their capital in the 16th century; the town’s founding is traditionally dated to 1568.
The Gurkhas captured Almora in 1790 and ruled Kumaon until the British defeated them near Almora in 1815. The Kumaon district was formed in May 1815 with Almora as its headquarters. After Nainital was carved out in 1891, the district was renamed Almora. Pithoragarh district was created from it in 1960, and Bageshwar district in 1997.
Almora became part of the new state of Uttarakhand in 2000. In 2011, a proposal was announced to create a separate Ranikhet district from part of Almora, but it has not come into existence, and Ranikhet remains part of Almora district.
Famous Places to Visit in Almora District
Distances in this guide are approximate. Opening days, entry rules, and seasonal access can change, so check the current arrangements for each place before you travel.
Religious and Heritage Sites
- Nanda Devi Temple: The most important temple in Almora town, linked with the Chand rulers and with the annual Nanda Devi fair.
- Kasar Devi Temple: A hilltop shrine to the goddess Kasar Devi, with views over the valley and the snow peaks.
- Banari Devi and Shyahi Devi: Hilltop temples of the goddesses that, together with Kasar Devi and Katarmal, surround Almora town.
- Chitai Golu Devta Temple: One of the most visited temples near Almora, dedicated to Golu Devta.
- Jageshwar Dham: An ancient complex of Shiva temples set among deodar trees.
- Katarmal Sun Temple: A rare Sun temple of the Katyuri period.
- Lakhudiyar rock paintings: A prehistoric heritage site in Almora district.
Many of these are active places of worship. Dress modestly, follow temple rules, and avoid touching or climbing on old structures.
Ranikhet, Binsar and Nearby Hill Areas
Ranikhet is a cantonment hill station in Almora district, roughly 45-50 km from Almora town. It is known for its military heritage, including the Kumaon Regimental Centre and its museum, as well as the golf course, the Jhula Devi temple, and the Chaubatia orchards.
Binsar is a protected forest area about 30 km from Almora. Its Zero Point viewpoint offers views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli on clear days.
Kausani is a hill station with Himalayan views that many travellers visit along with Almora, but it lies in Bageshwar district, roughly 50-60 km from Almora. Plan it as an extension rather than part of Almora district.
Hill roads can be slow, especially in the monsoon. Check road and weather conditions before you start, and keep extra time for the return journey.
How to Reach Almora
By air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, roughly 125 km away. Check current flight availability before planning, as services can change.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 90 km from Almora. Taxis and buses run from Kathgodam and Haldwani to Almora.
By road: Almora is roughly 365-375 km from Delhi and about 65 km from Nainital. Buses connect Almora with Delhi’s Anand Vihar bus terminal, and shared taxis and buses run from Haldwani and Kathgodam. A road journey from Delhi is a long drive of about ten hours or more, depending on the route and traffic.
Approximate road distances within the district from Almora town: Kasar Devi 8 km, Katarmal 17 km, Binsar 30 km, Jageshwar 35 km, Ranikhet 45-50 km and Dwarahat about 68 km. These are approximate route distances, not guaranteed travel times. Confirm current bus or shared-taxi services before departure.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Almora’s weather changes with altitude and season. The town is cool for much of the year, and winters are cold.
Live weather for Almora. Higher areas such as Binsar are colder.
The best season depends on what you want to do. Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable, while winter offers clear mountain views.
- Winter (December to February): Cold days and colder nights. Light snowfall is occasional in December and January, mostly in the higher areas around the town, and it is never guaranteed. Mountain views are often at their clearest.
- Spring and early summer (March to June): Generally pleasant for sightseeing. May and June are the warmest months.
- Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rain can cause landslides and delays on hill roads. Check current conditions for your route.
- Autumn (October to November): Often considered one of the best times to visit, with clear air after the monsoon.
Check the forecast for your actual destination and dates rather than relying on a district-wide temperature estimate.
Almora Map and Location
On the Almora map, the district sits in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, with Almora town on a ridge near the centre. The district is bordered by:
- North: Bageshwar district.
- East: Pithoragarh and Champawat districts.
- South: Nainital district.
- West: Chamoli and Pauri Garhwal districts.
Kausani lies just across the northern border in Bageshwar district. Use an official map or navigation app for road distances and current route conditions.
Accommodation and Where to Stay
Choose your overnight base around the main purpose of the trip:
- Almora town: Convenient for the temples, the bazaar, the museum, and onward travel.
- Kasar Devi area: A quieter ridge with village-style stays and mountain views.
- Binsar: Suited to forest and viewpoint stays, with fewer services than the town.
- Ranikhet: A good base for the cantonment hill-station side of the district.
- Jageshwar and village areas: Limited, simple options; book ahead and confirm facilities.
Options include hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and government tourist rest houses. Confirm heating, meals, hot water, parking, road access, and cancellation terms directly. Remote stays may offer fewer services than town hotels.
Suggested Itineraries
These are planning examples, not fixed packages or confirmed operating routes.
- Two days in and around Almora town: Spend the first day at Nanda Devi Temple, the Government Museum, Malla Mahal and the bazaar, with Bright End Corner at sunset. Use the second day for Kasar Devi and Chitai.
- Three to four days with Binsar and Jageshwar: Add a day for Binsar and another for Jageshwar and Katarmal, allowing time for hill-road travel.
- A Ranikhet side trip: Visit the Kumaon Regimental Centre museum, the golf course, and Jhula Devi, either as a day trip or an overnight stay.
- Kausani extension: Add Kausani as a separate leg, remembering that it is in Bageshwar district.
- Sports-focused visit: Ask the District Sports Office about training centres and visiting rules before you plan.
Adjust the plan to your starting city, transport, and season. Covering the entire district in a weekend is unrealistic.
Sports in Almora
Almora’s sporting identity is closely tied to badminton. Lakshya Sen’s grandfather, C. L. Sen, played the game and is remembered for promoting badminton in Almora, and Lakshya’s father, D. K. Sen, is a well-known badminton coach. Lakshya and his brother Chirag began in Almora before moving to Bengaluru to train.
Cricket has also produced a national name from the district: Ekta Bisht, the first international woman cricketer from Uttarakhand, was born in Almora.
Students and parents should enquire through their school, college or the District Sports Office about coaching and the pathway to recognised competitions. A disciplined routine, qualified guidance and a record of performances help athletes prepare for trials.
Coaching availability differs by sport and location. Confirm the current programme before travelling to a facility or enrolling a child.
Sports Facilities, Training and Athlete Opportunities
The District Sports Office works from the Sports Stadium at Khatyari, Almora, according to published Sports Department contact lists. Contact it about district-level coaching, trials, age groups, and documents required.
A Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre has operated in Almora, and Lakshya Sen’s father worked there as a badminton coach. Check SAI’s current notices for the centre’s present disciplines, selection process, and eligibility.
The Uttarakhand State Sports University has its headquarters at Gaulapar, Haldwani, which is the nearest major sports institution for Kumaon students. For scholarships, hostel admissions or equipment assistance, refer to a current official notice from the Department of Sports.
Young athletes can begin with school or college sports, district-level competitions and recognised sports associations. Keep age, residence and achievement records ready; availability and eligibility differ between programmes.
Notable Sportspersons from Almora
Lakshya Sen was born on 16 August 2001 in Almora’s Tilakpur area. He trained at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru and won silver at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, a medal at the World Championships, and the Arjuna Award in 2022. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he became the first Indian man to reach the semi-finals of the badminton men’s singles. He also reached the final of the 2022 All England Open.
Chirag Sen, Lakshya’s elder brother, is also an international badminton player. The brothers grew up in a badminton family led by their father, D. K. Sen, and their grandfather, C. L. Sen.
Ekta Bisht was born in Almora on 8 February 1986. A slow left-arm orthodox bowler, she made her ODI debut for India on 2 July 2011 and played one Test against England in August 2014. She took a hat-trick against Sri Lanka at the 2012 Women’s T20 World Cup and was named in both the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Teams of the Year in 2017.
Their careers show how players from a hill town can reach the highest level. Young players can start with school and club programmes and learn about the state’s selection pathways.
Education, Training and Research Institutions
Almora is an important education and research centre for Kumaon. Institutions based in the district include:
- Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora: A state university established in 2020, headquartered in Almora.
- Soban Singh Jeena Government Institute of Medical Science and Research: A government medical college in Almora.
- G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment: An autonomous institute of the Government of India, set up in 1988 at Kosi-Katarmal, Almora.
- Government Post Graduate College, Ranikhet: A degree college established in 1973.
- Uday Shankar Academy of Music and Dance: A cultural training institution associated with Almora.
Students should check current courses, admissions, fees, and eligibility directly with each institution.
Administrative Structure
The District Magistrate heads the district administration. Revenue administration operates through tehsils, while development blocks support local planning and programme implementation.
The district has eleven development blocks: Bhainsiyachhana, Bhikiyasain, Chaukhutia, Dhaula Devi, Dwarahat, Hawalbagh, Lamgara, Salt, Syalde, Takula and Tarikhet. Tehsils include Almora, Ranikhet, Dwarahat, Someshwar, Chaukhutia, Bhikiyasain, Salt, Syalde, and Jainti; check current district notices, as administrative units have changed over time.
Almora town has its own urban local body, and Almora and Ranikhet have cantonment areas. Panchayats serve rural communities. For a certificate or local service, first identify the relevant village, block, tehsil or municipal office; the district headquarters is not necessarily the correct starting office for every request.
Important Towns and Settlements
- Almora: District headquarters and the main administrative, cultural and service centre.
- Ranikhet: A cantonment hill station and tehsil headquarters.
- Dwarahat: A tehsil and block headquarters on the western side of the district.
- Chaukhutia, Bhikiyasain and Salt: Tehsil and block centres serving the western and south-western hills.
- Someshwar and Syalde: Valley and hill settlements in the northern part of the district.
- Hawalbagh, Takula, Tarikhet and Lamgara: Block centres around the district.
These places lie along different travel corridors. Select accommodation and transport according to the destination you intend to explore.
Nature and Biodiversity
About 1,300 square kilometres of the district is forest, according to the district industrial profile. The hills carry pine, oak and deodar forests, and the Kosi and Suyal rivers flow around Almora town.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1988, is the district’s best-known protected area. It is known for sightings of animals such as leopards, musk deer, Himalayan goral, jungle cat, and chital, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. A deer park near Almora town is another easy nature stop.
The G. B. Pant Institute at Kosi-Katarmal studies the Himalayan environment and development. Nature visits can focus on forest walks, birdwatching, seasonal flowers or photography. Protected-area visits may require permits and designated routes, so check the relevant forest authority’s arrangements before you go.
Culture, Traditions, Festivals and Fairs
Almora’s culture reflects Kumaoni heritage, with Kumaoni and Hindi widely spoken. Folk music, temple traditions and seasonal festivals shape community life.
Nanda Devi fair is held every September at the Nanda Devi Temple in Almora. Baithaki Holi, a Kumaoni form of Holi with music and gatherings, is part of the local calendar. Ghughutia, observed around Makar Sankranti in mid-January, involves making ornamental dough shapes to offer to birds.
Almora’s Dussehra is known for a procession and the burning of many effigies of Ravana’s family; a published report says the tradition began in 1975. Local crafts include aipan (ritual floor painting), copperware made in Tamta Mohalla, wood carving and Ringal bamboo craft.
Dates and programmes differ from year to year. Village celebrations also vary across the district, so ask local hosts about the customs of the place you are visiting rather than assuming every community follows the same practice.
Local Food
Almora is famous for two sweets: Bal Mithai, a fudge-like brown sweet coated with sugar balls, and Singori, a milk sweet wrapped in a leaf. Shops near the bus stand and the main bazaar sell them.
Kumaoni home cooking uses local grains, pulses and seasonal vegetables. Dishes to ask about include bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke gutke. These belong to the wider Kumaoni tradition and may not appear on every restaurant menu.
Homestays can be a good place to learn about household food traditions. Confirm meals in advance, especially if you have dietary requirements or will arrive late.
Livelihoods and the Local Economy
Agriculture on terraced fields, horticulture, small trade, government services, and tourism support livelihoods in the district. Orchards such as those at Chaubatia in Ranikhet show the importance of fruit growing in suitable areas.
Almora’s craft traditions also provide work, including copperware, aipan, wood carving, and Ringal bamboo products. Temple visits, hill-station tourism and trekking create seasonal work in accommodation, transport, guiding and food services.
Visitors can support the local economy through locally operated stays, produce and skilled crafts. Young people considering work in tourism, sports, defence-related fields or crafts should enquire about training, qualifications and the entry requirements for the career they want to pursue.
Healthcare, District Administration and Emergency Contacts
Emergency assistance: 112 | Ambulance: 108 | Disaster helpline: 1077.
Almora town has the district hospital and the Soban Singh Jeena Government Institute of Medical Science and Research, along with private clinics. Facilities in remote hill areas are fewer and farther apart, so plan travel and medical needs, especially in the monsoon and winter. For district office and department numbers, use the directory on the District Administration website.
Contacts and facilities were reviewed on 7 October 2026; telephone availability has not been tested. Use 112 for immediate emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state is Almora in?
Almora is in Uttarakhand, in the Kumaon division.
Where is Almora district located?
It lies in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. It borders Bageshwar to the north, Pithoragarh and Champawat to the east, Nainital to the south, and Chamoli and Pauri Garhwal to the west.
What is the Almora district headquarters?
The district headquarters is Almora town.
What is the tehsil list of Almora district?
Tehsils include Almora, Ranikhet, Dwarahat, Someshwar, Chaukhutia, Bhikiyasain, Salt, Syalde, and Jainti. The number has changed in recent years, so check the district website for the current list.
What are the blocks of Almora district?
There are eleven blocks: Bhainsiyachhana, Bhikiyasain, Chaukhutia, Dhaula Devi, Dwarahat, Hawalbagh, Lamgara, Salt, Syalde, Takula and Tarikhet.
What is the population of Almora district?
The Census 2011 district total is 6,21,927. It should not be presented as a current estimate.
What is the history of Almora district?
Almora was the capital of the Chand kings of Kumaon. The Gurkhas took it in 1790, and the British defeated them in 1815. The district got its present name in 1891, and Pithoragarh and Bageshwar were later separated from it.
What is Almora district famous for?
It is known for Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi, Jageshwar Dham, Binsar, Ranikhet, Himalayan views, Bal Mithai, craft traditions, and badminton.
Is Ranikhet in Almora district?
Yes. Ranikhet is a tehsil and cantonment hill station in Almora district. A proposal to create a separate Ranikhet district was announced in 2011 but has not been implemented.
Which district is Jageshwar Dham in?
Jageshwar Dham is in Almora district, about 35 km from Almora town.
Is Binsar in Almora district?
Yes. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is in Almora district, about 30 km from Almora town.
Is Kausani in Almora district?
No. Kausani is in Bageshwar district, roughly 50-60 km from Almora.
Which district is Kasar Devi in?
Kasar Devi Temple is in Almora district, about 8 km from Almora town.
Where can I find the Almora district villages list?
Village lists are available in the Census of India village directory and on the district administration website. The district has many villages, so use those sources for the current list rather than relying on a summary.
What is the Almora PIN code?
The PIN code of Almora town is 263601. Other places in the district have their own PIN codes.
Does Almora get snowfall?
Almora town sees snow only occasionally and lightly, mostly in December and January, and higher areas are more likely to get it. Snowfall is never guaranteed.
What is the best time to visit Almora?
March to June and September to November are generally the most comfortable. Winter suits clear mountain views, while the monsoon can disrupt hill roads.
Which sportspersons are from Almora?
Badminton players Lakshya Sen and Chirag Sen and cricketer Ekta Bisht are from Almora.
Who are the famous badminton players from Almora?
Lakshya Sen and his brother Chirag Sen are the best-known badminton players from Almora. Their grandfather, C. L. Sen, is remembered for promoting the game in the town.
What is Lakshya Sen’s hometown?
Lakshya Sen’s hometown is Almora, Uttarakhand, where he was born on 16 August 2001.
What is Ekta Bisht’s hometown?
Ekta Bisht was born in Almora and is considered the first international woman cricketer from Uttarakhand.
Where should I check current openings and permissions?
Use district administration notices, official tourism information, and the relevant forest or protected-monument authority.
Useful Official Links
District Administration | Uttarakhand Tourism | Incredible India: Places near Almora | Department of Sports | Disaster Management | Char Dham Registration
Population: Census 2011. Area and forest cover: District Industrial Profile of Almora. Administrative units: government district lists. Sports and biographies: Olympics.com, Sports Authority of India records and published reports. Information reviewed: 7 October 2026.
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