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Perched on a hillock at an elevation of 1,646m, Almora appears like
a large horse shoe, Sitoli forming the front arm and the bazaar the other.
In the 16th century, the capital of the Chand rulers was shifted from
Champawat to Almora. It is the district head quarter and the Vivekanand
Hill Agricultural Laboratory, as well as the defence agricultural
research laboratory are housed there.The picturesque district of Almora
is a fine blend of mountain beauty; ancient cultural influences,
sanctified spots, thickly wooded forests, scenic valleys, quaint
cottages, crystal lakes and gushing rivers...... all inspiring one
to call it the 'Switzerland of India'.
Almora, the capital of Kumaon, can be reached from Delhi via
Kathgodam and also Ramnagar. The town appears to be astride a horse...
if the tail is towards Karbala, then its mouth is towards Narayan Tewari
Dewal while Sitoli and Baldhoti are like the length of its back.
'Kashaya Parvat' is perched on a 5km. saddle shaped ridge. It is also
called because it is situated between Kaushiki (Kosi) and Salmali
(Suyal) rivers. This birth land of several noted freedom fighters,
and intellectuals, technocrats, bureaucrats etc. has also been the
prime administration centre for the Chand kings, Gorkha invaders
and the British colonialists.The town is an amalgamation of social
and cultural influences from Kumaon. The district is adorned with
garden orchards and numerous places of sanctity and provides a
spectacular view of the Himalays. Quaint hill resorts such as Chaukori,
Ranikhet, Sitlakhet, Binsar, Kausani and Bageshwar are all
around Almora and attract nature lovers and holiday makers alike
for respite from the hot summer's spell.
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