Are you planning a short and scenic journey from the beautiful lake city of Nainital 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.
Nainital to Almora Distance
The road distance between Nainital and Almora is relatively short, approximately 61 to 68 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Nainital
Due to the close proximity, road travel is the most direct and common way to get from Nainital to Almora.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Common and Convenient)
Travelling by road is the most popular choice for this route, offering beautiful views as you wind through the Kumaon hills.
- Nainital to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 61 to 68 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and any stops you make.
- Route: The journey involves scenic mountain roads. You’ll pass through charming landscapes as you head towards Almora.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and enjoy the views. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: Driving on winding mountain roads requires careful attention.
- Tips: Drive carefully, especially on curves and during the monsoon season. The roads are generally well-maintained.
- Nainital to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 61-68 km.
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Nainital. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, or Bazar Taxi.
- Fares can start from around ₹1,766 for a hatchback, ₹1,825 for a sedan, and ₹3,563 for an SUV. Some services quote prices from ₹1,000 to ₹1,300 or even ₹3,000 depending on the vehicle type and operator.
- 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 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, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical way to travel from Nainital to Almora.
- Nainital to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 61-68 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are relatively short, with an average duration of around 1 hour to 2 hours 30 minutes. Some sources even state 1 hour 0 minutes for certain bus types.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from the New Bus Stand in Nainital.
- Bus Types: You might find AC Seater/Sleeper buses from private operators like VGO Bus.
- Pros: It’s generally an affordable way to travel, with fares starting from around ₹2,000 for an AC Sleeper bus.
- Cons: Fewer options compared to taxis, and schedules might be limited.
- Tips: Inquire about bus timings and availability at the local bus stand in Nainital. Book your tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak season.
3. By Train (Not Direct, Not Recommended)
Nainital itself does not have a railway station for long-distance trains. The nearest major railway station for this region is Kathgodam. Since Almora also doesn’t have a railway station and is connected by road from Kathgodam, taking a train from Nainital would involve backtracking to Kathgodam and then taking another road journey to Almora, which is inefficient.
- Nainital to Kathgodam: This is a short road journey (approx. 30-45 minutes).
- Kathgodam to Almora: This is a road journey (approx. 2.5-3 hours) as Almora doesn’t have a railway station.
- Overall: This multi-step process is much less practical than simply taking a direct bus or taxi from Nainital to Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Nainital does not have an airport for commercial flights. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). Just like trains, flying from Nainital to Almora is not a practical option. You would have to travel from Nainital to Pantnagar airport by road, then theoretically fly (though no direct flights exist for such a short distance) and then travel from Pantnagar to Almora by road. This would be very time-consuming and expensive.
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora.
- Travel from Nainital to Pantnagar Airport: This is a road journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Overall: Not a viable option for this short inter-hill station travel.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel between Nainital and Almora, the choice is clear:
- For convenience and flexibility: A taxi or private car is the best option.
- For budget travellers: The bus is a good and economical choice.
Given the short distance and scenic route, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the beauty of the Kumaon region as you move from Nainital to Almora. Enjoy your journey to the serene hills of Almora:)
