Almora
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.
The nearby Mohan's Binsar Retreat and local cafes have been hosting artists, writers, and meditation practitioners for decades — the ridge has a genuinely contemplative atmosphere best experienced on a quiet weekday.