Are you planning a trip from the well-organized city of Chandigarh to the peaceful hills of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the ways to travel, making your journey smooth and enjoyable. Almora, nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is known for its beautiful views, rich culture, and calm atmosphere. Let’s explore how you can reach this lovely destination.
Chandigarh to Almora Distance
The distance between Chandigarh and Almora is quite a long one. By road, it is approximately 450 to 600 kilometers, depending on the exact route you take. This distance translates to a journey of roughly 10 to 14 hours, depending on the type of transport, traffic conditions, and how many stops you make along the way.
How to Reach Almora from Chandigarh
You have several choices for travelling from Chandigarh to Almora, each with its own advantages. Whether you prefer a combination of train and road, a flexible road trip, or an affordable bus journey, there’s an option for you.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Driving to Almora offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the changing scenery, from the plains of Punjab to the winding mountain roads of Uttarakhand. It’s often considered one of the best ways to reach Almora if you enjoy long road trips.
- Chandigarh to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Around 450-600 km.
- Travel Time: Usually takes around 10 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and how fast you drive.
- Route: A common route involves heading towards Ambala, then Moradabad, Rampur, Rudrapur, Haldwani, and then up to Almora. Another option could be via Najibabad. The roads are generally in good condition, especially the national highways. As you get closer to the hills, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views, requiring careful driving.
- Pros: You get the most flexibility to stop whenever you like, take photos, and explore small towns along the way. It’s great for groups or families.
- Cons: It’s a very long and potentially tiring drive for the driver, especially on mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: Start very early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Chandigarh and to cover a good portion of the distance during daylight hours. Consider having two drivers if possible for such a long journey. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition before starting.
- Chandigarh to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 450-600 km.
- Travel Time: Around 10 to 14 hours, depending on the service and stops.
- Booking: You can easily book a taxi or cab service from Chandigarh. Many online platforms and local taxi stands offer one-way or round-trip services to Almora. Fares can range from ₹8,000 to ₹17,000 or more, depending on the car type and service provider.
- Pros: It’s very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can relax and enjoy the journey. Door-to-door service is a big plus, and a professional driver handles the long and sometimes challenging mountain roads.
- Cons: Can be the most expensive option, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Book your taxi from a reliable service. Confirm the fare and any extra charges (like tolls, driver’s allowance) before starting your journey.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is a popular and budget-friendly option for many travellers heading to Almora.
- Chandigarh to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 450-600 km by road.
- Travel Time: Typically takes around 13 to 16 hours, due to frequent stops and varying road conditions.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from the main ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) in Chandigarh.
- Bus Types: You can find buses operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) or other private operators. These are often non-AC buses, though semi-sleeper or AC options might be limited or require transfers.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel, with fares starting around ₹1000. Buses offer direct connectivity, even if the journey is long.
- Cons: The journey is quite long and can be less comfortable than a train or car. Direct luxury buses are less common, and you might need to take a general bus or transfer at a major hub like Haldwani.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. For such a long journey, carry essential items, snacks, water, and perhaps a travel pillow for comfort.
3. By Train
While Almora itself doesn’t have a railway station, you can take a train from Chandigarh to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable option for covering a significant portion of the distance.
- Chandigarh to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 90-95 km from Almora. Another nearby option is Ramnagar (RMR), about 130 km from Almora, which also has train connectivity.
- Travel Time (Chandigarh to Kathgodam/Ramnagar): Train journeys from Chandigarh to Kathgodam typically take around 7.5 to 10.5 hours.
- Key Trains:
- KGM Garib Rath (12208): Departs from Ambala Cantt (UMB), a short distance from Chandigarh, and reaches Kathgodam. This is a relatively fast option.
- ASR LKU Express (14616): Connects Chandigarh (CDG) to Lal Kuan (LKU), which is close to Kathgodam.
- CDG RMR Express (15064): Connects Chandigarh directly to Ramnagar.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing, especially for longer journeys, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You’ll need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam or Ramnagar to Almora.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, as popular trains and routes get booked up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam or Ramnagar, you can easily find shared taxis, private cabs, or local buses to Almora. The drive from Kathgodam to Almora is scenic and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, while from Ramnagar it will be longer.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
For those who prefer the fastest way to cover long distances, flying is an option, though it still involves a significant road journey to Almora.
- Chandigarh (Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport – IXC) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is approximately 125 km from Almora.
- Travel Time (Chandigarh to Pantnagar): There are no direct flights from Chandigarh to Pantnagar. You would typically need to take a connecting flight, usually via Delhi. The total flight duration (including layover) can range from 8 to 11 hours or more.
- Airlines: IndiGo and Air India are common airlines operating on these connecting routes.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance by air.
- Cons: This is generally the most expensive option. The connecting flights add significantly to the overall travel time, making it less efficient than it might seem. You’ll also still need to cover the significant road distance from Pantnagar to Almora.
- Tips: If you choose this option, carefully check the layover times and airport changes (if any) in Delhi. From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Almora. The road journey from Pantnagar to Almora takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
The “best” way to reach Almora from Chandigarh really depends on your preferences:
- For budget travellers: The bus is usually the most economical choice, despite the long travel time.
- For a balance of comfort and efficiency: A combination of train to Kathgodam/Ramnagar and then a taxi is often recommended, as it breaks down the long journey into more manageable parts.
- For flexibility and a direct door-to-door experience: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is ideal, though it’s a very long drive.
- For the fastest overall travel time (if willing to pay more and manage connections): A flight to Pantnagar followed by a taxi is technically the quickest for the air leg, but less direct and more expensive.
No matter which way you choose to travel, the journey from Chandigarh to Almora will lead you to a beautiful and peaceful destination. Enjoy your trip to the Kumaon region!
