Are you planning a journey from the city of Bareilly to the serene hills of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the ways to travel, making your trip easy and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is famous for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and peaceful atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can reach this lovely destination.
Bareilly to Almora Distance
The road distance between Bareilly and Almora is approximately 150 to 191 kilometers. The travel time typically ranges from 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Bareilly
You have several choices for getting from Bareilly to Almora. Each option has its own benefits, whether you prefer comfort, cost-effectiveness, or a quicker journey.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Travelling by road is a popular choice for this route, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you transition from the plains to the hills.
- Bareilly to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 150-191 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 4.5 to 6 hours. This can vary based on traffic and the number of stops you make.
- Route: The most common routes will take you through towns like Haldwani or Rudrapur and then up to Almora. The initial part of the journey is on relatively flat highways, but as you approach the Kumaon region, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views of the mountains.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore small towns. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It can be tiring for the person driving, especially on the winding mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: It’s a good idea to start early in the morning from Bareilly to avoid city traffic and enjoy the pleasant weather in the hills. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Bareilly to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 190 km.
- Travel Time: Around 4.5 to 6 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Bareilly. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. You can expect taxi fares for a sedan to start around ₹4,791 to ₹6,275 for a one-way trip.
- Pros: Very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It offers comfortable door-to-door service.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than public transport options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any extra charges like tolls or night driving fees, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical and practical way to travel from Bareilly to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Bareilly to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 137 to 191 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 7 to 8 hours.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from the Satellite Bus Stand in Bareilly.
- Bus Types: You’ll find various buses, including AC Seater/Sleeper options, often operated by private companies like Mahalaxmi Travels.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel, with fares starting from around ₹2,799. Buses offer direct connectivity to Almora or require a simple change at a major hub like Kathgodam.
- Cons: The journey can be long and sometimes less comfortable, particularly on ordinary buses. Schedules can occasionally be delayed.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during festive seasons or holidays. For a more comfortable journey, inquire about AC or sleeper buses. Carry enough water and snacks for the trip.
3. By Train
While Almora doesn’t have a railway station, you can take a train from Bareilly to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable way to cover the first part of the journey.
- Bareilly to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), located about 90-95 km from Almora. Haldwani (HDW) and Lal Kuan (LKU) are also nearby stations.
- Travel Time (Bareilly to Kathgodam): Train journeys from Bareilly to Kathgodam typically take around 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes, depending on the train.
- Key Trains: Several trains run daily or weekly, including LJN KGM Express (15043), Bagh Express (13019), and KGM Garibrath (12209).
- Train Fare: Train tickets can range from ₹145 for Sleeper Class to ₹720 for AC 2-tier.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing than a long bus journey, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You will need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam to Almora, adding an extra step to your journey.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak times, as seats can fill up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam, you’ll easily find shared taxis, private cabs, and local buses that will take you the remaining 2.5 to 3 hours to Almora. A taxi from Kathgodam to Almora can cost around ₹2,900 to ₹5,900.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
This option involves flying to the nearest airport and then continuing by road.
- Bareilly (Bareilly Airport – BEK) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 125 km from Almora.
- Flight Options: While Bareilly has its own airport, direct flights to Pantnagar are not common. You would likely need to fly from Bareilly to Delhi and then take a connecting flight to Pantnagar, which makes this option very time-consuming and expensive.
- Pros: Flying generally offers speed for long distances.
- Cons: The multiple connections make this a less efficient option for travelling directly from Bareilly to Almora. Even after landing at Pantnagar, you still have a 3-4 hour road journey to Almora.
- Tips: From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi to Almora. Taxi fares from Pantnagar to Almora for a sedan can range from ₹4,973 to ₹6,730. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Bareilly depends on what matters most to you:
- For budget travellers: The bus is usually the most economical choice.
- For comfort and a balanced journey: A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a taxi or bus is a good option.
- For maximum flexibility and a direct route: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car gives you the most control and can be the fastest, especially if you choose the shortest route.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Bareilly to Almora will lead you to a charming destination known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora
