Uttarakhand
Explore the beauty, culture, and attractions of Uttarakhand.
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3 Days in Almora for a Tasty Food Trip
Almora is a hidden gem for food lovers, with its mix of Kumaoni flavors and old-world charm. I've spent years exploring its tiny eateries and street stalls, and this itinerary covers the best bites without missing the town's cozy vibe. From steaming bowls of bhatt ki churkani to sweet bal mithai, you'll taste the real Almora.
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Day 1
Day 1 in Almora
Start your Almora adventure with its most iconic sights and flavors, from panoramic views to hearty Kumaoni cuisine.
Activities
Bright End Corner Sunrise & Breakfast
Kick off your morning at Bright End Corner, Almora's famous sunrise spot with sweeping Himalayan views. The golden light over Nanda Devi is magical. After soaking in the scenery, head to a nearby local eatery for a steaming cup of buransh (rhododendron) tea and piping hot aloo ke gutke (spiced potatoes) with pooris.
- Carry a light jacket - mornings can be chilly even in summer
- Ask locals for the best small tea stalls - they often have the freshest snacks
Explore Kasar Devi Temple & Local Markets
Visit the serene Kasar Devi Temple, a spiritual site that drew hippies in the 60s and still radiates calm. Wander through Almora's bustling Lal Bazaar afterward - it's perfect for picking up handmade copperware or woolens. Don't miss trying bhang ki chutney (hemp seed chutney) from street vendors, a unique Kumaoni specialty.
- Wear comfortable shoes - the temple involves a short climb
- Bargain gently in markets - prices are reasonable but negotiation is expected
Lunch at a Traditional Kumaoni Home
Skip restaurants and book a home-cooked meal through local networks. You'll get authentic dishes like ras (a lentil curry), chainsoo (black gram dal), and mandua ki roti (finger millet bread) served with ghee. Many families are happy to share cooking techniques if you ask politely.
- Inform about dietary restrictions in advance
- Carry small gifts like chocolates for hosts - it's appreciated
Must Try Foods
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Day 2
Day 2 in Almora
A mix of nature, history, and local flavors, today takes you deeper into Almora's charm with its scenic viewpoints, heritage walks, and authentic Kumaoni cuisine.
Activities
Morning at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Start your day with a short drive to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, a serene forested area known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. Walk along the trails, spot birds, and soak in the quiet beauty. The Zero Point viewpoint here offers a stunning 360-degree vista of peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
- Carry binoculars for birdwatching
- Wear sturdy shoes for the trails
Heritage Walk in Almora's Old Town
After lunch, wander through Almora's old town, a maze of narrow lanes lined with traditional Kumaoni houses, ancient temples, and old shops. Stop by the Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum to learn about the region's history and culture. The walk gives you a glimpse of Almora's colonial-era architecture and local life.
- Look for hidden courtyards and carved wooden doors
- Try local snacks from street vendors along the way
Sunset at Kalimath with Local Tea
Head to Kalimath, a quiet hilltop just outside Almora, for a peaceful sunset. The view of the town below and the mountains beyond is magical. Sip on a cup of locally grown Kumaoni tea or try the famous 'bal mithai' (a fudge-like sweet) from a nearby stall while you watch the day end.
- Carry a light jacket—it gets breezy
- Stay a little longer for the town lights twinkling below
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 3
Day 3 in Almora
A relaxed day diving into Almora's hidden gems, from serene lakes to local crafts and flavors you won't find in guidebooks.
Activities
Morning at Deer Park & Nanda Devi Temple
Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Deer Park, a quiet spot where locals come to unwind. Spot deer grazing and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Just a short walk away is the lesser-known Nanda Devi Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of Uttarakhand. The temple's intricate wood carvings and serene vibe make it a perfect morning stop.
- Carry some raw peanuts to feed the deer—they love it!
- Dress modestly for the temple; shoulders and knees covered.
Handicraft Shopping at Lala Bazaar
Skip the touristy markets and head to Lala Bazaar, where locals shop for authentic Kumaoni handicrafts. Look for woolen shawls, handmade candles, and copperware—all made by regional artisans. Bargaining is expected, but keep it friendly. The shopkeepers often share stories about the crafts if you ask.
- Ask for 'Kumaoni aipan'—a traditional folk art painted on paper or cloth.
- Smaller shops tucked in alleys have better prices than main-road stalls.
Lunch at a Local Dhaba & Chai at Mohan's
For lunch, try a no-frills dhaba like Ramu Da Dhaba near the bus stand, where truckers and locals eat. Order their spicy aloo ke gutke (sautéed potatoes with local spices) and bhatt ki churkani (black soybean curry). Cap it off with masala chai at Mohan’s Tea Stall—a tiny spot famous for its cardamom-infused brew.
- Ramu’s dhaba is cash-only—bring small notes.
- Mohan’s chai is best enjoyed standing with locals; no seating!