Excursions
Bageshwar:
99 km. This pilgrim
town close to Kausani ( 38 Kms ) with a number of highly
revered temples was once a trading centre, and now is
the base for treks to Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga
glaciers (all in Almora district).
Baijnath
: 71 km (19 km from Kausani) on the bank
of Gomti river in a flat valley, is an important centre
for Shiva worshippers. (1125 mts.) .The temple complex
of Baijanath and Vaidyanathnas was constructed by
the Katyuri Kings.
Binsar:
(2412 mtrs) 30 km, lies along the Almora –
Takula – Bageshwar route. Breathtaking and intimate
view of the Himalayas. Once the summer capital of
the Chand Rajas ( 7th to 8th century ) Binsar is one
of the most scenics spots in the Kumaon Himalayas
. Binsar hills known as Jhandi dhar , rise to the
height of 2412 mts. And offer an excellent view of
Almora town, Kumaon hills and greater Himalayas ,
surrounded by the alpine flora , ferns , hanging moss
and species of wild flowers .
Katarmal
– the temple of the Sun God : 17 Kms on
the Almora – Ranikhet Road, ( 3 Kms on foot ), after
the picnic spots of Hawalbagh and Matela , across
the river Kosi is the Sun Temple of Katarmal.. This
is the only sun temple in this part of Kumaon built
over 800 years ago. Little over one Kilometre ( 0.6
mile ) beyond Katarmal, is Bikut forest, from where
a magnificent view of Almora presents itself
Jageshwar
: 34 km. 34
K.M. Counted among the 12 jyotirlingas in the country
, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful narrow valley hedged
by monarch- sized, ancient deodars . of the over 100
small and large shrines of this complex , the three
outstanding one in terms of sculpture , are dedicated
to Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi. In Jageshwar,
fairs are held during Shivratri and in the month of
July-August.
Lakhudiyar
: 16
km. Literally meaning one lakh cavers, this is noted
for pre-historic wall paintings. A hood-like rocky
shelter is the chief-specimen.
Sitalakhet
: Watching the Himalayas from Sitalakhet,
35 km from Almora, is an incomparable experience.
Scouting camps are often held here and Syahi Devi
temple is just 3 km ahead.
Gananath
: (2166 mts.)
47 KM. Famous for its cave and Shiva temple .A fair
is held here on every Kartik Purnima .
Kalmatia
Hill :
There is a
temple of Durga on the Kalmatia hill , known as Kasar
Devi , a forested spur five miles ( 8 km ) to the
north east of Almora. In one of the caves there ,
Swami Vivekanand practised intense sadhana in 1890
, before his visit to U.S.A .Many foreigners have
permanently settled at Kasar Devi . The Kalmatia hill
is a rock 8 km from Almora in an area called Upereti
Khala , while near by town called 5-4 km or 3.3 miles
is an old temple atop a hill , overlooking the snowy
height beyond , also dedicated to the goddess .
Chitai
Temple
It is hard to find a place in Almora, without a temple
or a view of the glorious peaks. Here 6 Kms away,
and commanding a view is a temple to Golla- one of
the many in Almora.
Matela
- Orchards And Farms
Midst idyllic surrounding, to enhance their beauty,
as it were, are ornamental gardens and Orchards, leaving
nothing more to be desired as for as picnic spot. Here
also, 10 Kms from the town is an experimental farm and
water pumping station. |