The Devine History of Almora
Almora’s story stretches back to the times of the Mahabharata, with the mountain it stands on mentioned in ancient texts like the Manaskhand. Early human settlements in the area were likely the indigenous tribes—Sakas, Nagas, Kiratas, Khasas and Hunas—followed by legendary rule by Hastinapur heirs and local dynasts like the Kulindas and Khasas.
Katyuri Rule & Name Origin
The first documented kingdom was established by the Katyuri dynasty, with King Bhaichaldeo eventually granting the land around Almora to Sri Chand Tiwari, a Gujurati Brahmin. The name “Almora” evolved from “Bhilmora” or “Kilmora”—a wild sorrel plant used in cleansing temple utensils—leading to the term “Almori” and ultimately the town’s current name.
Medieval Era & Chand Dynasty
In 1568, King Kalyan Chand of the Chand dynasty founded the town on a saddle-like ridge, calling it Alam Nagar or Rajpur before renaming it Almora. Under Chand rule, it flourished as the capital of Kumaon, hosting the construction of temples like Tripur Sundari, Udyot Chandeshwar, and Nanda Devi in the late 1600s.
Rohilla Raids & Gorkha Conquest
Almora briefly fell to Ali Muhammad Khan Rohilla in 1744, but the hill environment proved inhospitable, resulting in its return. In 1790, the Gorkhas from Nepal conquered the region and ruled until the Anglo-Gorkha War (1814–1816). Following their defeat, the Treaty of Sugauli returned Almora to British-East India control, and Fort Moira (formerly Lal Mandi) was renamed
Colonial Influence & Cultural Renaissance
Unlike hill stations like Shimla, Almora was already established by the Chand kings before colonial rule. Under the British, it developed as a cantonment and became a hub for spirituality and cultural exchange. Notables such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Udaya Shankar, Guru Dutt, Zohra Sehgal, and Western spiritual seekers like Angarika Govinda and Timothy Leary (at Crank’s Ridge, also known as “Hippie Hill”) graced its hills
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Location: Mukteshwar Rd, North Gola Range, Chausali, Uttarakhand 263138
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