Are you planning a journey from the bustling capital city of Delhi to the serene hills of Almora by train? This guide will help you understand how to make this trip, combining train travel with the necessary road journey, making your overall experience easy and enjoyable. Almora, nestled 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.
Delhi to Almora by Train: An Indirect Journey
It’s important to know that Almora does not have its own railway station. The nearest major railway station to Almora is Kathgodam (KGM), which is often called the “Gateway to Kumaon.” So, your train journey will take you from Delhi to Kathgodam, followed by a road trip to Almora.
How to Reach Almora from Delhi by Train
Your journey will be in two main parts:
Part 1: Train from Delhi to Kathgodam
Delhi is well-connected to Kathgodam by several trains.
- Distance by Train: The train distance from Delhi to Kathgodam is approximately 280 to 282 kilometers.
- Travel Time by Train: The train journey usually takes between 5 hours 35 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes, depending on the specific train.
- Popular Trains and Fares:
- Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (12040): This is the fastest and most comfortable option.
- Frequency: Runs daily.
- Departure (New Delhi – NDLS): Around 6:20 AM.
- Arrival (Kathgodam – KGM): Around 11:55 AM.
- Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours 35 minutes.
- Fares (approx.): AC Chair Car (CC) ₹850-900, Executive Class (EC) ₹1,300-1,350.
- Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express (15035): A popular daily train.
- Frequency: Runs daily.
- Departure (Old Delhi – DLI): Around 4:00 PM.
- Arrival (Kathgodam – KGM): Around 10:45 PM.
- Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours 45 minutes.
- Fares (approx.): Second Seating (2S) ₹120-150, AC Chair Car (CC) ₹425-450.
- Ranikhet Express (15013): An overnight option.
- Frequency: Runs daily.
- Departure (Delhi Cantt – DEC): Around 8:21 PM.
- Arrival (Kathgodam – KGM): Around 5:05 AM (next day).
- Travel Time: Approximately 8 hours 44 minutes.
- Fares (approx.): Sleeper (SL) ₹205-250, 3rd AC (3A) ₹505-550, 2nd AC (2A) ₹710-750, 1st AC (1A) ₹1,175-1,200.
- Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (12040): This is the fastest and most comfortable option.
- Booking Tips:
- Book your train tickets in advance, especially for Shatabdi Express or during peak seasons, as tickets can sell out quickly.
- You can book tickets online through the IRCTC website or other popular travel portals like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, or ConfirmTkt.
Part 2: Road Journey from Kathgodam to Almora
Once you arrive at Kathgodam Railway Station, you will need to take road transport to Almora.
- Distance by Road: The road distance from Kathgodam to Almora is approximately 80 to 90 kilometers.
- Travel Time by Road: The journey by road typically takes around 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions in the hills.
- Options for Road Travel:
- Taxi/Cab:
- Availability: Taxis are readily available outside Kathgodam Railway Station. You can opt for a private taxi or a shared cab.
- Fares (approx.): A private taxi (hatchback/sedan) can cost around ₹2,900 to ₹4,000 for a one-way trip. Shared taxis are more economical, costing around ₹200-300 per person.
- Pros: Convenient, comfortable, and direct. Ideal if you have luggage or prefer privacy.
- Cons: More expensive than public buses.
- Tips: Negotiate the fare if taking a private taxi, or confirm the per-person fare for shared taxis before starting.
- Bus:
- Availability: Buses operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited (KMOU) are frequently available from Kathgodam/Haldwani bus stand (Haldwani is about 8-10 km from Kathgodam and easily reachable by auto/shared taxi).
- Fares (approx.): Bus tickets are very economical, likely around ₹200-300 per person.
- Pros: Most economical option.
- Cons: Can be slower due to multiple stops, and might be less comfortable, especially on winding roads.
- Tips: Ask locals for directions to the bus stand and inquire about the next available bus to Almora.
- Taxi/Cab:
Overall Journey Time and Considerations
- Total Travel Time: Combining the train and road journey, your total travel time from Delhi to Almora by train will be approximately 8 to 13 hours, depending on your chosen train and road transport.
- Best Time to Travel: For a comfortable journey, especially if taking an early morning Shatabdi, you’ll reach Kathgodam by late morning and can easily find onward transport to Almora during daylight hours. If you take an overnight train, you’ll arrive in Kathgodam early morning and can proceed to Almora.
- Luggage: Keep your luggage manageable, especially if you plan to use shared taxis or buses for the road leg.
By planning your train journey to Kathgodam and then arranging local transport, you can enjoy a convenient and scenic trip from Delhi to the beautiful hill station of Almora. Enjoy your travels:)
