Are you planning a pleasant journey from the ancient town of Dwarahat 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.
Dwarahat to Almora Distance
The road distance between Dwarahat and Almora is relatively short, approximately 60 to 76 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 1 hour to 3 hours, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Dwarahat
Due to the close proximity and the mountainous terrain, road travel is the most direct and common way to get from Dwarahat 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.
- Dwarahat to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 60 to 76 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 1 hour to 2 hours. Some sources indicate up to 3 hours depending on the route and conditions. 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 breathtaking 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. The roads are generally well-maintained but can be challenging for those not used to mountain driving.
- Dwarahat to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 60-76 km.
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour to 2 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Dwarahat. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Gozocabs or GetMeCab.
- Fares can vary, but generally start from around ₹2,708 for a compact car, ₹2,720 for a sedan, and ₹3,529 for an SUV for a one-way trip (Gozocabs). GetMeCab quotes around ₹3,412 for a Tata Indica or equivalent (including 70km and 1 hour drive time).
- 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 Dwarahat to Almora.
- Dwarahat to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 60-76 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are relatively short, typically around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Starting Point: Buses and shared jeeps/taxis are available from Dwarahat’s local bus stand.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: Fewer direct bus options might be available compared to major routes, and schedules can be limited. Buses can be less comfortable than private cars, especially on winding roads.
- Tips: Inquire about bus timings and availability at the local bus stand in Dwarahat. Shared taxis are often a good alternative if bus timings don’t suit, offering a balance of cost and convenience. You might find buses coming from Haldwani towards Dwarahat, which can drop you off in Almora. For example, a bus from Haldwani to Almora takes about 4 hours and costs around ₹230, so a segment of that route would be cheaper.
3. By Train (Not Direct, Not Recommended)
Dwarahat does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station for Dwarahat is Ramnagar (RMR), about 134 km away, or Kathgodam (KGM), about 109 km away. Almora also doesn’t have a railway station, with Kathgodam being its nearest major railhead. Taking a train from Dwarahat would involve significant backtracking and then another road journey to Almora, making it inefficient and impractical for this short distance.
- Nearest Railway Station to Dwarahat: Ramnagar (RMR) or Kathgodam (KGM).
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), approx. 82-95 km away.
- Overall: This multi-step process is much less practical than simply taking a direct bus or taxi from Dwarahat to Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Neither Dwarahat nor Almora has an airport for commercial flights. The nearest major operational airport for the Kumaon region is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). While Pantnagar Airport is about 143 km from Dwarahat and 115-127 km from Almora, flying for such a short distance within the same region is not practical or economical.
- Nearest Airport to Dwarahat: Pantnagar Airport (PGH).
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH).
- Overall: Not a viable option for this short inter-hill station travel.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel between Dwarahat and Almora, the choice is clear and simple:
- For convenience, comfort, and directness: A taxi or private car is the best option.
- For budget travellers: The bus or shared taxi/jeep 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 Dwarahat to Almora. Enjoy your journey to the serene hills of Almora:)