Things to do in Almora
Things to do in Almora
Almora, perched on a horseshoe-shaped ridge at 1,638 meters in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a centuries-old cultural capital with a rich artistic heritage that has inspired philosophers like Swami Vivekananda and writers like Bill Aitken. The town's distinctive Kumaoni architecture, the ancient Nanda Devi Temple, and the bustling Lal Bazar with its copper handicrafts and traditional Bal Mithai sweet shops reflect a cultural depth rarely found in commercial hill stations. Panoramic Himalayan views from Kasar Devi ridge — a place of meditation for seekers from around the world — and the nearby Jageshwar Jyotirlinga temple complex make Almora an intellectually and spiritually stimulating destination.
- No photoNature / SightseeingView full guide
1–1.5 hours
Sunrise at Bright End Corner
Bright End Corner is Almora's most famous viewpoint and one of the finest sunrise points in all of Kumaon. As the first light breaks over the Himalayas, it illuminates the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot, and Panchachuli peaks in a breathtaking arc of pink and gold that sweeps across the entire horizon. The viewpoint sits at the western edge of the Almora ridge and the stillness of early morning here, broken only by temple bells and birdsong, makes it deeply meditative.
- No photoCultural / FoodView full guide
2–3 hours
Almora's Lala Bazaar Copper Craft and Street Food Walk
Almora's Lala Bazaar is one of the most authentic and characterful market streets in the Kumaon Himalayas — a narrow lane lined with traditional atalas (wooden shop fronts) selling Almora's famous handcrafted copperware, angora woolens, Kumaoni ring bracelets, and singhal (the town's celebrated sweet). The street food here — bal mithai (chocolate-brown fudge rolled in sugar balls), singhal, and chai — is the real taste of Kumaon and should not be left un-sampled.
- No photoSpiritual / CulturalView full guide
1–1.5 hours
Chitai Golu Devata Temple
The Chitai Golu Devata Temple on the outskirts of Almora is one of the most extraordinary and unique temples in Uttarakhand — every inch of its premises is covered with tens of thousands of bells, stamped papers, and letters addressed to the folk deity Golu, believed to be the god of justice who answers petitions and fulfils wishes. Walking through the forest to this bell-laden temple and witnessing the genuine faith of devotees pinning their legal petitions and pleas to the deity is an unforgettable window into Kumaoni folk religion.
- No photoSpiritual / CulturalView full guide
2–3 hours
Kasar Devi Temple and Cosmic Energy Zone Walk
Kasar Devi Temple on the Kasar Devi ridge, 8 km from Almora, has been a magnet for seekers and free thinkers since the 1960s when it attracted Beat Generation writers and later became known internationally for its 'cosmic energy field' — a Van Allen belt anomaly that NASA scientists have reportedly studied. Whether or not you believe the metaphysics, the temple is ancient, the forest around it serene, and the views of the Almora valley and Himalayan ranges from this ridge are sublime.
- No photoWildlife / TrekkingView full guide
Half to full day
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Trek and Birding
The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, 33 km from Almora, is a pristine oak and rhododendron forest reserve centred on the spectacular Zero Point viewpoint at 2,420 metres — offering what many consider the finest panoramic view of the central Himalayan range from any accessible point in Kumaon. The sanctuary is also a premier birding destination with over 200 bird species including the Himalayan Woodpecker, Koklass Pheasant, and the scarce Cheer Pheasant.