Are you planning a short and beautiful journey from the serene Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to the charming town 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.
Binsar to Almora Distance
The road distance between Binsar and Almora is very short, approximately 24 to 64 kilometers. The exact distance depends on your starting point within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and the specific route taken. This makes it a quick and convenient trip, perfect for a day excursion or a smooth transition between these two beautiful spots. The travel time typically ranges from 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes by road, depending on your mode of transport and the winding mountain roads.
How to Reach Almora from Binsar
You have excellent and straightforward choices for getting from Binsar to Almora, as it’s a well-traveled route within the Kumaon region.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Recommended & Convenient)
Travelling by road is the most common and efficient way to get from Binsar to Almora. The drive is scenic as you descend from Binsar’s higher altitudes into Almora.
- Binsar to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 24 to 64 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes. This can vary slightly based on road conditions, traffic on the winding mountain roads, and your starting point within the Binsar Sanctuary.
- Route: You’ll generally follow roads that connect Binsar to Almora, often passing through scenic areas and offering views of the surrounding hills.
- Pros: You have the flexibility to stop at any scenic viewpoints, take photos, and enjoy the journey at your own pace. It’s a great option for those who prefer a private and comfortable ride.
- Cons: You’ll need to consider fuel costs if driving your own car. Driving on winding mountain roads requires careful attention.
- Tips: Enjoy the short, picturesque drive. The roads are generally good for this stretch but remain cautious on curves.
- Binsar to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 24-64 km.
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Binsar, especially near the sanctuary gate or through your accommodation. You can also book online services like Gozocabs. One-way taxi fares can start from around ₹3,187 to ₹3,674 for a hatchback/sedan.
- Pros: Very convenient as a professional local 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, but very reasonable for this short distance.
- Tips: You might be able to find shared taxis from points near the sanctuary entrance if you are traveling solo or on a budget, which would be more economical. Always confirm the fare before starting your journey.
2. By Bus (Economical, but may require a short taxi ride to/from bus stop)
While there isn’t a direct public bus stand inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Almora is the nearest major bus stand, and there are local buses and shared taxis available on the main roads outside the sanctuary.
- Binsar to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 24-64 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys might take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, possibly longer due to stops and the need to get to a main road.
- Starting Point: You would typically need to take a local taxi or walk from your accommodation in Binsar to the main road or the nearest bus stop that has services towards Almora. Almora is listed as the nearest bus stand to Binsar.
- Bus Types: You’ll find local government-run buses (like Uttarakhand Transport Corporation or Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited) or private buses on the main routes. These are generally non-AC and provide a true local experience.
- Pros: It’s the most affordable way to travel between the two towns.
- Cons: Less comfortable than a private taxi, and space for luggage might be limited. They make more stops, increasing travel time. You might need to arrange a short taxi ride to get to a bus pick-up point from deeper within Binsar.
- Tips: Inquire locally about the nearest bus stops and schedules.
3. By Train (Not Applicable)
Neither Binsar nor Almora has its own railway station. The nearest major railway station for both towns is Kathgodam (KGM). Therefore, taking a train directly from Binsar to Almora is not an option, and it would involve a much longer, indirect road route if you were to consider train travel via Kathgodam.
- Nearest Railway Station to Binsar/Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is approximately 111-119 km from Binsar and 82-95 km from Almora.
4. By Air (Not Applicable)
Neither Binsar nor Almora has an airport. The nearest airport for both is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). Therefore, flying between Binsar and Almora is not a practical option given their short road distance.
- Nearest Airport to Binsar/Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 127-152 km from Binsar and 115-127 km from Almora.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Binsar 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 local bus (with a short taxi ride to/from the main road if needed) is the most economical choice.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Binsar to Almora will be a short, pleasant one through the scenic Kumaon hills, leading you to another charming destination known for its cultural richness and natural beauty. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora!
