Golu Devta Temple Almora (Chitai): History, Timings & Bell Tradition

When is the best time to visit Chitai Golu Devta Temple?

Chitai Golu Temple Almora Uttarakhand is accessible all year round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months, from March to June, and autumn months, from September to October, as it experiences pleasant weather, ideal for travel and sightseeing. Here is a seasonal breakdown of the temple. 

Summer Season (March to June)

Summer is the most pleasant time of the year, with a temperature ranging from 15°C to 30°C.  The Weather is pleasant with clear skies and crisp air, ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. This period hosts the annual fair, named Golu Devta fair, which celebrates Golu Devta's birthday in the month of Chaitra (April).  

Our author Partiksha visited Chitai Golu Devta Temple in May 2026, during this summer window.

The Monsoon brings moderate to heavy rain, which potentially increases the risk of landslides and roadblocks that make travel risky or difficult. The Weather is cloudy with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. The surrounding scenery becomes lush green, which can be a picturesque time for some visitors. 

Autumn Season (September to November)

The Post-monsoon is another ideal time for visiting the temple, as it experiences pleasant and comfortable weather with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The favorable weather conditions, including clear skies, vibrant scenery, and great accessibility, make it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as nature photography. 

Winter Season (December to February)

Winters are extremely cold and harsh, with temperatures dropping to 0°C to 10°C and the possibility of snow at higher altitude regions. The temple is open at this time, ideal for those who want to witness snow-covered surroundings and a peaceful darshan experience. 

Major Festivals: 

Chitai Devta Birthday: It is a major annual festival, which is celebrated during the Chaitra (April) Month, and hosts a colorful mela attracting more visitors. 

Navratri: Chaira Navratri (April) or Sharad Navratri (September or October) is another major festival, which witnessed a huge influx of devotees, featuring special prayers and a lively atmosphere.

Best time to visit Overall: 

Ultimately, the temple is open all year round, so the best time to visit depends on the individual’s travel experience. March to June and September to October are the ideal time periods, offering the most favorable weather conditions.

If you are planning to combine your visit to Chitai Golu Devta Temple with major pilgrimages like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, or Yamunotri, it is important to check the best time to visit Char Dham Yatra, as temple opening dates, weather conditions, and road accessibility vary by season and directly impact travel planning. 

What rituals do devotees perform at the temple?

Devotees at Chitai Golu Devta Temple practice five main rituals: writing a petition (Arzi Pratha), offering a brass bell once a wish is granted, daily puja and bhog, parikarma around the temple, and the traditional Golu Devta Jagar.

There are some practices and rituals performed by devotees at the Chitai Golu Devta temple, including writing petitions for justice and hanging bells when the wishes are fulfilled. Beyond this, performing puja and offering bhog are also key traditions of the site. 

• Written Petition For Justice: one of the primary practices is “Arzi Pratha” (writing petition), performed by devotees who write their personal matters, requests, and wishes on plain paper, seeking justice from Golu Devta (the god of justice). The paper is tied on the temple premises. 

• Offering Bell: Another ritual is offering brass bells. Devotees whose wishes are fulfilled or justice is served offer bells to thank Chitai Guru. The hanging bells symbolize gratitude and fulfill Justice. 

• Puja & Bhog: Daily Puja, Aarti, and offerings, such as white clothes, turbans, and local sweet items, including milk, ghee, and Halwa Puri. These are traditional rituals performed by devotees.

• Parikarma: A calm ritual of walking around the temple premises while praying. It is a common but devotional ritual that is performed after submitting a petition.

• Golu Devta Jagar: A traditional Kumaoni ritual performed by local Jagriyas (folk singers) to invoke Golu Devta. It includes drums, chants, and storytelling about Chitai Golu Devta’s life and justice. 

What are the best places to visit near Chitai Golu Devta Temple?

There are various natural and spiritual sites to visit near the Chitrai Golu Devta temple, including Almora town, Bisar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jageshwar Dham, and more.

1) Kasar Devi Temple

An ancient and significant temple, dedicated to Devi Kasar (an incarnation of Durga), is located 12 km from the Almora District, Uttarakhand. The temple is renowned for its geomagnetic field, which has been studied by NASA, and is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, attracting devotees and travelers. 

2) Jageshwar Dham

Jageshwar Dham is a cluster of 124 ancient temples dedicated to lords shiva, located at a distance of around 36 km from Almora. The temple is surrounded by dense oak forest and peaks, often renowned as the “Valley of Gods,” featuring stone shiva lingams and intricate sculptures. It is accessible by road via a short drive from Almora. 

3) Katarmal Sun Temple

A significant archaeological site dedicated to the Sun god Surya, located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand is Katarmal Sun Temple. Holding significance as the second most sacred and functional temple after Kornark Temple, and locally known as Bara Aditya (old sun) temple.

4) Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located 35 km away from Almora, famous for its exotic wildlife species, and the Zero Point within the sanctuary is a major highlight of the place, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. 

5) Bright End Corner

A serene viewpoint is situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Famous for sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan ranges. 

6) Almora Town

Almora is a nearby town to the Chitai Golu Devta temple, located just 8 km from the temple. The town is also known as the “queen of Kumaon Hills,” famous for its unique culture, local handicrafts, and colorful bazaars, like Lal Bazaar, famous for woolen handicrafts. 

Suggested 2-day Itinerary For Chitai Golu Devta Temple From Delhi

Day 1: Travel to Almora and local exploration

• Morning & Afternoon: Arrive at Almora and check into your hotels. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kasar Devi temple, famous for its serene and natural beauty. 

• Evening & Night: Explore the local markets of Almora and enjoy the sunset at Bright End Corner. Stay overnight at Almora.

Day 2: Chitai Golu Devta Temple & Nearby Attractions

• Morning & Afternoon: Drive early from Almora to the Chitai Golu Devta temple. Explore the temple and write a petition if you have any wishes. After the darshan, proceed to Jageshwar Dham, a cluster of 124 ancient temples. 

• Evening & Night:  After exploring the site, drive back to Almora and plan your return journey to Delhi.

Where can you stay and eat near Chitai Golu Devta Temple?

Stay Options: It has a variety of accommodation options near Chitai Village and Almora town. From budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts, you can find and choose a hotel according to your preference. Some suggested options are—

Note: Prices of the given hotels can be subject to change by season or availability of the rooms, so it is advisable to confirm locally. 

Food Options: Near the temple, you can easily find local eateries and Dhabas. Wider range and better options are available in the main area of Almora. Famous food options are—

• Ashirvad Jalpaan Grah, located in Chitai Village, serves local cuisine, like Mandhua roti and Pahadi Dal.

• Guru Kripa restaurant is a Family restaurant, located in Chitai,  offering basic cuisine.

• Pahadi Rasoi, an indian restaurant, located on Binsar Road, is appreciated for serving good food and its scenic location. 

• Satya Place Restaurant is located in Almora, serves Indian and Chinese cuisine. 

Note: Don’t forget to try Bal Mithai (traditional mithai of the Kumaon Himalayan region) available at local sweet shops and  Bakeries, like Deewan Sweet Shop. 

What should you know before visiting Chitai Golu Devta Temple?

• Best time and day to visit: Choose ideal months to visit, like March to June and September to October, for a pleasant and comfortable experience. Visit early morning or late afternoon. 

• Things to carry: Pack essentials, such as light warm clothes, trekking shoes, daypacks, a medical kit, etc.  

• Respectful Behavior:  Be respectful in your behavior; respect the site and environment. 

• Dress Code: Wear modest and comfortable clothing for a peaceful darshan experience. 

• Photography etiquette: Ask for permission before taking photographs inside the main sanctum.

• Carry Cash: Digital Payment might be limited due to fewer Networks and limited ATMs, so keep cash. 

• Choose to stay in Almora: Choose to stay in Almora for the easy access to the Chitai Golu Devta temple and other sacred sights to visit, like Jageshwar Dham and Kasar Devi temple. 

Conclusion

The Chitai Golu Devta temple is more than just a place of worship; it’s a symbol of truth, faith, and living justice. The unique belief system of the site is from submitting the written petitions, offering bells after getting justice or fulfillment of wishes. This unique belief system of the site is followed by devotees, which makes this site truly special. The natural surroundings, including dense forest and Himalayan peaks with the sounds of thousands of bells, create a vibrant atmosphere.

So whether you visit for a spiritual purpose or to experience the unique culture and tradition of the Kumaon region, Chitai Golu Devta temple is a perfect destination for it. 

 FAQs 

How to worship Golu Devta?

Worship of Golu Devta of Almora generally involves writing a petition regarding your personal problem on a piece of paper and hanging it on a wall. As Chitai Golu is known as the “God of Justice," devotees visit here to seek justice. Offering a brass bell is also very auspicious, which is done after devotees' wishes are granted and petitions are answered. 

Why the thousands of bells are hanging outside the Chitai Golu Devta temple?

Generally, bells are offered in the Chitai Golu Devta temple when devotees' wishes or petitions are fulfilled. These are the testimonials of devotees whose wishes has been fulfilled after giving petition in this temple.

How much time does it take to have Darshan at Golu Devta Temple?

It usually takes around 1 to 2 hours for darshan at Golu Devta Temple, including the walking time and waiting in the queue. From the main entrance, it takes approximately 15–20 minutes to reach the temple.

On weekdays, visitors can generally complete darshan within 40–45 minutes after reaching the temple. However, during weekends, festivals, and peak tourist seasons, the waiting time may increase significantly, and the darshan queue can take 2–3 hours or more. 

Can I get a shared taxi from Almora to Chitai Golu Devta Temple?