Moradabad, often called “Peetal Nagri” (Brass City), is a prominent industrial and commercial city in Uttar Pradesh, known for its brassware exports. Ranikhet, on the other hand, is a peaceful and scenic hill station in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, offering a serene escape with panoramic views of the Himalayas and lush green surroundings. The journey from Moradabad, located in the plains, to the elevated tranquility of Ranikhet is relatively straightforward and primarily relies on road transport.
Moradabad to Ranikhet Distance
The approximate road distance between Moradabad and Ranikhet is around 150 to 200 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The journey typically takes about 4.5 to 6 hours by road, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops. The initial part of the journey is on relatively flat roads, which then transitions to winding mountain roads as you approach Ranikhet.
How to Reach Moradabad To Ranikhet
Since Ranikhet is a hill station, it does not have its own airport or major railway station. Therefore, road travel is the most practical and convenient way to reach it from Moradabad.
1. By Road (The Most Practical and Common Option)
Road travel is the most direct and common method for getting from Moradabad to Ranikhet.
a. Private Taxi or Car Rental
Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car offers the most flexibility and comfort for this journey. Taxis are readily available in Moradabad.
- Journey Details: The most common route will take you from Moradabad towards towns like Rampur, then on to Haldwani or Kashipur, and then further up into the hills towards Ranikhet. The drive through the plains is usually smooth, and as you enter the Kumaon region, the roads become winding, offering beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills.
- Benefits: This option provides door-to-door convenience, allowing you to choose your departure time and stop for breaks, photos, or meals whenever you wish. It’s ideal for families or groups.
- Cost: A private taxi for a one-way trip from Moradabad to Ranikhet can generally cost between ₹4,500 to ₹7,000, depending on the type of vehicle (e.g., hatchback, sedan, SUV) and the specific taxi service. It’s always a good idea to confirm all charges, including tolls, upfront.
b. Bus Services (Direct or with one change)
Bus services are a more economical option. You might find direct buses or need to make one change.
- Direct Buses: Some private bus operators and possibly Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) or UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) might offer direct bus services from Moradabad to Ranikhet. These are less frequent than buses to major hubs.
- Duration: A direct bus might take around 6-7 hours.
- Cost: Bus fares would be significantly cheaper than a taxi, typically a few hundred rupees.
- To Haldwani/Kathgodam (and then to Ranikhet): A more frequent and reliable option is to take a bus from Moradabad to Haldwani or Kathgodam. These are major transport hubs at the foothills of the Kumaon region.
- From Moradabad to Haldwani/Kathgodam: Buses are quite frequent on this route. This leg usually takes about 3-4 hours.
- From Haldwani/Kathgodam to Ranikhet: Once you reach Haldwani or Kathgodam (the nearest railway station), you can easily find local buses or shared taxis to Ranikhet. This final leg is a scenic mountain drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Considerations: While more economical, bus journeys can be less comfortable and take longer due to multiple stops and potential transfers.
2. By Train and Road (A Viable Alternative)
Moradabad is a major railway junction, offering good train connectivity. This can be a comfortable option for a significant portion of the journey.
- Train from Moradabad to Kathgodam (KGM):
- Kathgodam is the closest major railway station to Ranikhet, located approximately 75-80 kilometers away.
- Train Options: Moradabad (MB) has excellent train connectivity to Kathgodam (KGM). Several daily trains run on this route, including:
- Ranikhet Express (15013): This train actually passes through Moradabad and goes to Kathgodam.
- Dehradun-Kathgodam Express (14120)
- Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040)
- Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express (15035)
- Kathgodam Garib Rath (12208) (weekly)
- The train journey from Moradabad to Kathgodam typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
- Fares: Train fares vary depending on the class (e.g., Sleeper, AC Chair Car, AC 3-tier). Booking in advance is advisable, especially for popular trains.
- From Kathgodam to Ranikhet by Road:
- Once you arrive at Kathgodam railway station, you’ll find plenty of taxis (private and shared) and local buses waiting outside.
- The drive from Kathgodam to Ranikhet is very scenic, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours as you ascend into the hills.
- Cost: A private taxi from Kathgodam to Ranikhet can cost roughly ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. Shared taxis are a more budget-friendly option.
3. By Air (Not a Practical Option)
There is no airport directly in Ranikhet. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is approximately 115-120 kilometers away from Ranikhet.
- From Moradabad to Pantnagar Airport: There are no direct flights from Moradabad to Pantnagar. You would likely need to travel to a larger airport like Delhi or Lucknow and then take a connecting flight, making the journey unnecessarily long and expensive.
- From Pantnagar to Ranikhet by Road: Even if you managed to fly to Pantnagar, you would still need to take a taxi or bus for 3-4 hours to reach Ranikhet.
- Considerations: This option is highly impractical and not recommended for traveling between Moradabad and Ranikhet due to the lack of direct connectivity and the substantial road travel still required.
Important Tips for Your Journey
- Road Conditions: The roads from Moradabad to the Kumaon region are generally well-maintained, but the hill sections are winding. Drive carefully, especially during and after the monsoon season (July to September), when landslides can occur.
- Travel During Daylight: For safety and to enjoy the scenic beauty, it’s best to travel during daylight hours, especially on the winding mountain roads.
- Book in Advance: For train tickets and private taxis, especially during peak travel seasons, it’s advisable to book in advance to ensure availability and potentially better rates.
The journey from the plains of Moradabad to the refreshing hills of Ranikhet is quite manageable, offering a pleasant transition from urban life to a tranquil mountain escape.
