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Binsar
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.
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.
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.
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 Ashram. 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. Click
here for Kausani Hotels & Resorts>>>>
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 Kumaon Regiment
of Indian Army- one of the most prestigious and the most decorated
of all. The Kumaon Regimental museum and amicably maintained
grassy and green golf course are memorable experiences even
for the most experienced tourists. Click
here for Ranikhet Hotels & Resorts>>>>
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.
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.
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 marvelous creature of the nature can evoke
weird romantic fancies and images in the religiously inclined
person.
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