Almora to Pithoragarh: Distance & Enroute Attractions

Almora to Pithoragarh distance  is approximately 116 kilometers by road. The journey from Almora to Pithoragarh typically takes at least 4 hours. Along the way, there are four prominent attractions that should not be missed.

Here are the details for an enroute attraction that cannot be missed while travelling from Almora to Pithoragarh by road.

Mrig Vihar Zoo

It lies  just 3 kilometers from Almora, the Mrig Vihar Zoo. This Zoo protects endangered species such as the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, white monkey, and leopard.

It lies  amidst natural surroundings, this zoo offers an ideal outing for families and young visitors alike. Conveniently located around 2 kilometers from Almora’s main market. It provides a glimpse into the natural habitats of these majestic creatures.

Kasar Devi Temple

Surrounded by lush green forests, it is jues 5 km away from the Mrig Vihar Zoo. The Kasar Devi Temple stands tall on top of a hill, right next to a Shiv temple. You can reach the Shiv temple with just a few steps. From here, you can see a wide view of Almora and the beautiful Hawabagh valley.

People say that this temple is really old, going all the way back to the second century.  But the temple we see today was built in 1948.

According to ancient texts like the Skanda Purana, the cave temple was made by Yakshas and Gandharvas.  Another old tale from the Devi Bhagwan Purana tells us that this is where Kaushiki Devi fought and defeated the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh.

If you look closely inside the Kasar Devi Temple, you’ll find an imprint of the goddess Durga’s lion on the rock behind the idol.

Jageshwar Dham

Jageshwar lies in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. It is a tranquil temple town famous as the “Valley of Gods” for its cluster of over 100 stone temples of Lord Shiva. These temples are amidst lush mountains and the glistening Jat Ganga stream.

It is a heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The temple complex boasts around 125 temples and 174 sculptures, including depictions of Lord Shiva and Parvati. With over 25 inscriptions adorning the temple walls and pillars.

The site offers a glimpse into its rich history. It  dates back 2,500 years to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval periods, primarily constructed and refurbished by the Katyuri dynasty.

A recent discovery includes a red sandstone pillar from the 1st century BC, adorned with engraved figures. Jageshwar attracts visitors during the Jageshwar Monsoon Festival in August and the Shivratri Mela in spring.

Best Time to Visit:

April to June and September to November offer the optimal weather conditions to explore the enchanting beauty and rich heritage of Jageshwar.

Chitai Golu Devta

Chitai Golu Devta is also known as Goljyu Devta. It is an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav. Among the various temples dedicated to Golu Devta in Almora.

The Chitai Golu Devta Temple holds special significance. It is a famous for fulfilling the wishes of devotees, provided they ask with a pure heart. Situated 9 kilometers from Almora. This temple is the most holy among all the temples in the region.

Lakhudiyar Rock Painting

It is in the Barechhina village of Almora district, Uttarakhand, the Lakhudiyar  stand as a remarkable testament to history in the heart of the Himalayas. These ancient rock paintings provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of early humans during the Stone Age.

It lies  along the banks of the Suyal River in Almora, the Lakhudiyar site features caves adorned with intricate paintings of animals, humans, and tectiforms, created using black, red, and white pigments.

In conclusion

The journey from Almora to Pithoragarh spans 116 kilometer. The road trip offers a delightful exploration of both natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the serene Mrig Vihar Zoo showcasing endangered species to the historic significance of Jageshwar Dham, where over 100 stone temples stand in homage to Lord Shiva, each stop along the way unveils a unique facet of Uttarakhand’s charm.