Katarmal Sun temple is situated near a small village town called Kosi, in Almora district, Uttrakhand nearly 20 Kilometers from city centre of Almora. This ancient temple is built by Katyuri kings of Kumaon region almost 900 years ago in between 9th to 13th century. This auspicious sun temple is a part of Katarmal village and is only 500 meters walk till temple from motor road. It is said that the temple is second most important Sun temple in world after Konark’s, Orrisa state of Indian republic. It is the only sun temple of Uttrakhand and probably in India situated in hills with an elevation of 2116 meters, where first direct sun rays illuminate lord Sun’s statue in morning.
The prime shrine is surrounded by group of temples of 45 small big temples which were built in different years of that era. Many main statues of this temples are kept safe in national museum New Delhi by ASI. From the temple complex one can see kosi river barrage, GB pant institute of Himalayan studies, ITBP complex and nearby villages and valley – a wonderful 360 degree view of the valley. A fantastic combination of history, culture and architectural brilliance – this place competes to any other religious attraction and must be included in your travel plan of Kumaon region.
HOW TO REACH
By Train / By Road: The nearest railway station to Kosi is located in Kathgodam, which is approx 110 km away from here.
By Road: you can take straight 14 hours drive to Kosi from Delhi. Almora region is well connected from all major cities by road.
By Air: The closest airport is at Pantnagar, which is around 6 hours drive away. Pantanagar have few scheduled flights from Delhi.