Discover the art and culture of the Kumaon region at the Gobind Vallabh Pant Public Museum near the bus stand. You?ll be surprised to find a very rare collection of Apen folk-paintings, apart from other treasures. Bright End Corner is the place to eat the air and watch the sun rise and set over the hills. If you are in a great hurry to escape to more enchanting locales, do visit the Chitai Temple, a good 8 km from Almora. Soak in the atmosphere at this important shrine to Gollu Deva, who is the most popular Kumaon deity. Thousands of bells chime as goats are sacrificed here in place of the more pacific marigold offerings made at most other temples in India. Built more than 800 years ago by the Katyuri rulers, the Katarmal Sun Temple complex, with nearly 50 stone temples, is a prelude to a visit to the Jageshwar shrines complex. Drive down to Kosi (13 km), where you cross the river before making a 1 1/2-km trek up the mountainside to these temples. Try and time your visit around the Mahashivratri mela in spring, when the complex is awash with colour as droves of pilgrims come to worship and celebrate.