Almora district
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Almora is a district of Uttarakhand state, India. The headquarters is at Almora.
Almora is a picturesque district in the Kumaun division of Uttarakhand in India. It has a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Tourists from all over the world come to see the natural beauty of the district. Almora is famous for its cultural heritage, handicrafts, cuisine and wildlife.
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[edit] History
The ancient town of Almora, before its establishment was under the possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated major part of this land to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally located place in 1560 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it was called Rajapur. The name 'Rajpur' is also mentioned over a number of ancient copper plates.
[edit] Geography
The town of Almora is situated over a horse saddle shaped ridge of a mountain. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat. The market is at the top of the ridge where these two, Talifat and Selifat jointly terminate.
The market is 1.25 miles long and is covered with stone slabs. The place of the present cantonment was formerly known as Lalmandi. Presently where the collectorate exists, the 'Malla Mahal' (Upper Court) of Chanda kings was located. The site of present District Hospital used to be 'Talla Mahal' (Lower Court) of Chand rulers.
Simalkhet is a village situated in the border of Almora and Chamoli. People of this village can speak both kumauni and garhwali languages. On the top of a hill there is a temple called bhairav gadi. This temple is very famous in the region.
Gori River flows through Almora District.
Almora was also the site of the famous dance academy set up by Udai Shankar, the famous danseuse in the 1938 - several famous Indian and French dancers trained here. The Almora dance academy was housed in Pine Lodge on the outskirts of the town (Ranidhara). The site has a fantastic views of the Himalayas and the city.
"In these hills, nature's hospitality eclipses all men can ever do. The enchanting beauties of the Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that envelopes you leaves nothing more to be desired. I wonder whether the scenery of these hills and the climate are to be surpassed, if equalled, by any of the beauty spots of the world. After having been nearly three weeks in Almora Hills, I am more than ever amazed why our people need go in Europe in search of health." - Mahatama M.K. Gandhi
"These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of centers, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope some one to realize it." - Swami Vivekananda(replying to the address given to him by the people of Almora)
[edit] Transport
[edit] Air
Nearest Airport is Pantnagar (Nainital): 127 km.
[edit] Train
Nearest Railway Station is at Kathgodam, 90 km, from where direct trains are available for Delhi, Lucknow and Agra. Some of the important trains for Kathgodam are:
- Shatabdi Express
- Howrah Express (3019/3020)
- Ranikhet Express (5013/5014)
- Rampur Passenger (1/2 R.K. Passenger and 3/4 R.K. Passenger)
- Naintial Express (5308/5307)
[edit] Road
Almora is well connected by road to important centres in the region. Some distances:
[edit] External links
- Almora District website
- Music of Uttarakhand Collection of music from Uttarakhand
- Cuisine of Uttarakhand Authentic recipes from kitchens of Uttarakhand
- Tour, Trade & Travel Guide of Almora District
| Divisions and Districts of Uttarakhand |
|---|
| Kumaon Division: Almora | Bageshwar | Champawat | Nainital | Pithoragarh | Udham Singh Nagar |
| Garhwal Division: Chamoli | Dehradun | Haridwar | Pauri Garhwal | Rudra Prayag | Tehri Garhwal | Uttarkashi |
