Are you planning a journey from the industrial and educational hub of Kashipur 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.
Kashipur to Almora Distance
The road distance between Kashipur and Almora is approximately 136 to 155 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 3 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours by road, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Kashipur
Due to the mountainous terrain, road travel is the most direct and common way to get from Kashipur 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.
- Kashipur to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 136 to 155 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes. Some estimates go up to 5 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and any stops you make.
- Route: You’ll typically head northeast from Kashipur, passing through areas like Rudrapur or Haldwani, before ascending into the hills towards Almora. The roads in the plains are generally good, but as you approach the Kumaon region, they become winding, requiring careful driving.
- 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.
- Kashipur to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 136-155 km.
- Travel Time: Around 3 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Kashipur. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo.
- Fares can vary, but generally start from around ₹4,703 for a sedan (like Dzire/Etios) for a one-way trip (MakeMyTrip). Goibibo quotes fares from ₹5,161 for a hatchback and ₹5,222 for a sedan, and ₹7,125 for an SUV (like Ertiga/Xylo), for about 152 km.
- 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 Kashipur to Almora.
- Kashipur to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 144 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are typically around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of stops and the specific service.
- Starting Point: Buses are available from Kashipur’s bus stand. You might find direct buses, or services that involve a change at a hub like Haldwani or Kathgodam.
- 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 Kashipur. Shared taxis or jeeps are often a good alternative if bus timings don’t suit, offering a balance of cost and convenience.
3. By Train (Not Direct, Not Recommended)
Kashipur has its own railway station (KPV). However, Almora does not have a railway station. The nearest major railhead to Almora is Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 82-95 km away. While you could take a train from Kashipur to Kathgodam, and then travel by road to Almora, a direct road journey from Kashipur to Almora is usually more efficient due to the additional transfer and the shorter overall travel time by road.
- Kashipur to Kathgodam by Train: There are local passenger trains that connect Kashipur to Kathgodam.
- Kathgodam to Almora by Road: This is a road journey of about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Overall: This multi-step process is generally less practical than a direct road trip, especially given the relatively short road distance between Kashipur and Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Kashipur does not have its own major airport for commercial flights. The nearest major operational airport for both Kashipur and Almora is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). However, flying for such a short distance within the same region is not practical or economical.
- Kashipur to Pantnagar Airport: This is a road journey (around 60-70 km).
- Pantnagar Airport to Almora: This is a road journey of about 2.5 to 3.5 hours (115-127 km).
- Overall: Not a viable option for this inter-city travel.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel between Kashipur 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 relatively short distance and scenic route, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the beauty of the Kumaon region as you move from Kashipur to Almora. Enjoy your journey to the serene hills of Almora:)
