How to Reach Almora from Haldwani

How to Reach Almora from Haldwani

Are you planning a short and sweet journey from the gateway to Kumaon, Haldwani, to the peaceful hills of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the easy ways to travel, making your trip simple 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.

 

Haldwani to Almora Distance

 

The road distance between Haldwani and Almora is quite short, approximately 88 to 94 kilometers. This makes it a quick and convenient trip. The travel time typically ranges from 2 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes by road, depending on your mode of transport and road conditions.

 

How to Reach Almora from Haldwani

 

You have excellent choices for getting from Haldwani to Almora, as it’s a popular route for tourists heading into the hills.

 

1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Recommended)

 

Travelling by road is the most common and efficient way to get from Haldwani to Almora. The drive is scenic as you ascend into the mountains.

  • Haldwani to Almora by Car:
    • Distance: Roughly 88 to 94 km.
    • Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 55 minutes. Some sources indicate around 3 hours 3 minutes. This can vary slightly based on traffic conditions in Haldwani and the winding mountain roads.
    • Route: You’ll head north from Haldwani, passing through towns like Bhowali and Binsar, before reaching Almora. The roads are well-maintained for most of the way, offering picturesque views of the valleys and hills.
    • Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery at your own pace. It’s a great option for those who prefer a private and flexible journey.
    • Cons: You’ll need to consider fuel costs and the occasional toll. Driving on winding mountain roads requires careful attention.
    • Tips: While the distance is short, start your journey during daylight hours to fully appreciate the views and for safer driving on mountain roads.
  • Haldwani to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
    • Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 88-94 km.
    • Travel Time: Around 1 hour 53 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes.
    • Booking: Taxis are readily available in Haldwani. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Gozocabs, MakeMyTrip, or TaxiBazaar. One-way taxi fares can start from ₹1,300 to ₹1,799 (for a basic sedan) and go up to ₹2,792 – ₹4,269 for more comfortable options like SUVs. Prices can vary based on the car type and service provider.
    • Pros: Very convenient as a professional driver handles the driving, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. Offers comfortable door-to-door service.
    • Cons: Generally more expensive than public bus options, especially for solo travellers.
    • Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any potential extra charges like tolls, before starting your journey.

 

2. By Bus (Most Economical)

 

Taking a bus is a very economical and direct way to travel from Haldwani to Almora.

  • Haldwani to Almora by Bus:
    • Distance: Approximately 88-94 km by road.
    • Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours.
    • Starting Point: Buses usually depart from Haldwani Bus Stand.
    • Bus Types: You’ll find both non-AC and AC buses, often operated by the Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited (KMOU). Some private operators like Zingbus Plus also offer services.
    • Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel, with fares for non-AC buses starting from around ₹225 – ₹230. AC buses might be more, for example, Zingbus Plus fares start from ₹1,099 to ₹2,260.
    • Cons: Less comfortable than a private taxi, and space for luggage might be limited.
    • Tips: Buses run frequently throughout the day. It’s advisable to board a bus early in the morning to reach Almora with ample time to check into your accommodation.

 

3. By Train (Not Direct, Requires Road + Train + Road)

 

Almora does not have its own railway station. While Haldwani has a railway station, taking a train from Haldwani to reach Almora directly is not an option. However, Haldwani’s station (HDW) is very close to Kathgodam (KGM), which is the main railhead for the Kumaon region and frequently mentioned in travel routes to Almora.

  • Haldwani Railway Station (HDW): Trains do pass through Haldwani on their way to or from Kathgodam.
  • Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), located about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
  • Travel from Haldwani to Kathgodam: This is a very short train journey, often less than 30 minutes, or you can take a local shared taxi/auto.
  • Kathgodam to Almora by Road: From 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.
  • Pros: If you arrive in Haldwani by train from another city, continuing by road from there or nearby Kathgodam is straightforward.
  • Cons: Taking a train specifically from Haldwani to get to Almora isn’t a direct or practical approach, as you’d still need a road journey.

 

4. By Air (Not Applicable for direct travel)

 

Almora does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora. Haldwani is also very close to Pantnagar Airport.

  • Travel from Haldwani to Pantnagar Airport: This is a very short road trip, often less than an hour.
  • Pros: Flying isn’t a relevant option for travel from Haldwani to Almora, given the short road distance and direct connectivity.
  • Cons: No direct flight from Haldwani area to Almora.

 

Choosing Your Best Way to Travel

 

Your ideal way to reach Almora from Haldwani depends on what matters most to you:

  • For quickness and comfort: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is the best option.
  • For budget travellers: The bus is the most economical and direct choice.

No matter which way you choose, the journey from Haldwani to Almora will be a relatively short and pleasant one, leading you to a charming hill station known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora:)

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