One can have a panoramic view of the snowy peaks of Himalayas on any clear day and in addition a glimpse of the township with it's tiled roofed houses and paved streets would take you to the sixteenth century in some thoughtful moment.
Nearby places of tourist interest where an excursion can be made within a day are Bright End Corner's unforgettable sunset, Chitai temple with it's unique collection of brass bells of all sizes, gifted to the temple by devotees since centuries, Kasar Devi which houses many Europians who fell in love with the place so much that they settle down, Nanda Devi Temple the cultural and religious center of Almora for now hundreds of years and Lala Bazar a unique market of more than two hundred years with paved streets of stone.
Ranikhet
Around fifty Kms from Almora the quiet and beautiful cantonment township of Ranikhet, is famous for it's salubrious climate, balmy breeze captivating and panoramic Himalayan View and soothing and pollution free greenery of pines and oaks. It is also famous as the regimental center of the Kumaun Regiment of Indian Army- one of the most prestigious and the most decorated of all. The Kumaun Regimental museum and amicably maintained grassy and green golf course are memorable experiences even for the most experienced tourists. From Ranikhet four Kms sojourn takes you to the Chaubatiya gardens famous for it's sprawling orchards of delicious apples, plums, peaches and apricots. It is result of the pioneering efforts of a British settler 150 years ago. In and around Ranikhet there are some famous temples of the Hindus for religious minded like Jhoola Devi Mandir, Ram Mandir, Herakhan Mandir, Kalika Temple and Binsar Mahadeva.
Kausani
Kausani, situated around 52 KMs from Almora is famous for it's breathtakingly close view of the Himalayan Peaks and it's solitudes and greenery. The wide expanse of the famous Katyur Valley lies in front of it as you wake up to experience the Kausani sunrise. Kausani's beauty arrested the feet of even Mahatama Gandhi, who stayed for some time at this place. The memory that brief stay of that great man lingers behind in the Anasakti Ashrama. Another great man of India the famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant was born here. There is small museum to earmark that sacred spot. The famous folk singer Gopidas was also inspired by the beauty of Kausani. Pinnath (10KMs), Bura Pinnath (5KMs) and Bhakot are the highest points near Kausani. 
Baijnath
Lying in the Katyuri valley, 19 KMs away from Kausani is the small but ancient town of Baijnath. It was once upon a time the capital of the Katyuri dynasty of kings and the place was then called Kartikyapura. The remnants of those glorious days lies at the bank of the Gomti river in the form of a group of temples. The temple is famous for it's ancient and magnificent stone idol of the Hindu goddess Parvati. Around 8 KMs from Baijnath on the Gwaldam road is lies the famous Kotkimai temple. One can also visit Pandusthal which lies nearby.Dwarahat
Situated in a wide valley of the river Ramganga, Dwarahat lies around 32 KMs from Ranikhet. And is a very important town from both historical and archeological point of view and may also have been the capital of some branches of Katyuri kings. Around 10 KMs from Dwarahat lies the famous Doonagiri temple atop a hillock which is famous in legends for containing the herb drug Sanjivini. The temple dedicated to the goddess Durga is situated in the midst of beautiful and dense forest and a tea estate. Some distance from Dwarahat lies the temple of Naithan Devi. Manila
Manila literally means enchanting. The famous temple of Manila Devi , the family goddess of Katyuri kings lies around 85 KMs from Ranikhet. The surrounding forests and the Himalayan views from this hill ridge are worth remembering. Katarmal
Situated around 17 KMs Northwest of Almora, Katarmal is famous for 800 years temple dedicated to the Sun God. The only temple in India dedicated to Sun is the Konark temple in Puri at OrissaBinsar
Situated only 30 KMs away from the township of Almora lies Binsar nestled amongst thick forests of Oak and Rhodendron and yet offering surprisingly close views of the Himalayan peaks. The entire region is now a wildlife sanctuary and has a host of wildlife like Panther and Barking Deer. The temple of Binsar lies nearby. One of the many legends concerning Binsar states that 'Should anyone take away anything belonging to the God or his worshippers and avenging spirit and compels him conscience stricken to restore it twenty fold. Even the faithless and the dishonest are said to be reformed by a visit to Binsar.'
Bageshwer
Situated around 90 KMs from Almora, Bageswer is now a new district headquarter and the centre of administration for the entire region called Danpur. The place is significant from both religious and tourist point of view. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti, Bageswer is the seat of the famous Uttaraini fair which is held every year in January. The famous and ancient temple of Bagnath from which the township gets it's name has been attracting thousands of devout Hindus year after year since the birth of history. It is believed that Markandey sage has lived at the place and that Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods of Hindus had wandered about as a tiger. Even for the adventurous tourist Bageshwer is a necessary destination since in order to reach the glaciers of Sunderdunga, Kafni and Pindari one has to necessarily cross Bageshwer. Bageshwar, the 'Abode of Gods' is an important pilgrim and tourist centre. It is located about 90 kms from Almora on the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti. The town is famous for ancient Bagnath Temple and the annual Uttaraini fair held in January.
The beautiful town is also a delight for adventure sports lovers. The famous Pindari, Sunderdunga and Kafni glaciers can be reached via Bageshwar.
Bageshwar gets its name form this ancient temple of Lord Shiva set in the heart of the town. According to mythological legends, sage Markandey lived here and the place was visited by Lord Shiva in the form of Bagh or tiger.
Bageshwar Stats
District Headquarters: Bageshwar
Area: 2310 sq km
Total Population: 241,659
Literacy: 71.94%
Places to Visit in Bageshwar Bagnath Temple: Bageshwar gets its name form this ancient temple of Lord Shiva set in the heart of the town. According to mythological legends, sage Markandey lived here and the place was visited by Lord Shiva in the form of Bagh or tiger. The sacred shrine was built during the reign of the Chands and it is believed that no one could install the Shivlinga in the sanctum, finally, Shri Manorath Pandey of Palayn village performed penance and succeeded in installing the Shivlinga on Shivratri. Since then a massive fair is held here on 'Shivratri' to mark this auspicious occasion. Large number of pilgrims flock to the shrine, especially on Shivratri and on every Monday of the holy month of 'Sharvan'.
There are also group of temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. The main shrines among them arethe Bhairav temple, Dattatrey Maharaj, Ganga Mai temple, Hanuman temple, Durga temple, Kalika temple, Thingal Bhairav temple, Panchnam Junakhara and the Vaneswar temple etc.
Chandika Temple: This beautiful shrine of Goddess Chandika attracts large number of devotees during the holy Navratras.
Shri Haru Temple: This important shrine lies about 5 kms from Bagheswar. It is believed that the wishes. of the devotees are fulfiled here. A large fair is held here on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashmi.
Gauri Udiyar: The sacred site is 8 kms from Bageshwar and has a large cave enshrining idols of Lord Shiva.
Other important shrines in and around Bageshwar are - Ram Ghat temple, Agnikund temple, Nileshwar temple, Kukuda Mai temple, Shitla Devi temple, Trijugi Narayan temple, Hanuman temple, Nileshwar Dham, Swarg Ashram, Ramji temple, Loknath Ashram, Ashram of Amitji, Jwala Devi temple, Veni Mahadev temple, Radha Krishna temple, Bhileshwar Dham, Suraj Kund, Siddartha Dham, Gopeshwar Dham, Golu temple and Praktishwar Mahadev.
Around Bageshwar
Baijnath (26 kms): This historical and pilgrim site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the Kotkimai temple, 8 kms from here.Another sacred site nearby is the Pandusthal, which is said to be the legendary battle ground of the Kaurvas and Pandavas.
Kanda (25 kms): The charming site on Bageshwar Chaukori road is a nature lover's delight. Nearby is an ancient temple of Bhadrakali.
Vijaypur (30 kms) : It affords panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
Pindari Glacier: This world famous glacier is situated in the Pinder Valley at an altitude of 3353 mts. between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains. The glacier is a trekker's paradise, as it is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. The rugged beauty of the glacier presents an aweinspiring site. The glacier is 5 kms long, the snout is about 6m high and 2.5m wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3kms in length and 300- 400m in width, between an altitudinal range of about 3600m to 5000m. The colour of Pindari Glacier is very white and Pinder river emerging from it is a sight to behold.
Pindari Glacier Trek: The base camp is at Song which can be reached by road from Bageshwar (36 kms), Almora (109 kms), and Kathgodam (199 kms). After that one has to trek 45kms upto zero point (Pindari Glacier).
Song to Loharkhet - 3kms trek
Loharkhet to Dhakuri - 11kms
Dhakuri to Khati - 8kms
Khati to Dwali - 11kms
Dwali to Phurkia - 7kms
Phurkia to Pindari Glacier - 5kms
Sunderdhunga Glacier
Sunderdhunga or the 'valley of beautiful stones' is slso located in the Pindar region. The glacier offers a tough trek as compared to Pindari and Kaphini. There are two glacier for trekkers and nature lovers, namely Maiktoli and Sukhram. The route upto village Khati is common for both Pindari and Sunderdhunga glacier.
Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek: The trek length is 54 kms from Base Camp - Song.
Song to Loharkhet - 3kms Loharkhet to Dhakuri - 11 kms
Dhakuri to Kathi - 8 kms
Kathi to Sundardhunga Glacier - 30 kms
Other places of interest near Bageshwar include Kausani, Binsar and Chaukori
Nainital
Nainital - The beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in a lush valley at an altitude of 1938 metres. In 1841, the British first discovered Nainital as a holiday resort. Today, the town has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India. Nainital Stats
District Headquarters: Nainital
Area: 3853 sq km
Total Population: 762,909
Literacy: 79.60%
Places to Visit in Nainital
Naini Lake: The eye (naina) shaped lake surrounded by lush hills is named after Goddess Naini and is the icon of Nainital. According to legends, the lake was formed when the eye of Goddess Sati fell here, while Lord Shiva was carrying her body. The Naina Devi temple at the northern end of the lake is said to be the exact spot where Parvati's eye is said to have fallen. The gaily coloured yachts sailing on the waters of the lake is a sight to behold. Naina Peak (6 kms): Popular picnic spot at a height of 2,610 metres. Breathtaking view of the Himalayas and entire lake region.
Laria Kanta (6 kms): Picnic spot at an altitude of 2,481 metres. Panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Snow View (2.5 kms): Scenic picnic spot. Affords fine view of the snowclad Himalayas. Can be reached by a ropeway, horse or on foot.
Dorothy Seat (4 kms): A memorial to a British lady, said to be killed here in an accident. Fine view of the town and lake can be enjoyed from here.
Hanumangarhi (3.2 kms): Pilgrim site and spectacular sun-set views.
Khurpa Tal (5 kms): The lake on Nainital - Ramnagar road is an angler's delight.
Lands End (4 kms): The hill affords fine view of Khurpa Tal and the terraced fields on the side of the hill.
State Observatory (4.4 kms): It is ideal for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial earth satellites.
Around Nainital
Bhowali (11 kms) : Health resort and orchard country. More about Bhowali Bhimtal : Bhimtal is a serene scenic lake resort just 22 km from Nainital
Mukteshwar (50 kms): This small hill station amidst thick wooded forest affords majestic view of the Himalayas. Nearby is a stone hole of Chauli Ki Jali, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spectacular view of Almora and the peaks of Adi Nampa of Nepal stretching upto the Chaukhamba peaks of Garhwal can be enjoyed a moonlit night. Mukteshwar is also known for Indian Veterinary Research Institute.
Naukuchia Tal (26 kms): A lake with nine corners. Migratory birds flock to the lake. Good boating and fishing spot.
Sat Tal (20 kms): Lake resort.
Jeolikote (18 kms): Health resort and bee-keeping centre.
Kilbury (10 kms): It is a part of a forest reserve and is rich in flora and birdlife.
Ram Nagar: This important town of the region is located on the banks of river Kosi. It was established by Commissioner H. Ramsay (1856-1884) and is connected with broad gauge railway line. Ramnagar is the headquarters of 'Project Tiger' and famous Corbett National Park is just 50 kms from here.
Around Ram Nagar
Kotabagh (10 kms): Ruins dating back to Chand rulers.
Garjiya Devi Temple (14 kms): The sacred shrine on the way to Ranikhet attracts large number of devotees especially during the fair held on 'Kartik Poornima'.
Seeta Bani Temple (20 kms): It is believed that Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Rama had entered into the lap of Mother Earth here. A fair is held here during Ram Navami.
Corbett National Park: The magnificent park established way back in 1936, is one of the best known sanctuaries of India. It is named after Jim Corbett, the famous hunter author and conservator. The park covers a large forested area of over 520 sq. kms, comprising of foot hills of Shivalik ranges and the Patlidun Valley with swiftly flowing river Ramganga. The varied topography thus provides home to rich and diverse wildlife.
The dense jungles of the Jim Corbett National Park are famous for the tigers of Kumaon. It is also a haven for the panther, wild boar, sloth bear, elephant, deer, python, cobra, crocodile and gharial etc. The river Ramganga is full of mahseer, trout and goonch fishes. The park is also an 'ornithologist's paradise', as over 538 species of birds have been recorded here. The park also provides a first hand introduction to the raw magnificence of nature and a visit is an unforgettable experience. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (130 kms) and rail head is at Ramnagar (50 kms), which is an obligatory entrance for the park. More about Jim Corbett National National Park
Corbett Waterfall: The Corbett waterfall is situated 36 kms. from Nainital, on the Kaladhungi-Ramnagar motorable road falling under the Ramnagar Forest Division. The waterfall stands at a distance of 3 kms. from the Kaladhungi main road. The fall with a drop of 20 mtrs is surrounded by a forest belt and camping sites with an abundance of birdlife and plant life.
Kaladhungi (81 kms) is known for Corbett's Museum, dedicated to the great hunter.
Haldwani : Haldwani is one of the biggest business center of Uttaranchal especially Kumaon. It connects the Kumaon region with Railway lines. It is also emerging as the IT hub of Uttaranchal. More about Haldwani
How to reach Nainital
By Air: The nearest airport for Nainital is Pantnagar (71 kms)
By Rail: Nearest rail head is Kathgodam (35 kms) connected to Lucknow, Agra, Delhi & Howrah. Nainital Train Info
By Road: Nainital is well connected by road.
Agra (403 kms), Almora (64 kms), Bareilly (140 kms), Dehradun (387 kms), Delhi (326 kms), Haridwar (310 kms) and Kausani (117 kms)
Nainital Resources
Jalana
Situated 35 KMs away from Almora in picturesque surroundings Jalna offers a wide panoramic view of Himalayas. There are a number of orchards which produce a number of variety of fruits such as apricots, peaches, peers, plums and apples. .
Patal Bhubneshwer
Fastly emerging on the international tourism map, Patal Bhubneshwer is a unique wonder of the nature. Situated about 110 kms. from Almora towards Gangolihat, in Pithoragarh district the underground cave of Patal Bhubneshwer has a vertical tunnel shaped 40 meters path for getting inside into it from the ground .After reaching at the bottom, the main passage opens into several small horizontal caves, out of which the longest accessible cave is 120 meters horizontal in length. The most important thing is to notice is the mystery of natural carving of many animals, Gods and Goddesses in such a fine way that all it seems real. The cave temple of Patal Bhubneshwer is traditionally believed to be the abode of thirty three crore deities. These marvellous creature of the nature can evoke weird romantic fancies and images in the religiously inclined person.Shitla Khet
Situated between Ranikhet and Almora this picturesque place not only affords a wide view of the Himalayan peaks but is also full of fruit orchards. Scouting camps are frequently held here and there is a beautiful temple of Syahi Devi around 3 KMs away on a lovely mountainous trail. The birth place of the first chief minister of the province of Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant is a place called Khunt situated nearby. Some years back a centenary memorial has been built at this place to commemorate the memory of this great son of the soil.Jageshwer
Situated around 35 KMs from Almora, Jageshwer one of the most important religious places of Hindus in Kumaun and is believed to be the abode of the one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas'. It is even mentioned in the great epic of 'Mahabharata'. The great temple complex is situated in a narrow and beautiful valley covered with Cedar trees. Two streams Nandini and Surabhi flow down the hills and meet near the sacrad spot. Dense grove of Cedar trees, pepetual verdure, and sweet murmur of the riverlets give a peculiar charm and sanctity to this place. Their are 124 temples and hundreds of magnificent statues of excusite craftsmanship. The oldest shrine is of the 'Mrityunjaya' and the biggest shrine is of the 'Dindeshwara'. During the monsoons their is huge fair held every year at Jageshwer
Jageshwar is located 34 kms from Almora. There is an ancient Shiva temple at Jageshwar. This temple is surrounded by huge fur trees. In fact, this temple is in the series of ancient temples which were built in Kumaon region many centuries ago. The Jageshwar Shiva temple carries archaeological importance too. the architecture of this temple is worth giving a close examination.
Gannath ( Almora )
Gannath is known for natural caves and ancient Shiva temples. This place is 47 kms from Almora. It is good place for nature lovers and ideal for spending your day with surpassing beauty. Every year on Kartik Purnima day a fair is organized here.
Kalimath ( Almora )
From Kalimath one gets a good view of Almora town and the adjoining area. The sight of the nearby hills is amazing. This place is 4.5 kms from Almora. Close to Kalimath is Kasar Devi. There is temple dedicated to Kasar devi. This temple dates back to second century. One can go on foot from Kalimath to Kasardevi which is hardly one kms.
Katarmal ( Almora )
After the Sun temple at Konark, Orissa, Katarmal has the second important sun temple in the country. This temple is almost 800 years old. But this temple has not received the amount of attention it must have received. Due to neglect, the sun temple at Katarmal in Almora is in very bad shape. One feels very sad that a monument of such historical importance has been left to decay like this. This temple has some unique architectural style and the images carved on the walls are very intricately done. All this is bound to attract attention of the visitor to Almora. This place is 17 kms from Almora.
Martola ( Almora )
This lovely place with gardens and forests is located 10 kms from Almora. Martola is so scenic and picturesque that many foreigners decided to settle here. This place is a good picnic spot.
Koshi ( Almora )
Natural beauty of this place surpasses any other place. Koshi is 12 kms from Almora. The Govind Vallabh Pant Environment Research Institute is located here. There is guest house which provides good and comfortable stay at Koshi.
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