Jageshwar, a cluster of large and small temples and of the Swayambhu (Jyotir Linga) Lingas to be found in India, is at a distance of 34kms. along the Almora - Pithoragarh road. Leaving the main road behind, one moves into the beautiful valley of Jataganga at Aartola and passes by the Daneshwar temple along the way, Innumerable Deodar trees tower above the grand temple complex. The complex, consisting of 124 temples and hundreds of statues, is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship.
GANANATH TEMPLE
The Gananath Mandir which is famous for its cave and Shiva temple is 47 kms. from Almora and near the Satrali village (Takula) at an altitude of 2,116 mts. A fair is held here at every Kartik Purnima and the whole place resounds with the echoes of folk songs, which are invariably accompanied by enchanting folk dances. The Kuri Master, Sahib Chandra Shekhar Lohani belonged to the nearby village of Pant Satrali. Takula is famous for its Holi celebrations. One can also reach Gananath via Ranman and Someshwar.
CHAITI TEMPLE
The sacred temple of Gollu Devata at Chitai is situated 6 kms from Almora, along the road to Pithoragarh. The Kumaonis have great faith in presiding deity of this temple, which is virtually laden with bells. Goats are sacrified as offerings in the temple. This temple was at one time, a virtual law court, for the deity receives many pleas from the distressed and oppressed.
KATARMAL TEMPLE
The imposing Surya temple (Bara Aditya) of Katarmal situated at an altitude of 2,116 mts., is 17 kms. on the Almora-Ranikhet road, (3 kms. on foot), after the picnic spots of Hawalbagh and Matela, across the river Kosi. This is the only Sun temple in this part of Kumaon.
BANRI DEVI TEMPLE
26 Km from Almora, (10 Km on foot) along the Almora - Lamgarha road, is the temple of Banari Devi (1900m). From Paudhar one has to walk for about one Km to reach this octagonal temple in which one can see a broken stone statue of the four - armed Vishnu sleeping atop the Sheshnag. Close to this is the temple of Kutumbari devi. Both these temples are said to have been constructed in the ninth century A.D. and can be reached from Jalna, Salum, Jayanti and Shahar Phatak also.
SYAHI DEVI TEMPLE
The temple of Syahi Devi is situated near Sheetlakhet at a distance of 36 Km from Almora and it can be reached both by bus and on foot. This snow-clad Himalayan peaks look truly enchanting from this point.
