Saurabh

Through the Lens | Almora Town

This year’s monsoon has been relentless in its pour. It has been pattering heavily for the last two months and shows no signs of mellowing down. Yet, the mountains appear distinctly fresh and lively in the rains — the clouds in constant tryst with these hills make it a photographer’s delight.

I was recently in Almora town to witness the Nanda Devi Mahotsav, the annual festival held at the famous Nanda Devi temple. While I will be writing a detailed post on it soon, I wanted to first share some images captured in this cultural and vibrant Kumaoni hill station.

1. Bal Mithai from the Iconic Kheem Singh Mohan Singh Rautela

the famous Bal Mithai of Almora. from the iconic sweet shop - Kheem Singh Mohan Singh Rautela. Located at Mall Road, Almora, Uttarakhand. #balmithai #Uttarakhandcuisine #Uttarakhandculture #Almoratown #DevbhoomiUttarakhand

As you arrive at the main bus station (Mall Road) of the town, the famous Kheem Singh Mohan Singh Rautela sweet shop welcomes you. Known for its Bal Mithai, Chocolate and Singauri, this legendary shop has quite literally made Bal Mithai a global brand.

2. Lohe Ka Sher | Chowk Bazaar – Almora

Lohe Ka Sher - the iconic stature / landmark at Chowk Bazaar, Almora town. #visitAlmora #Uttarakhand #thingstovisitinAlmora #LohekaSher #Chanddynasty

A life-size iron statue of a roaring lion stands at the heart of Chowk Bazaar, one of the most vibrant market areas of Almora. A prominent landmark of the town, the statue is believed to be more than 200 years old, possibly dating back to the Chand dynasty, symbolizing their strength and valour.

3. Nanda & Sunanda Idols in Preparation | Nanda Devi Mahotsav

Idols of Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi being prepared by the artists at the Nanda Devi temple in Almora. During the annual Nanda Devi Mahotsav (Festival). #festivalsofUttarakhand #UttarakhandCulture #VibrantUttarakhand #nandadevi #chanddynasty #GoddessNanda #GoddessSunanda #Uttarakhandlegacy

This year, the Nanda Devi Mahotsav (28th Aug – 3rd Sept, 2025) has been celebrated with great elaboration. The photo here depicts the preparation of the idols of the twin sisters — Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi. Crafted from the branch of a banana tree, the idols are made by the temple priests and local artists at the Nanda Devi temple.

4. Iconic Streets & Buildings of Almora | Khajanchi Bazaar

Famous streets and Bazaars of Almora town. this is the Khajanchi Bazaar where , during the reign of Chand rulers, used to have shops of Moneylenders and wealthy merchants #streetsofAlmora #visitAlmora #KhajanchiBazaar #visitUttarakhand #history #Almorastreets #oldstreets #devbhoomiUttarakhand #thingstodoinAlmora
Famous streets and Bazaars of Almora town. this is the Khajanchi Bazaar where , during the reign of Chand rulers, used to have shops of Moneylenders and wealthy merchants #streetsofAlmora #visitAlmora #KhajanchiBazaar #visitUttarakhand #history #Almorastreets #oldstreets #devbhoomiUttarakhand #thingstodoinAlmora

A must-visit in Almora town are its vibrant streets and bazaars along the ridgeline, where history and hustle meet in a maze of timeless shops and chatter.

Among them, Khajanchi Bazaar stands out. During the Chand dynasty rule, it was home to wealthy merchants and moneylenders — hence its name (Khajanchi means “treasurer” or “accountant”), a name that continues to this day.

5. Street Vendors of Almora Town

Street vendors of Almora town. #streetsofAlmora #Uttarakhand #candyfloss
Street vendors of Almora town. #streetsofAlmora #Uttarakhand
Street vendors of Almora town. #streetsofAlmora #Uttarakhand

The bustling markets of Almora are incomplete without their street vendors. Selling everything from snacks to toys to trinkets, they add colour, character and the clamour of calls that echo through the streets. During the Nanda Devi Mahotsav, their presence multiplies, making them a must-capture element of Almora’s lively streets.

6. Nanda Devi Temple

Nanda Devi temple in Almora. #templesofAlmora #NandaDevi #SunandaDevi #chanddynasty #almoraculture #thingstodoinAlmora #visitAlmora #devbhoomiUttarakhand #NandaDeviMahotsav

The famous temple houses the deities of Nanda, Sunanda, and Goddess Tara. This is the heart of the Nanda Devi Mahotsav. The temple was originally built in the 17th century by one of the prominent Chand rulers, Raja Baz Bahadur Chand. Initially located near the Malla Mahal complex, it was shifted to its current site sometime between 1815–1835, during the tenure of Kumaon’s second Commissioner, G.W. Trail.

7. Dharanaula View of Almora & Its Tryst with the Clouds

Almora town view (Dharanaula side). Almora'a tryst with the clouds.

Almora is a fairly large hill town, and it continues to expand across its ridges and slopes. This photo captures the Dharanaula side of the town, dramatically wrapped in clouds — a reminder of Almora’s romance with the monsoon.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures and felt some of the vibrant vibe this magnificent and age-old Kumaoni town has to offer.

One comment

Leave a comment