Almora District was founded as the Chand capital by Raja Kalyan Chand in 1568. Known as the cultural soul of Kumaon, it has nurtured luminaries such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, and Sumitranandan Pant.
1. Administrative Overview & Structure
Governed under the jurisdiction of the District Magistrate and Collector, Almora District functions as an essential administrative constituent of Kumaon Division. The district administration coordinates law and order, land revenue records, panchayati raj rural governance, civic utilities, disaster preparedness, and tourism infrastructure.
Official Collectorate & Administration:
District Headquarters: Almora | Division: Kumaon Division | Total Tehsils: 9
Tehsils and Sub-Divisions
The district is administratively subdivided into the following tehsils for revenue collection and executive administration:
Community Development Blocks
Rural grassroots development and Panchayati Raj schemes are implemented through the following development blocks:
2. Geography, Rivers & Climate
The physical landscape of Almora District exhibits remarkable topographical diversity. Ranging across mountain ridges, deep river gorges, and fertile valleys, it plays a vital ecological role in the central Himalayan hydrological network.
Major River Systems: The principal rivers and perennial tributaries draining the district include Kosi, Suyal, Ramganga (West), Gagas, supporting mountain agriculture and vital water reservoirs.
3. Census Demographics & Economy
According to the Census of India, Almora District records a total population of 622,506 (Census 2011) and an impressive literacy rate of 80.47%. The local economy is driven primarily by eco-tourism, religious pilgrimage, organic terrace farming, horticulture (apples, pears, walnuts, and citrus fruits), forest produce, and expanding service sectors.
4. Key Attractions & Tourism Highlights
Almora District shelters some of Uttarakhand's most iconic natural and cultural landmarks:
Must-Visit Destinations in this Region:
Jageshwar Dham (124 stone temples), Katarmal Sun Temple, Kasar Devi Temple (Crank’s Ridge), Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranikhet Chaubatia Orchards, Chitai Golu Devta
5. Transportation & Accessibility
The district is connected to major transport hubs across northern India via key national highways including NH 109, NH 309A, state highways, and regional mountain motor roads. Regular bus services operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC), shared cabs, and private taxis ensure smooth connectivity.
6. District Administrative Factsheet
| Administrative Attribute | Official Specification |
|---|---|
| District Name | Almora District |
| Administrative Division | Kumaon Division |
| District Headquarters | Almora |
| Total Land Area | 3,144 km² |
| Census Population | 622,506 (Census 2011) |
| Literacy Rate | 80.47% |
| Key Highways | NH 109, NH 309A |
| Major Rivers | Kosi, Suyal, Ramganga (West), Gagas |