Temples

Jageshwar Temples, Almora (40 Kms)

Jageshwar Dham is a collection of temples devoted to Lord Shiva and one of Uttarakhand's greatest architectural specimens. There are 124 large and small temples, all of which have breathtaking views of the bubbling Jata Ganga stream and the surrounding rolling green mountains. The temple is thought to be 2500 years old and dates back to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval periods, according to ASI (Archaeology Survey of India). The centrepiece of the temple are the stone lingams, sculptures, and carvings on the altars. Additionally, the temple's setting is excellent for meditation.

Kasardevi, Almora (13.5 Kms)

Uttarakhand's Kasar Devi is a village close to Almora. It is renowned for having a temple devoted to Kasar Devi, after whom the location is also named, called the Kasar Devi temple. The temple building was constructed in the second century CE. Along with many other western seekers, Sunyata Baba, Alfred Sorensen, and Lama Anagarika Govinda, Swami Vivekananda paid Kasar Devi a visit in the 1890s. A location that is also well-known for Crank's Ridge, a major tourist attraction during the 1960s and 1970s hippie movement, and which now draws both domestic and international hikers and visitors. Crank's Ridge is located just outside the settlement.

Katarmal surya temple (24.5 Kms)

The Katyuri Kings built a rather uncommon Surya shrine in Katarmal during the ninth century CE. The main Surya god, also known as Burhadita or Vraddhaditya, is surrounded by 44 lesser temples built by the Katyuri ruler Katarmalla. This temple complex also houses other deities like Shiva-Parvathi and Lakshmi-Narayana. After a 10th-century idol was stolen, the carved wooden doors and panels were moved to the National Museum in Delhi. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 designated the temple, which is home to additional carvings on walls and panels, as a monument of national importance.

Chitai golu devta, Almora (13.6 Kms)

A well-known temple in Uttarakhand is Chitai Golu, which is located around 8 kilometres from Almora. The number of copper bells strung across the grounds of Chitai Temple, which is presided over by the deity of Golu Ji, a manifestation of Lord Shiva in the shape of Gaur Bhairav, make it simple to identify. According to popular belief, Golu Ji, who is known as the God of Justice, grants justice and grants the requests of his followers when they worship him in one of his temples in Uttarakhand.

Nanda devi temple, Almora (11.2 Kms)

The Chand Rajas constructed the Nanda Devi Mandir. Locals highly adore the goddess' idol, which is housed in the antechamber of a Shiva temple. Every September, thousands of people gather to this temple for the Nanda Devi Mela, a five-day extravaganza of pageantry, bringing Almora to life. For more than 400 years, the mela has been an essential component of this shrine.

Jhula devi temple, Almora (58 Kms)

Jhoola Devi Temple blesses Ranikhet and the vicinity. Due to the presiding deity's appearance as a child in a cradle, the holy temple, which is devoted to Goddess Durga, has been given the name Jhoola Devi. Locals claim that the original deity of this temple, which dates back 700 years, was taken in 1959. This temple can be identified by the quantity of bells hanging within its grounds, much like Chitai Golu Temple. Since it is believed that Jhoola Devi grants her devotees' requests, the devotees gather here to offer the copper bell once their wishes have been granted.

Kalimath, Almora (17 Kms)

The magnificent vistas of the Himalayan peaks can be enjoyed here for hours on end. It offers a fantastic vantage point from which to see the splendour of Almora town. In addition to its magnificent views and proximity to the Kasar Devi Temple, Kalimath is a serene and pleasant tourist destination. The temple, which is less than a kilometre from Kalimath, is reachable by foot. The Kasar Devi Temple is thought to have existed in the second century; the Skanda Purana also makes reference to it. Swami Vivekananda is reported to have meditated in the Kasar Devi village while he was staying in Almora.

Dandeshwar temple, Kausani, Akmora (39 Kms)

The Dandeshwar temple, which is home to Shiva and is one of Jageshwar's 124 temples, lies a little upstream from the main temple complex. It has the biggest altar there. The temple offers a peaceful sanctuary and is a visual marvel with a lovely setting. Numerous flowing waterfalls can be seen there, making it a wonderful location for wildlife enthusiasts as well.

The renowned temple contains historical remnants from Shivaji's reign and is extremely important to the native tribes of the area. The picturesque surroundings and the magnificent panoramic views of the plains compensate for the temple's remaining ruins. Remember to bring your cameras, as the location is excellent for photographing the natural world's vibrant colours.

Patal devi mandir, Almora (9.5 Kms)

Located In the village of Shail, Almora, there is a temple called Patal Devi Temple that is roughly 200 years old and situated in a stunning setting. Around the temple, there are 4 natural water sources. The Patal Devi Temple, located just outside of Almora, is another remarkable location. It is an old devi temple that underwent its most recent reconstruction in the 18th century. Many of the girls were utilising the temple to study for exams, swapping questions, notes, and advice. With the exception of the inhabitants, the temple is a pleasant stroll downhill from the main road and frequently virtually vacant.

Baijnath Temple, Garur – Bageshwar (64.7 Kms)

There are numerous small and large temples to Lord Shiva scattered around the old town of Baijnath, which is situated on the banks of the Gomti River. The holy shrine, which is crowded with worshippers throughout the year, shows early mediaeval north Indian temple architecture with exquisite sculptures and carvings typical of the golden age. The ancient capital of the Katyuri kings who ruled over Uttaranchal in the 12th century was Baijnath. In Hindu legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married near the confluence of the rivers Gomati and Garur Ganga, hence the town also has religious significance. This temple's water is claimed to have medical properties and the ability to heal a variety of ailments and disorders.

Binsar Mahadev, Ranikhet, Almora (71.8 Kms)

The sacred Binsar Mahadev temple is set amidst a dense deodar forest. Along with its holiness and spiritual atmosphere, this location is renowned for its flawless natural beauty. According to legend, Binsar Mahadev was constructed in the ninth or tenth century and has long been a revered site in Uttarakhand. This temple, which houses idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri, and Maheshmardini, is renowned for its architectural skill. Texts from the 9th century, written in "Nagarilipi," are inscribed on the idol of Maheshmardini. The shrine, also known as Bindeshwar Temple, is thought to have been constructed by King Pithu in honour of his father Bindu. This temple makes quite a statement as it overlooks a tiny creek and is encircled by a forest of deodar, pine, and oak.

Chandak, Pithoragarh (127 Kms)

The term "Chandak" refers to a hill that is well-known for holding a temple honouring the Hindu god "Manu" and is located 8 kilometres from Pithoragarh. Due to its location in Soar Valley, it also provides some picturesque views of the surroundings and the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Thal kedar, Pithoragarh (142 Kms)

The Thal Kedar is tucked at a height of 880 metres above sea level and is accessed through a winding path. The Skanda Purana, an old scripture, makes reference to the location and its famed ancient Shiva temple. The area draws a lot of tourists during the annual Shivratri festival and also provides some truly breathtaking valley views.