Are you planning a journey from the bustling city of Moradabad to the peaceful 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 calm atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can reach this lovely destination.
Moradabad to Almora Distance
The road distance between Moradabad and Almora is approximately 150 to 211 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 4 to 6 hours, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Moradabad
You have several choices for getting from Moradabad 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.
- Moradabad to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 150-211 km. Some common routes are around 192 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 4.5 to 6 hours. Some sources suggest as fast as 4 hours via Jim Corbett (Ramnagar). This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: Common routes include going via Rudrapur or Kashipur. Another option involves going through Ramnagar (Jim Corbett), which can be faster. 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 Moradabad to avoid any potential 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.
- Moradabad to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 182-192 km.
- Travel Time: Around 4.5 to 6 hours. For example, a trip covering 182 km is often quoted at 6 hours 12 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Moradabad. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. You can expect taxi fares for a sedan to start around ₹4,550 to ₹5,950 for a one-way trip. SUVs will be more expensive, starting around ₹6,497.
- 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 Moradabad to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Moradabad to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 150-211 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 5.5 to 8 hours. For example, some direct buses take about 5 hours 35 minutes.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from the main bus stand in Moradabad.
- Bus Types: You’ll find various buses, including AC Semi-Sleeper/Sleeper options, often operated by private companies like Zingbus. UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) buses also operate on this route, though they might be ordinary non-AC types.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel, with fares starting from around ₹1,146. Buses offer direct connectivity.
- 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 its own railway station, you can take a train from Moradabad 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.
- Moradabad to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), located about 90-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) and Ramnagar (RMR) are also nearby stations with train connectivity.
- Travel Time (Moradabad to Kathgodam/Ramnagar): Train journeys from Moradabad to Kathgodam typically take around 2 hours 55 minutes to 3 hours 17 minutes. For Ramnagar, it can be as fast as 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Key Trains: Several trains run daily, including Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040), Ranikhet Exp (15013), and Utrahtia Samprk K Exp (15035) to Kathgodam. For Ramnagar, you can consider CDG RMR Express (15064).
- Train Fare: Train tickets can range from ₹75 for 2S (Second Seating) to ₹850 for EC (Executive Class).
- 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 or Ramnagar 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 (fares can range from ₹4,220 to ₹5,921 for a one-way sedan), and local buses that will take you the remaining 2.5 to 3 hours to Almora. From Ramnagar, the road journey to Almora will be longer.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
This option involves flying to the nearest airport and then continuing by road.
- Moradabad to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 125 km from Almora. Moradabad also has a nearest airport in Pantnagar.
- Flight Options: There are no direct flights from Moradabad to Pantnagar. You would typically need to travel to a major airport like Delhi first and then take a connecting flight to Pantnagar. This makes this option very time-consuming and expensive for travelling directly from Moradabad to Almora.
- Pros: Flying generally offers speed for long distances.
- Cons: The lack of direct flights and the need for connections make this a less efficient and significantly more expensive option for this specific route. Even after landing at Pantnagar, you still have a 3-4 hour road journey to Almora.
- Tips: If you were to choose this option, from Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi to Almora. Taxi fares from Pantnagar to Almora can range from ₹4,973 to ₹6,730 for a sedan. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Moradabad depends on what matters most to you:
- For budget travellers: The bus or a train to Kathgodam followed by a bus are the most economical choices.
- For comfort and a balanced journey: A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a taxi 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 quite fast, especially if you choose the shortest route.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Moradabad 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!
