Katarmal Sun Temple Almora Uttarakhand: Guide 2026

Katarmal Sun Temple History

The Katarmal Sun Temple Almora Uttarakhand is such a historic temple, built over 800 to 1200 years ago, reflecting the ancient and pre-medieval eras of Indian history. This monumental temple is a nationally important site protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). 

Historic Origin and Construction: The Katarmal Sun Temple was built by King Katarmalla, a ruler of the Katyuri Dynasty, who ruled in this region during the 9th to 13th centuries.  According to the surveys of ASI, the temple is over 1000 years old, constructed in the 9th century.  

Legends and Mythology: According to Hindu mythology, during the Satya Yuga, a demon named Kalmeni captured sages in the hills of this region. The sages prayed to Surya Dev at the banks of the Kosi River to please him, and God Surya manifested his light on a Vatshilla (a massive stone), where the king Katarmalla built a temple of the God Sun.  Surya Dev is the main deity of the temple, which is worshipped as “BurahAditya,” which means old Sun God.

Architecture Of The Katarmal Sun Temple

The Katarmal Sun Temple Uttarakhand a unique blend of Nagara architecture and Katyamuri architecture with Kumaoni Craftsmanship featuring intricate stone carvings, metallic sculptures, and fine woodwork. The wooden doors and panels of the temple are moved to the National Museum in Delhi for safekeeping after the theft of a priceless idol of the 10th century. 

Features are: 

• Unique stone carvings and metal sculptures make it one of the largest and most significant Sun temples in the Kumaon region. 

• A tall shikhara that mimics the Sun rays and symbolically reaches towards the Himalayas.

• Intricate wooden doors and panels, which were shifted in the National Museum, are another unique feature. 

• The Layout of the temple, which consists of a large complex along with 45 small shrines, is dedicated to various hindu dieties, like Shiva-Parvati and Nar-Narayana. 

The Katarmal Sun Temple is all-seasonal; it is accessible all year round, but the best time is during the summer months (March to June) and the post-monsoon season (September to November), as these months offer pleasant weather, ideal for trekking and temple visits. 

Here is a brief seasonal weather guide that helps you in planning a safe journey.

Summer Season (Mar to June)

Summer is the most pleasant time of the year, with cool weather and mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C . The pleasant weather with vibrant flora, clear skies, and excellent accessibility make it an ideal time for sightseeing and temple visits. 

Monsoon Season (July to August)

The Monsoon brings heavy rain in this region with a temperature ranging between 18°C and 26°C , increasing the risk of landslides, which makes trails slippery and difficult to navigate. Travel is not recommended at this time due to heavy rain.

Autumn Season (September to October)

The Post-monsoon is another ideal time to visit the Katarmal Sun Temple, as it experiences comfortable weather after the wet monsoon, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 24°C . The pleasant weather with clear skies and vibrant scenery provides favorable travel conditions, making it ideal for trekking and other outdoor activities. 

Winter season (November to February)

Winter is cool, with temperatures dropping from 2°C to 10°C , but it is beautiful and peaceful, as the first rays of the Sun fall directly on the Idol of the Sun God, especially on specific dates, such as 22 February or 22 November, offering a mesmerizing spiritual experience.

Important Visiting Tips

• Winter visits: If you want to witness the unique architectural alignment (when the first sun rays fall directly on the deity), plan during the winter months of November or February, which provides a peaceful spiritual experience.
  
  

• Summer and Autumn: March to June and September to October are ideal for family travelers, providing pleasant weather with clear skies, accessible trails, and great visibility, making it the most ideal time for trekking, temple visits, and sightseeing. 

• Avoid monsoon: The Monsoon is not a recommended time period for travel, as it is a time of heavy rain that leads to landslides and roadblocks, which make travel risky or difficult. 

Katarmal Sun Temple Timings

The closing and opening time of Katarmal Sun Temple are from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Here are the morning and evening Darshan hours, mentioned in the table below. 

Note: Timings can vary during spiritual and religious occasions.

Entry Note: Entry to the temple is free for all general visitors.

How To Reach Katarmal Sun Temple

The Sun Temple Katarmal Almora Uttarakhand, is accessible by air, train, and road, but there is no direct air or train connectivity to the temple itself. You must travel by road and trek for the final leg to the temple. 

Here is a brief guide on how to reach Katarman Sun Temple Almora Uttarakhand– 

By Air: 

The Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, which is approximately 125 km from Almora and 133 km from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple directly or take a bus to Almora; from there, take a local jeep towards the temple.

Note: The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is another major airport of Uttarakhand; you can also take a flight to this airport if you don’t get a flight to Pantnagar airport, and then continue the rest of your journey by road. 

By Train:

The Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railhead, located 90 km from the Katamal Sun Temple. From the station, you can easily find a taxi or local bus to Almora, and from there, transfer to another bus or taxi to reach the temple. 

By Road:

The Katarmal Sun Temple has great road connectivity to major cities, like Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. You can take a state-run bus to Almora from Haldwani. From there, take another bus or taxi to reach the Katarmal Sun Temple.

Note: The Final stretch to the Katarmal Sun Temple involves a 2 km uphill trek from Kosi Village, providing panoramic views of the high Himalayan hills. 

Katarmal Sun Temple Route

From Almora

Almora is a scenic town in Uttarakhand, home to numerous temples and renowned as the queen of the Kumaon hills. From Almora to the Katarmal Sun Temple is 19 km. To reach the Katarmal Sun Temple from Almora, you first travel to Kosi Village (base for trek) and from there, you need to embark on a trek for the final stretch to the temple. Here are the details about the route, distance, travel time, and travel options. 

• Distance: 19 km by road + 2 km trek 

• Travel Time: about 1 hour for a drive and 30 minutes for a trek

• Travel Option: Taxi, Bus, or shared jeep 

• Route: The NH-109 route

From Haldwani

Haldwani is another scenic spot for the journey. To reach the Katarmal Sun Temple from Haldwani, you need to cover a distance of around 107 km, which takes almost 4-5 hours to complete. The journey involves a scenic drive from Haldwani to Kosi Village via car, taxi, or Jeep, and from there, a 2 km uphill trek to reach the temple. Here is a route detail.

• Distance:  Approx. 107 km by road

• Travel Time: 4-5 hours drive + 30-minute trek

• Travel Option: Bus costs (around ₹250 per person), taxi costs (around ₹2000 to ₹2200 for a one-way trip), or shared Jeep.

• Route: Bhowali-Almora road (NH-109 route)

From Ranikhet

From Ranikhet to Katarmal Sun Temple distance is around 25 km, which can be covered by hiring a taxi or bus towards Almora or directly to Kosi. From there, head on a 2 km trek to reach the temple. Here is the detail below. 

• Distance: 25 km by road 

• Travel Time: 1-2 hours 

• Travel Option: taxi, bus, or shared jeep

• Route: Almora-Kosi road

From Nainital

Nainital is a serene hill station of Uttarakhand, known for its stunning natural beauty. To reach the Katarmal Sun Temple from Nainital, you need to cover a distance of around 82 km by road via bus, car, or taxi and then embark on a trek to the temple. Below are details about the journey.

• Distance: 82 km + 2 km trek

• Travel Time: 3-4 hours drive + 30-minute trek

• Travel Option: Bus, car, taxi, or Shared Jeep

• Route: Bhowali-Almora road (NH-109 route)

Uttarakhand Top Packages 

Places To Visit Near Katarmal Sun Temple 

1) Jageshwar Dham

A revered Shiv shrine surrounded by 124 ancient stone temples, dating back to the Post-Gupta and pre-medieval eras. This shrine is nestled in the dense oak forest of the Himalayas, located 37 km from Almora and 23 km from the Katarmal Sun Temple, accessible by a short drive via Taxi, Bus, or Shared jeep.  

2) Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Chitai Golu Devta Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to the local deity Golu Devta, known as the “God of Justice”  (believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva). Located 9 km from Almora, it’s a significant site where devotees write petitions and hang them at the temple complex to seek justice.  

3) Kasar Devi Temple

Kasar Devi Temple, a revered temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga and situated on the Van Allen magnetic belt, is known for its serene environment and scenic location, surrounded by the panoramic Himalayan peaks. It is located at a distance of around 10 km from Almora and is accessible via a short drive.

4) Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

A tiger-reserved wildlife sanctuary, famous for its diverse flora and fauna, situated at an altitude of 2,270 meters, on Binsar road at a distance of around 35 km from Almora. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. 

5) Bright End Point

A scenic viewpoint located at the edge of the Almora bridge, popular for its breathtaking Sunset and Sunrise viewpoints over the Himalayas. The place also houses Shri Ramakrishna Kutir and Vivekanand Library. 

6) Deer Park

A natural wonder site, located at a short distance of around 3 km from Almora and surrounded by dense oak and pine trees, making it ideal for nature walks and Photography.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary To Visit Katarmal Sun Temple

Day 1: Arrival in Almora

• Morning & Afternoon: Arrive at Almora and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the local markets.

• Evening & Night: visit the Bright end corner in Almora and enjoy the beautiful Sunset views over the Himalayas. Stay overnight at Almora.

Day 2: Visit Katarmal Sun Temple & Local Exploration

• Morning & Afternoon: Drive early from Almora to Kosi Village and head on a trek to the Katarmal Sun Temple. Explore the temple with its 44 small shrines. 

• Evening & Night: Trek back to Kosi village and proceed to nearby attractions such as Kasar Devi or Jageswar Dham. Plan your return journey.  

Accommodation And Food Options 

Stay Options: Hotels in Katarmal Sun Temple are available in the nearby areas, such as Kosi Village, Almora, and Binsar, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Here are some suggested options.

Note: Price can vary by season or the service provider; it’s recommended to confirm with local sources.

Food Options: There are so many local eateries, including restaurants, dhabas, and cafes, serving local cuisine at basic price rates. And some accommodations, such as Mohan Binsar Retreat and Rudra Resort, have in-house restaurants serving various cuisines.

• Rashtra Mangal Katarmal Food Center: located very close to the temple, known for providing tasty vegetarian food at a lower price, from ₹50 to ₹200. 

• Mohan’s Cafe: known for providing cuisine such as Italian and Indian Cuisine in a good ambiance. 

• The Kasar Kitchen: A popular restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine at a price range from ₹200 to ₹400. 

• Cafes & Bakeries: The Farmuas Bakery is a popular bakery, serving baked items and snacks. 

Travel Tips For Visitors

Best Time of Day to Visit: Choose the right time for your trip; plan in the summer or autumn months for a peaceful and comfortable experience. Visit in the early morning or late evening to witness Sunrise and Sunset views. 

Start early: Start your trip early if you are planning to cover local sightseeing, such as the Jageshwar temple or the Chitai Golu devta temple. 

Pack Essentials: Pack light and smart, and carry all the essentials, such as water bottles, light snacks, a flashlight, a medical kit, and clothing according to the season. 

Choose Almora as a Base: Choose to stay in Almora to get direct access to the temple and other scenic sites.

Be respectful: respect the site and the environment; follow the local guidelines and rules. Dress modestly.

Taste local flavors: Try local Kumaoni cuisine such as aloo ke gutke, Bal mithai, etc., and explore the local culture of the region. 

Photography etiquette: Photography may not be prohibited inside the temple, but ask for permission before photographing locals or during prayer times.  

Conclusion

FAQs 

1. What is the Katarmal Sun Temple Famous For?

The Katarmal Sun Temple is a famous temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya,  known for its 9th-century Katyuri architecture and significance; it is a site of national importance, protected by ASI.

2. Where is the Katarmal Sun Temple located?

The Katarmal Sun Temple is located in the Kosi Valley of Almora town in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,116 meters above sea level. Surrounded by dense forest offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is located at a distance of about 19 km from Almora. 

3. Who Built the Katarmal Sun Temple? 

The Katarmal Sun Temple in Almora was built by the Katyuri king Katarmalla between the 9th and 13th centuries, making it one of the oldest temples in India. It is considered the second most important Sune temple after the Kornark temple in Odisha. 

4. How do you get to the Katarmal Sun Temple?

To reach the Katarmal Sun Temple, first travel to Almora by air via Pantnagar airport or by train via Kathgodam railway station, and then continue to Almora by road via car and taxi. From Almora, continue to Kosi Village (base camp) and then head on a 2 km uphill trek to reach the Katarmal Sun Temple. 

5. What is the Architecture of the Katarmal Temple?

The architecture of the Katarmal Sun Temple showcases a unique Katyuri architecture, featuring massive stone construction with intricate carvings, massive walls, and shikhars. The main sanctum of the temple includes 45 smaller shrines.

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