Almora

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?Almora Uttarakhand • India
Almora
Coordinates: 29°35′50″N 79°39′25″E / 29.59718, 79.657
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 1,646 m (5,400 ft)
Climate Temperature • Summer • Winter	Alpine (BSh) and Humid subtropical(Bsh) (Köppen) 28 - -2 °C (84 °F) • 28 - 12 °C (70 °F) • 15 - -2 °C (61 °F)
District(s)	Almora
Population • Density • Sex ratio	30,613 (2001) • 155 /km² (401 /sq mi) • 862^{[citation needed]}
Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle	• 263601 • +91-5962 • UA-01
Website: almora.nic.in

Coordinates: 29°35′50″N 79°39′25″E / 29.59718, 79.657 Almora (Hindi: अल्मोड़ा) is a cantonment town in Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand, India, founded in 1568 ^[1].

It is a town bustling with activity, and has a rich cultural heritage and history. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Quotes
4 Temples
5 District Administration
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Geography

Almora is located at an altitude of 1638 meters (5,500 feet), on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalaya range. In the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock it is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fur trees, flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi(Kaushiki) and Suyal(salmale) and to top it all are the snow capped Himalayas in the background.

[edit] Demographics

According to the 2001 India census,^[2] Almora town had a population of 30,613. Males number 16,443 and constitute roughly 53.7% of the population and females number 14,170 or roughly 46.3%. Almora has an average literacy rate of 84.09%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 86.39% of the males and 81.43% of females literate. Nearly 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

[edit] Quotes

"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

Almora, 1860s

"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] Temples

Almora has many famous temples. Kasar Devi, Banari Devi, Chitai, Jageshwar, Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple(near Sanara Ganiya), Binsar Mahadev, Garhnath, Baijnath, are some of the few notable ones.

Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is situated on the bank of the river Ram Ganga. A sun temple (only the second in the world) is located at Katarmal a short distance from the town.

Almora Bazaar, c1860

[edit] District Administration

Presently District administration is headed by District Magistrate who is also the head of the Civil Service in the entire district. However the District Magistrate is subservient to the District Judge. The District Magistrate is empowered to decide on issues relating to public law and order and general administration. Under the District Magistrate are Additional District Magistrate and Sub-divisional Magistrates. The number of sub-divisional magistrates vary from district to district. Presently there are nine sub-divisions in Almora district.