In the hills of Kumaon
Two decades ago in the autumn season, I had set out with my parents to take up a whirlwind journey into the land of flowering forests in the Himalayas and it’s none other than the Kumaon hills. Draped in tranquility, the bewitching land of Kumaon captivates all segments of travellers for its divine beauty of the majestic Himalayas. We reached Nainital and moved on to land up in the 400-year-old town of Almora.
The enchanting hills of Almora in Kumaon Valley
Almora barely 66 km from Nainital is a culturally significant destination in the lower reaches of the Kumaon Valley lying on the banks of river Kosi. Nestling at an altitude of 1,646 km, Almora sprawling over 12 sq. km is surrounded by icy-peaks like Trishul and Nanda Devi and was founded by the Kumaon ruler, Raja Bale Kalian Chand of Chand dynasty way back in 1563 A.D.
Nature at its best in Almora
This is the Himalayan destination that forms the gateway to Tanakpur and Mayawati in the high altitudes of Kumaon hills that are closely associated with Swami Vivekananda. Almora forms the base camp for trekkers choosing to embark into an arduous trek to Pindari glacier. Almora also houses the reputed Govind Ballav Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development. The famed Uday Shankar School of Dance is in Almora.
A glimpse of Kumaon In the twilight hours
While at Almora, we were mesmerized by the picture-perfect surroundings of lush groves of Pine, Deodhar and tawny-leaved birch and spent some time admiring the bounties of nature. The Mall in the hill resort is bustling with activities and provides fair accommodation options. Nature lovers can visit nearby Someshwar where wild flowers bloom in abundance. The ideal shopping ground in Almora is Lala Bazaar to take a peek at Kumaon shawls.
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