Almora's Rich Heritage and Natural Beauty
Almora is a picturesque town situated on a 5-km-long ridge at the southern edge of the Kashyap hills, shaped like a horse saddle. It is believed that the town derives its name from Kilmora, a kind of sorrel, a short plant that was commonly found here and used for washing utensils in the sun temple at Katarmal. Once the capital of the Chand dynasty rulers, Almora is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, and delicious cuisine.
Over the years, Almora has attracted several eminent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Uday Shankar and his troupe, including Guru Dutt and Zora Sehgal, who came here for a performance, and Ravi Shankar, who contributed to the cultural enrichment of the town. Noted freedom fighter Govind Ballabh Pant, who served as the first chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as the Home Minister of India, was also born in Almora. The town also serves as the starting point for several treks like Jageshwar, Pindari, Mornaula, Mukteshwar, Binsar, and Ranikhet among others.
It is also worth noting that Sir Ronald Ross, who received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his path-breaking discovery of the malaria parasite, was born in Almora in 1857. All these aspects have contributed to the town's rich history and cultural significance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural and natural heritage of India.
Kasar Devi Temple: A Captivating Hindu Shrine
Kasar Devi Temple is a stunning Hindu shrine perched high atop a hillock that boasts of an altitude of 2,116 meters above sea level. Dating back to the 2nd century, the temple offers a captivating view of the charming quaint town of Almora. Surrounded by lofty pine and deodar trees, this magnificent shrine is located just 5 km downhill from Tarai Nagri. A visit to this remarkable temple is highly recommended for anyone who is fond of adventure, history, and culture.
The temple's unique position on the earth's Van Allen Belt is what sets it apart. The region surrounding the temple is known for its enormous geomagnetic field, caused by gaps in bands of radiation. This results in Kasar Devi having a cosmic energy similar to that of other renowned locations such as Stonehenge in the UK and Machu Picchu in Peru. The picturesque landscape of the area, adorned with pines and deodars, offers a perfect setting for meditation, enabling you to connect with your higher self.
Crank's Ridge: A Hippie Hotspot
Crank's Ridge, a location just outside the village, was extremely popular during the Hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s and continues to draw trekkers and tourists from both India and overseas. Notably, several renowned personalities of the counter-culture visited this region, including Swami Vivekananda, Sunyata Baba, Alfred Sorensen, and Lama Anagarika Govinda. Incidentally, renowned musicians like Cat Stevens, George Harrison, and Bob Dylan as well as author D. H. Lawrence stayed here for extended periods of time. We strongly advise anyone interested in learning about history and culture to visit this wonderful location.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Travelling to Kasar Devi offers more than just healing and transformation; it presents a wonderful opportunity to explore the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at a distance of 30km from here. The sanctuary, sprawling over an area of 46 sq km, offers excellent birding opportunities, while the possibility of encountering animals such as Himalayan gorals and wild boars is always present.
Moreover, the sanctuary is home to several resorts and homestays that offer a cozy and tranquil staycation with loved ones. Kasar Devi has also witnessed the emergence of several quaint cafes over the years, serving local Kumaon delicacies and providing a glimpse into the area's rich history through friendly hosts and a curated collection of coffee table books on the Himalayas. This makes Kasar Devi much more than a spiritual and wellness destination, as it caters to the needs of backpackers seeking adventure and new experiences. However, what sets Kasar Devi apart is its serene environment and magnetic allure, which must be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated.
Conclusion
Almora and its surrounding areas are a treasure trove of cultural and natural heritage. From the rich history and unique handicrafts to the captivating Kasar Devi Temple and the hippie hotspot of Crank's Ridge, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary offers an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of nature and spot some exotic species of birds and animals. And all of this can be experienced while enjoying a cozy staycation at one of the many resorts and homestays, indulging in local cuisine and soaking up the serene environment. Kasar Devi, in particular, offers a unique experience of healing and transformation, and its magnetic allure must be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated. Overall, Almora and its surroundings are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural and natural heritage of India.