Are you planning a journey from the vibrant Pink City of Jaipur 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.
Jaipur to Almora Distance
The road distance between Jaipur and Almora is approximately 550 to 685 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 9 to 15 hours, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Jaipur
You have several choices for getting from Jaipur 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.
- Jaipur to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 550 to 685 km.
- Travel Time: The direct drive usually takes about 9 hours to 12 hours. Some estimates are as long as 14 hours 20 minutes, depending on the route and traffic. This can vary based on road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: Common routes involve heading towards Uttar Pradesh, possibly via Agra or Bareilly, and then entering Uttarakhand through cities like Haldwani or Rudrapur before ascending to Almora. The initial part of the journey is on national highways, but as you approach the Kumaon region, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views of the mountains, requiring careful driving.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore small towns along the way. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It’s a long and potentially tiring drive 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 very early in the morning from Jaipur to avoid city traffic and to cover a good portion of the distance during daylight hours. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Jaipur to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 600-685 km.
- Travel Time: Around 9 to 14 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Jaipur. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Goibibo, EaseMyTrip, or Gozocabs. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. One-way taxi fares can start from around ₹9,579 for a hatchback, ₹10,422 for a sedan, and ₹11,265 for an SUV.
- 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, and a professional driver handles the long and sometimes challenging mountain roads.
- 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 Jaipur to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Jaipur to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 481-685 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are typically long, ranging from 12 hours to over 18 hours 45 minutes, often with an overnight journey.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from major bus stands in Jaipur like Sindhi Camp or various boarding points across the city.
- Bus Types: You might find AC Seater/Sleeper buses from private operators like Mahalaxmi Travels. Some routes might involve transferring at major hubs like Delhi or Haldwani/Kathgodam.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel, with fares starting from around ₹2,374 to ₹2,499.
- Cons: The journey is quite long and can be less comfortable than a train or private car, especially 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 if available. Carry enough water and snacks for the trip.
3. By Train (to Nearest Station + Road)
While Almora doesn’t have its own railway station, you can take a train from Jaipur 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.
- Jaipur to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
- Travel Time (Jaipur to Kathgodam): There is generally one direct train, the Ranikhet Express (15013), which takes about 13 hours 40 minutes from Jaipur to Kathgodam.
- Key Trains: Ranikhet Express (15013) is a daily train connecting Jaipur Junction (JP) to Kathgodam (KGM).
- Train Fare: Fares vary by class: Sleeper Class (SL) around ₹345, 3rd AC (3A) around ₹930, 2nd AC (2A) around ₹1,320, and 1st AC (1A) around ₹2,195.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing for longer journeys, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: The train journey itself is long. You will need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam to Almora.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, as popular trains and routes get booked up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam, you can easily find shared taxis, private cabs (taxi fares from Kathgodam to Almora start from around ₹1,312 for an AC Sedan and ₹1,968 for an AC SUV), or local buses to Almora. The drive from Kathgodam to Almora is scenic and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
4. By Air (Flight + Road – Recommended for Speed)
This is often the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Jaipur to Almora, despite involving a road segment.
- Jaipur (Jaipur International Airport – JAI) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora.
- Flight Options: There are no direct flights from Jaipur to Pantnagar. You will need to take a connecting flight, usually via Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport – DEL).
- Flight Duration: The total flight time, including layover in Delhi, can range from 7 to 10 hours or more, depending on the layover duration. The direct flight from Delhi to Pantnagar is about 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Airlines: Airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, Air India operate flights from Jaipur to Delhi, and IndiGo often has direct flights from Delhi to Pantnagar.
- Flight Fare: One-way flight fares from Jaipur to Pantnagar (with layover) can vary significantly, starting from around ₹8,500 to ₹30,000 or more, depending on booking time, airline, and layover duration.
- Pros: This is the fastest way to cover the significant distance between Jaipur and Uttarakhand, minimizing travel fatigue compared to long train or road journeys.
- Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Requires transfers and managing baggage. You still have a road journey from Pantnagar to Almora.
- Tips: Book your flights well in advance for better fares. From Pantnagar Airport, you can easily hire a taxi to Almora. The taxi ride from Pantnagar to Almora takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Jaipur depends on what matters most to you:
- For the fastest travel time: Flight to Pantnagar + Taxi is the most efficient, despite the transfer.
- For a balance of comfort and budget: A train to Kathgodam + Taxi is a good option, offering a comfortable long-distance journey before a shorter road trip into the hills.
- For budget travellers: The bus is the most economical choice, though it’s a very long journey.
- For maximum flexibility and directness: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is ideal, though it’s a long drive.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Jaipur 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!
