Are you planning a journey from the beautiful Garur Valley 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. Garur, known for its scenic landscapes and proximity to places like Kausani and Baijnath, is a great starting point for your trip to Almora.
Garur to Almora Distance
The road distance between Garur and Almora is approximately 65 kilometers. This makes it a moderately short and convenient trip. The travel time typically ranges from 2 hours 21 minutes to 3 hours by road, depending on your mode of transport and the winding mountain roads.
How to Reach Almora from Garur
You have excellent and straightforward choices for getting from Garur to Almora, primarily by road, offering beautiful views along the way.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Recommended & Convenient)
Travelling by road is the most common and efficient way to get from Garur to Almora. The drive is picturesque as you traverse the mountainous terrain.
- Garur to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 65 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 2 hours 21 minutes to 3 hours. This can vary slightly based on road conditions and your speed on the winding mountain roads.
- Route: You’ll generally follow direct mountain roads that connect Garur to Almora, offering lovely views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Pros: You have the flexibility to stop at any scenic viewpoints, take photos, and enjoy the journey at your own pace. It’s an excellent 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 picturesque drive. The roads are generally good for this stretch but remain cautious on curves.
- Garur to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 65 km.
- Travel Time: Around 2 hours 21 minutes to 3 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Garur through local operators. One-way taxi fares can start from around ₹2,151 for a hatchback (like an Indica or Swift) and go up to ₹3,716 for an SUV (like an Xylo or Ertiga).
- 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 or shared taxi options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: You can often find shared taxis from Garur if you are traveling solo or on a budget, which will be more economical. Always confirm the fare before starting your journey.
2. By Bus (Most Economical)
Taking a local bus is a very economical and direct way to travel between these two towns.
- Garur to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 65 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, possibly longer due to stops.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from the main bus stand in Garur. Garur is on routes like Bageshwar-Haldwani, so buses are quite frequent.
- Bus Types: You’ll find local government-run buses (like Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, UTC, or Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited, KMOU). These are generally non-AC and provide a true local experience.
- Pros: It’s the most affordable way to travel between the two towns. Buses run fairly regularly.
- Cons: Less comfortable than a private taxi, and space for luggage might be limited. They make more stops, increasing travel time.
- Tips: Head to the local bus stand in Garur and inquire about the next bus to Almora. It’s a simple process for this route.
3. By Train (Not Applicable)
Neither Garur nor Almora has its own railway station.
- Nearest Railway Station to Garur: The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam (KGM), approximately 180 km from Bageshwar (which is near Garur).
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is approximately 82-95 km from Almora.
Therefore, taking a train from Garur to Almora is not a direct or practical option. You would have to take a taxi/bus to Kathgodam and then another taxi/bus to Almora, making it a very long and complicated journey for such a short direct road distance.
4. By Air (Not Applicable)
Neither Garur nor Almora has an airport.
- Nearest Airport to Garur: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 121 miles (about 195 km) from Garur.
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora.
Therefore, flying between Garur and Almora is not a practical option given the road distances to the airport and the short overall distance between the two towns by road.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Garur 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 is the most economical choice.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Garur to Almora will be a short, pleasant one through the scenic Kumaon hills, leading you to a charming destination known for its cultural richness and natural beauty. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora:)