Almora | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Almora
Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a breathtaking
panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring
grandeur of natural beauty. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique
handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an
easy accessibility, it is also called the Cultural Capital of Kumaun.
History - The hill station of Almora is situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge
of a mountain, the eastern portion of which is called Talifat and the western
one is known as Selifat. The landscape attracts tourists each year for its views
of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts and cuisine, and is a business
hub for the Kumaon region. Developed by the kings of Chand dynasty, it was
later maintained and further developed by the British regime.
The ancient town of Almora, before its establishment, was under the
possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated the major part of this land
to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was
founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally
located place in 1568 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it
was called Rajapur. The name ‘Rajpur’ is also mentioned on a number of
ancient copper plates.
Almora town was the administrative headquarter of the Kumaun district;
that was formed in 1815 following the defeat of Gorkha army in the Anglo-
Gorkha war and the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. The Kumaun district then
consisted of the complete Kumaon Division excluding the Terai district with
Page 2


Almora
Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a breathtaking
panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring
grandeur of natural beauty. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique
handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an
easy accessibility, it is also called the Cultural Capital of Kumaun.
History - The hill station of Almora is situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge
of a mountain, the eastern portion of which is called Talifat and the western
one is known as Selifat. The landscape attracts tourists each year for its views
of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts and cuisine, and is a business
hub for the Kumaon region. Developed by the kings of Chand dynasty, it was
later maintained and further developed by the British regime.
The ancient town of Almora, before its establishment, was under the
possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated the major part of this land
to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was
founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally
located place in 1568 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it
was called Rajapur. The name ‘Rajpur’ is also mentioned on a number of
ancient copper plates.
Almora town was the administrative headquarter of the Kumaun district;
that was formed in 1815 following the defeat of Gorkha army in the Anglo-
Gorkha war and the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. The Kumaun district then
consisted of the complete Kumaon Division excluding the Terai district with
its headquarters at Kashipur. In 1837, Garhwal was made a separate district
with its Headquarters at Pauri. The Nainital district was carved out of the
Kumaun District in 1891, and the Kumaon District was then renamed Almora
District after its Headquarters. Pithoragarh district was carved out of Almora
on 24 February 1960 and Bageshwar district on 15 September 1997.
Flora- The region is immensely rich with 4000 species of plants, having
remarkable diversity by virtue of its being at a great range of elevation. In
addition to its’ climatic variations, particularly in temperature and
precipitation associated with the alignment and altitudes of ranges and nature
of valleys, determine the altitudinal growth and variety of vegetation. The
flora of this region may be classified into tropihcal, Himalayan sub-tropical
and sub alpine and alpine vegetation. The alpine and sub alpine zones are
considered as the most natural abode of the largest number of medicinal
plants. Considering the various parameters, the vegetation of this region, can
broadly be divided into four parts.
Sub-tropical Forest - This kind of forest zone lies between the altitude of
300 m and 1500 m and comprises of the following forest communities.
Sal (Shorea robusta) Community: - This is a deciduous type of plant
community ranges from 300 m to 1000 m altitude. The tree species of this
community are Semecarpus anacardium, Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Bauhinia
vahlii, Madhuca longifolia, Cassia fistula etc..
Chir / Pine (Pinus roxburghii) Community: - This evergreen plant
community is mainly found in dry hill slopes between 1200 m to 1800 m.
The forest floor is often clear. However, Pyrus pashia, Dalbergia sericia,
Caseana elliptica, Syzygium Cumini are other species grow with pine.
Vijaysar (Engelhardtia spiicata) Community: - It is a deciduous type of
plant community found in shady and and wet place ranging from 800 m to
1500 m in altitudes. The trees Sapium onsigne, Dalbergia sissoo, Syzygium
cumini are few among other species.
Ramal (Macaranga pustulata) Community: - This is a deciduous plant
community mainly found on eroded slopes or riverine area. This community
has mainly Mallotus philippinensis, Toona serrata etc plants.
Faliyal Oak (Qurecus gloca) Community: - This is evergreen community
found in shady and moist place upto 1500 meter altitude. The trees such as
Pyrus pashia, Emblica officinalis and shrubs Callicarpa arborea, Rubus
ellipticus are the other associates of this community.
Page 3


Almora
Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a breathtaking
panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring
grandeur of natural beauty. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique
handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an
easy accessibility, it is also called the Cultural Capital of Kumaun.
History - The hill station of Almora is situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge
of a mountain, the eastern portion of which is called Talifat and the western
one is known as Selifat. The landscape attracts tourists each year for its views
of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts and cuisine, and is a business
hub for the Kumaon region. Developed by the kings of Chand dynasty, it was
later maintained and further developed by the British regime.
The ancient town of Almora, before its establishment, was under the
possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated the major part of this land
to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was
founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally
located place in 1568 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it
was called Rajapur. The name ‘Rajpur’ is also mentioned on a number of
ancient copper plates.
Almora town was the administrative headquarter of the Kumaun district;
that was formed in 1815 following the defeat of Gorkha army in the Anglo-
Gorkha war and the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. The Kumaun district then
consisted of the complete Kumaon Division excluding the Terai district with
its headquarters at Kashipur. In 1837, Garhwal was made a separate district
with its Headquarters at Pauri. The Nainital district was carved out of the
Kumaun District in 1891, and the Kumaon District was then renamed Almora
District after its Headquarters. Pithoragarh district was carved out of Almora
on 24 February 1960 and Bageshwar district on 15 September 1997.
Flora- The region is immensely rich with 4000 species of plants, having
remarkable diversity by virtue of its being at a great range of elevation. In
addition to its’ climatic variations, particularly in temperature and
precipitation associated with the alignment and altitudes of ranges and nature
of valleys, determine the altitudinal growth and variety of vegetation. The
flora of this region may be classified into tropihcal, Himalayan sub-tropical
and sub alpine and alpine vegetation. The alpine and sub alpine zones are
considered as the most natural abode of the largest number of medicinal
plants. Considering the various parameters, the vegetation of this region, can
broadly be divided into four parts.
Sub-tropical Forest - This kind of forest zone lies between the altitude of
300 m and 1500 m and comprises of the following forest communities.
Sal (Shorea robusta) Community: - This is a deciduous type of plant
community ranges from 300 m to 1000 m altitude. The tree species of this
community are Semecarpus anacardium, Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Bauhinia
vahlii, Madhuca longifolia, Cassia fistula etc..
Chir / Pine (Pinus roxburghii) Community: - This evergreen plant
community is mainly found in dry hill slopes between 1200 m to 1800 m.
The forest floor is often clear. However, Pyrus pashia, Dalbergia sericia,
Caseana elliptica, Syzygium Cumini are other species grow with pine.
Vijaysar (Engelhardtia spiicata) Community: - It is a deciduous type of
plant community found in shady and and wet place ranging from 800 m to
1500 m in altitudes. The trees Sapium onsigne, Dalbergia sissoo, Syzygium
cumini are few among other species.
Ramal (Macaranga pustulata) Community: - This is a deciduous plant
community mainly found on eroded slopes or riverine area. This community
has mainly Mallotus philippinensis, Toona serrata etc plants.
Faliyal Oak (Qurecus gloca) Community: - This is evergreen community
found in shady and moist place upto 1500 meter altitude. The trees such as
Pyrus pashia, Emblica officinalis and shrubs Callicarpa arborea, Rubus
ellipticus are the other associates of this community.
Chair Pine and Bany Oak Community: - This community is mainly
found between the altitude 1500 m to 1800 m. Myrica esculenta,
Rhododendron arboreum, Pyrus pashia etc are the other tree species of this
community.
Sub-temparate forest- The forest communities of this zone are generally
found 1800 m to 2800 m altitude. The plant communities which belong to
this zone are: -
Deodar (Cedrus deodara) Community: - The evergreen communities of
plants is found between 1800 m to 2200 m altitude. The shrubs which belong
to this community are Rubus ellipticus and Berberis asiatica.
Utis (Alnus Nepalensis): - This deciduous plant community generally
found between 1400 to 2200 m altitude. Some of the important species of this
community are Rubus ellipticus and Betula alnoides.
Horse chestnut (Esculus indica) Community: - This deciduous
community occurs between 2000 and 2500 m altitude. The species of trees
which belong to this community are Betula alnoides, Juglans regia and Litsea
umbrosa.
Kal (Pinus walechina) Community: - This ever green forest resides from
2100 mts to 2800 mts altitude.
Banj oak (Quercus leucotriochophora) Community: - This is also an
evergreen plant community found between 1800 m and 2200 m altitude.
Rianj Oak (Quercus lanuginosa) Community: - Same as above two this
community is also evergreen and is found from 2000 to 2500 m in altitude.
Myrica esculenta, Betula alnoides, Pyrus pasia are among the other tree
species of this community. This community also attains the same attitudinal
range as mentioned for banj oak forest.
Tilonj oak (Q florebunda) Community: - This community occurs
between 2200 m and 2700 m altitude. The co-dominant species of this forest
are R.arboreum, Lyonia ovalifolia, Litsea umbrosa etc.
Sub Alpine Forest Community- This plant community is found from
2800 to 3800 m altitude. Bhoj patra, Betula utilis Kharsu oak,
Q.semecarpifolia and Silver fir (Abies pindrow), are the main species of this
community.
Alpine Community- The most interior community of this region lies
between 3800 and 5000 m altitude. Low shrubs and grassy meadows are
more common categories of this community. With the increase in altitude the
Page 4


Almora
Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a breathtaking
panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring
grandeur of natural beauty. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique
handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an
easy accessibility, it is also called the Cultural Capital of Kumaun.
History - The hill station of Almora is situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge
of a mountain, the eastern portion of which is called Talifat and the western
one is known as Selifat. The landscape attracts tourists each year for its views
of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts and cuisine, and is a business
hub for the Kumaon region. Developed by the kings of Chand dynasty, it was
later maintained and further developed by the British regime.
The ancient town of Almora, before its establishment, was under the
possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated the major part of this land
to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was
founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally
located place in 1568 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it
was called Rajapur. The name ‘Rajpur’ is also mentioned on a number of
ancient copper plates.
Almora town was the administrative headquarter of the Kumaun district;
that was formed in 1815 following the defeat of Gorkha army in the Anglo-
Gorkha war and the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. The Kumaun district then
consisted of the complete Kumaon Division excluding the Terai district with
its headquarters at Kashipur. In 1837, Garhwal was made a separate district
with its Headquarters at Pauri. The Nainital district was carved out of the
Kumaun District in 1891, and the Kumaon District was then renamed Almora
District after its Headquarters. Pithoragarh district was carved out of Almora
on 24 February 1960 and Bageshwar district on 15 September 1997.
Flora- The region is immensely rich with 4000 species of plants, having
remarkable diversity by virtue of its being at a great range of elevation. In
addition to its’ climatic variations, particularly in temperature and
precipitation associated with the alignment and altitudes of ranges and nature
of valleys, determine the altitudinal growth and variety of vegetation. The
flora of this region may be classified into tropihcal, Himalayan sub-tropical
and sub alpine and alpine vegetation. The alpine and sub alpine zones are
considered as the most natural abode of the largest number of medicinal
plants. Considering the various parameters, the vegetation of this region, can
broadly be divided into four parts.
Sub-tropical Forest - This kind of forest zone lies between the altitude of
300 m and 1500 m and comprises of the following forest communities.
Sal (Shorea robusta) Community: - This is a deciduous type of plant
community ranges from 300 m to 1000 m altitude. The tree species of this
community are Semecarpus anacardium, Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Bauhinia
vahlii, Madhuca longifolia, Cassia fistula etc..
Chir / Pine (Pinus roxburghii) Community: - This evergreen plant
community is mainly found in dry hill slopes between 1200 m to 1800 m.
The forest floor is often clear. However, Pyrus pashia, Dalbergia sericia,
Caseana elliptica, Syzygium Cumini are other species grow with pine.
Vijaysar (Engelhardtia spiicata) Community: - It is a deciduous type of
plant community found in shady and and wet place ranging from 800 m to
1500 m in altitudes. The trees Sapium onsigne, Dalbergia sissoo, Syzygium
cumini are few among other species.
Ramal (Macaranga pustulata) Community: - This is a deciduous plant
community mainly found on eroded slopes or riverine area. This community
has mainly Mallotus philippinensis, Toona serrata etc plants.
Faliyal Oak (Qurecus gloca) Community: - This is evergreen community
found in shady and moist place upto 1500 meter altitude. The trees such as
Pyrus pashia, Emblica officinalis and shrubs Callicarpa arborea, Rubus
ellipticus are the other associates of this community.
Chair Pine and Bany Oak Community: - This community is mainly
found between the altitude 1500 m to 1800 m. Myrica esculenta,
Rhododendron arboreum, Pyrus pashia etc are the other tree species of this
community.
Sub-temparate forest- The forest communities of this zone are generally
found 1800 m to 2800 m altitude. The plant communities which belong to
this zone are: -
Deodar (Cedrus deodara) Community: - The evergreen communities of
plants is found between 1800 m to 2200 m altitude. The shrubs which belong
to this community are Rubus ellipticus and Berberis asiatica.
Utis (Alnus Nepalensis): - This deciduous plant community generally
found between 1400 to 2200 m altitude. Some of the important species of this
community are Rubus ellipticus and Betula alnoides.
Horse chestnut (Esculus indica) Community: - This deciduous
community occurs between 2000 and 2500 m altitude. The species of trees
which belong to this community are Betula alnoides, Juglans regia and Litsea
umbrosa.
Kal (Pinus walechina) Community: - This ever green forest resides from
2100 mts to 2800 mts altitude.
Banj oak (Quercus leucotriochophora) Community: - This is also an
evergreen plant community found between 1800 m and 2200 m altitude.
Rianj Oak (Quercus lanuginosa) Community: - Same as above two this
community is also evergreen and is found from 2000 to 2500 m in altitude.
Myrica esculenta, Betula alnoides, Pyrus pasia are among the other tree
species of this community. This community also attains the same attitudinal
range as mentioned for banj oak forest.
Tilonj oak (Q florebunda) Community: - This community occurs
between 2200 m and 2700 m altitude. The co-dominant species of this forest
are R.arboreum, Lyonia ovalifolia, Litsea umbrosa etc.
Sub Alpine Forest Community- This plant community is found from
2800 to 3800 m altitude. Bhoj patra, Betula utilis Kharsu oak,
Q.semecarpifolia and Silver fir (Abies pindrow), are the main species of this
community.
Alpine Community- The most interior community of this region lies
between 3800 and 5000 m altitude. Low shrubs and grassy meadows are
more common categories of this community. With the increase in altitude the
plant shape become more small and cushion like.The sub-alpine zones of
Almora and outskirts are a natural sanctuary for leopard, Langur, Himalayan
black bear, kakar, goral etc. Whereas the high altitude zones abound musk
deer, popularly called Kastura Mrig, snow leopard, blue sheep, thar etc. The
entire zone is rich in a remarkable variety of birds possessing plumage of
magnificent design and colours like peacock, which include grey quail, Kala
Titar, Whistling thrush, Chakor, monal pheasant cheer pheasant, koklas
pheasant etc. The relation between the fauna and their favorite flora would be
clear from the following table: -
Forest
Type
Wild Life / Birds
Sub-
trophical
Tiger, Chital (Axis axis) Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Fox (Vulpes
vulpes montanus), Boar (Sus scrofa)
Tropical
rain
Forest
Goral (Nemoahaedus goral), Kalij Pheasant (Lophura
leucomelana), Peora Patridge (hill Patridge, Chir Pheasant)
Mixed
Cane
Forest
Himalayan Thar, Monal, Koklas
Khusoo
Forest
Musk Deer (Moschus moschiiferus), Himalayan Thar, Black Bear
Sub
Alpine
Blue Sheep / ‘Bharal’ (Pseudois nahoor) Monal
Alpine
Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia), Monal, Black Beer, Marmot,
Bharal, Snow Cock (Tetraogallus himalayensis), Snow Patridge
(Lerwa lerwa) etc.
Blocks- 1-Bhaisiachana, 2- Bhikiyasain, 3- Chaukhutiya, 4- Dhauladevi, 5-
Dwarahat, 6- Hawalbag, 7- Lamgara, 8- Sult, 9- Syalde, 10- Takula, 11-
Tarikhet.
TOURISM AND IMPORTANT PLACES
Almora-Almora is the district headquarters. The town including cantonement
is built on saddle-shaped ridge about 3km in length running in almost E-W
Page 5


Almora
Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a breathtaking
panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring
grandeur of natural beauty. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique
handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an
easy accessibility, it is also called the Cultural Capital of Kumaun.
History - The hill station of Almora is situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge
of a mountain, the eastern portion of which is called Talifat and the western
one is known as Selifat. The landscape attracts tourists each year for its views
of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts and cuisine, and is a business
hub for the Kumaon region. Developed by the kings of Chand dynasty, it was
later maintained and further developed by the British regime.
The ancient town of Almora, before its establishment, was under the
possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated the major part of this land
to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was
founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally
located place in 1568 by Kalyan Chand. In the days of the Chand Kings it
was called Rajapur. The name ‘Rajpur’ is also mentioned on a number of
ancient copper plates.
Almora town was the administrative headquarter of the Kumaun district;
that was formed in 1815 following the defeat of Gorkha army in the Anglo-
Gorkha war and the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. The Kumaun district then
consisted of the complete Kumaon Division excluding the Terai district with
its headquarters at Kashipur. In 1837, Garhwal was made a separate district
with its Headquarters at Pauri. The Nainital district was carved out of the
Kumaun District in 1891, and the Kumaon District was then renamed Almora
District after its Headquarters. Pithoragarh district was carved out of Almora
on 24 February 1960 and Bageshwar district on 15 September 1997.
Flora- The region is immensely rich with 4000 species of plants, having
remarkable diversity by virtue of its being at a great range of elevation. In
addition to its’ climatic variations, particularly in temperature and
precipitation associated with the alignment and altitudes of ranges and nature
of valleys, determine the altitudinal growth and variety of vegetation. The
flora of this region may be classified into tropihcal, Himalayan sub-tropical
and sub alpine and alpine vegetation. The alpine and sub alpine zones are
considered as the most natural abode of the largest number of medicinal
plants. Considering the various parameters, the vegetation of this region, can
broadly be divided into four parts.
Sub-tropical Forest - This kind of forest zone lies between the altitude of
300 m and 1500 m and comprises of the following forest communities.
Sal (Shorea robusta) Community: - This is a deciduous type of plant
community ranges from 300 m to 1000 m altitude. The tree species of this
community are Semecarpus anacardium, Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Bauhinia
vahlii, Madhuca longifolia, Cassia fistula etc..
Chir / Pine (Pinus roxburghii) Community: - This evergreen plant
community is mainly found in dry hill slopes between 1200 m to 1800 m.
The forest floor is often clear. However, Pyrus pashia, Dalbergia sericia,
Caseana elliptica, Syzygium Cumini are other species grow with pine.
Vijaysar (Engelhardtia spiicata) Community: - It is a deciduous type of
plant community found in shady and and wet place ranging from 800 m to
1500 m in altitudes. The trees Sapium onsigne, Dalbergia sissoo, Syzygium
cumini are few among other species.
Ramal (Macaranga pustulata) Community: - This is a deciduous plant
community mainly found on eroded slopes or riverine area. This community
has mainly Mallotus philippinensis, Toona serrata etc plants.
Faliyal Oak (Qurecus gloca) Community: - This is evergreen community
found in shady and moist place upto 1500 meter altitude. The trees such as
Pyrus pashia, Emblica officinalis and shrubs Callicarpa arborea, Rubus
ellipticus are the other associates of this community.
Chair Pine and Bany Oak Community: - This community is mainly
found between the altitude 1500 m to 1800 m. Myrica esculenta,
Rhododendron arboreum, Pyrus pashia etc are the other tree species of this
community.
Sub-temparate forest- The forest communities of this zone are generally
found 1800 m to 2800 m altitude. The plant communities which belong to
this zone are: -
Deodar (Cedrus deodara) Community: - The evergreen communities of
plants is found between 1800 m to 2200 m altitude. The shrubs which belong
to this community are Rubus ellipticus and Berberis asiatica.
Utis (Alnus Nepalensis): - This deciduous plant community generally
found between 1400 to 2200 m altitude. Some of the important species of this
community are Rubus ellipticus and Betula alnoides.
Horse chestnut (Esculus indica) Community: - This deciduous
community occurs between 2000 and 2500 m altitude. The species of trees
which belong to this community are Betula alnoides, Juglans regia and Litsea
umbrosa.
Kal (Pinus walechina) Community: - This ever green forest resides from
2100 mts to 2800 mts altitude.
Banj oak (Quercus leucotriochophora) Community: - This is also an
evergreen plant community found between 1800 m and 2200 m altitude.
Rianj Oak (Quercus lanuginosa) Community: - Same as above two this
community is also evergreen and is found from 2000 to 2500 m in altitude.
Myrica esculenta, Betula alnoides, Pyrus pasia are among the other tree
species of this community. This community also attains the same attitudinal
range as mentioned for banj oak forest.
Tilonj oak (Q florebunda) Community: - This community occurs
between 2200 m and 2700 m altitude. The co-dominant species of this forest
are R.arboreum, Lyonia ovalifolia, Litsea umbrosa etc.
Sub Alpine Forest Community- This plant community is found from
2800 to 3800 m altitude. Bhoj patra, Betula utilis Kharsu oak,
Q.semecarpifolia and Silver fir (Abies pindrow), are the main species of this
community.
Alpine Community- The most interior community of this region lies
between 3800 and 5000 m altitude. Low shrubs and grassy meadows are
more common categories of this community. With the increase in altitude the
plant shape become more small and cushion like.The sub-alpine zones of
Almora and outskirts are a natural sanctuary for leopard, Langur, Himalayan
black bear, kakar, goral etc. Whereas the high altitude zones abound musk
deer, popularly called Kastura Mrig, snow leopard, blue sheep, thar etc. The
entire zone is rich in a remarkable variety of birds possessing plumage of
magnificent design and colours like peacock, which include grey quail, Kala
Titar, Whistling thrush, Chakor, monal pheasant cheer pheasant, koklas
pheasant etc. The relation between the fauna and their favorite flora would be
clear from the following table: -
Forest
Type
Wild Life / Birds
Sub-
trophical
Tiger, Chital (Axis axis) Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Fox (Vulpes
vulpes montanus), Boar (Sus scrofa)
Tropical
rain
Forest
Goral (Nemoahaedus goral), Kalij Pheasant (Lophura
leucomelana), Peora Patridge (hill Patridge, Chir Pheasant)
Mixed
Cane
Forest
Himalayan Thar, Monal, Koklas
Khusoo
Forest
Musk Deer (Moschus moschiiferus), Himalayan Thar, Black Bear
Sub
Alpine
Blue Sheep / ‘Bharal’ (Pseudois nahoor) Monal
Alpine
Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia), Monal, Black Beer, Marmot,
Bharal, Snow Cock (Tetraogallus himalayensis), Snow Patridge
(Lerwa lerwa) etc.
Blocks- 1-Bhaisiachana, 2- Bhikiyasain, 3- Chaukhutiya, 4- Dhauladevi, 5-
Dwarahat, 6- Hawalbag, 7- Lamgara, 8- Sult, 9- Syalde, 10- Takula, 11-
Tarikhet.
TOURISM AND IMPORTANT PLACES
Almora-Almora is the district headquarters. The town including cantonement
is built on saddle-shaped ridge about 3km in length running in almost E-W
direction witj an elevation varying from about 1700 to 1800m. Its original
nucleus was Khagmara Fort, situated on the eastern slope facing the Suyal
river, opposite Bandani Devi. This area was inhabited by Katyuri princes in
about 14
th
 century. Later, the town was developed by Chand rulers between
the 15
th
 and 16
th
 century.
Nanda Devi Mandir-The Nanda Devi Mandir was built by the Chand
Rajas. The idol of the goddess is located in the antechamber of a Shiva
temple and is much revered by the locals. Every September, Almora comes
alive as thousands flocks to this temple for the Nanda Devi Mela, a riot of
pageantry that lasts for a full five days. The mela is an integral part of this
temple for more than 400 years
Banri Devi Temple-Banri Devi Temple is situated 26 kms from Almora on
the Almora-Lamgarha Road. One has to trek almost ten kms and hence
reaching this temple is extremely arduous. The octagonal temple has an
ancient idol of Vishnu with the Sheshnag pose, i.e. the four armed Vishnu
sleeping on the Sheshnag.
Katarmal Sun Temple- Gana Nath Temple-Gana Nath Temple, 47 kms
from Almora, is famous for its caves and a Shiva temple. During the special
Kartik Purnima carnival held at the temple, the entire region echoes with the
sounds of rhythmic hymns and captivating folk songs.
Binsar Mahadev Temple, Ranikhet-Amidst the thick deodar is situated
the holy temple of Binsar Mahadev. Along with its divinity and spiritual
ambiance, this place is famed for its impeccable nature’s beauty. Binsar
Mahadev is said to have been built in 9/10
th
 Century and thus has been an
important religious place. With idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri and
Maheshmardini, this temple is known for its architectural finesse. The idol of
Maheshmardini is engraved with texts in ‘ Nagarilipi ‘ that dates back to 9
th
century. The shrine is believed to be built by King Pithu in memory of his
father Bindu and it is also known as Bindeshwar temple. Overlooking a small
stream and surrounded by forest of deodar, pine and oak, this temple makes
quite a place to visit in the state.A big fair takes place here on the occasion of
Baikunth Chaturdashi every year. Women taking lamp (deepak) on their
palms pray for blessing of a baby for night long, with the strong belief of
their desires to be fulfilled
Jageshwar Dham Temples, Almora-One of the finest examples of
architecture in Uttarakhand, Jageshwar Dham is a group of temples dedicated