DISTRICT: ALMORA

DISTRICT: ALMORA

Situated in the East of Uttarakhand in Kumaun region, Almora district has picturesque features and natural wealth sufficient enough to attract tourists from worldwide. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility, Almora promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.

The district is accessible by road from Kathgodam railway station ( around 90 km Kms.). From Kathgodam local transport, private taxies as well as buses run by private operators, and buses run by the state government corporation-UASRTC are available at all hours. By road Almora is connected conveniently and is merely 380 km away from Delhi, and 415 km from Dehradun. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pant Nagar, about 127 km from Almora.

The list of villages selected under the project in Almora district is as follows

Table 2: List of Cluster and Corresponding Villages in Almora District

S.N.	Cluster	Name of Village	Block	Number of Households	Total Population
1		Majkhali	Dwarahat	209	1022
2		Manbajuna	Dwarahat	80	403
3		Dwarsaun Nainisar	Dwarahat	NA	NA
4		Katarmal	Hawalbagh	NA	NA
5		Mawda	Tarikhet	30	123
6	Jageshwar	Jageshwar	Dauladevi	87	396
7		Artola	Dauladevi	14	57

           

Majkhali cluster is spread over 45 km. of radius consisting Majkhali (3 GPs Malla Reauni, Tall Reuni, Degoti), Dwarsoo, Manbajena & Nanisar and Katarmal.  The one end of the area (Majkhali) is near Ranikhet while another end (Katarmal) is near Koshi/ Almora.

DESCRIPTION OF CLUSTERS AND SELECTED VILLAGES

Cluster-1: Majkhali Cluster

A - Majkhali is a beautiful small town located at 12 kms from Ranikhet. It has many picnic spots and enjoyable weather conditions for perfect holidays. Katarmal is located at a distance of 1.5 km from Kosi village and 12 km from the district centre Almora. Katarmal is known for a relatively rare Surya temple, constructed by the Katyuri Kings in the 9th century. The Katarmalla temple has 44 smaller temples around the main deity of Surya, which called as Burhadita or Vraddhaditya.

B - Manbajauna, Nainisar villages are located about 25 km from Ranikhet town known for fruit belt and Himalayan view. Jindal Group of Companies has planned to develop an International school in village which will create opportunities for home stay or other tourism activities in the villages.

C - Mawara village is located on gentle slope of middle Himalaya in Ranikhet tehsil of  Almora District. It is 12 km away from famous hill tourist destination Ranikhet and 7 km from Chiliyanaula along Ranikhet Jalali road. The altitude of the village is about 1000 meter above sea level.  The MAGRAS society in the leadership of Mr. CM Bhandari, Ex Ambassador, has been instrumental in integrated village development through heritage tourism promotion. They have already started home stay tourism services with Yoga and Naturopathy. 

Cluster-2: Jageshwar Cluster

Jageshwar cluster is consisting of two villages Artola and Jageshwar. It is a place of both historical and religious importance. Jageshwar Temple believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (Nageshwar) in Jageshwar village about 36 km North east of Almora in Uttarkhand. The temple complex dating between 9th and 13th century is under the Archaeological Survay of India. The temple is surrounded by the huge and thick Deodar forest.  The temple village comprises a cluster of 124 large and small stone temples, dating 9th to 13th century AD, with many preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), one of which include Dandeshwar.