Are you planning a journey from the industrial city of Ludhiana 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.
Ludhiana to Almora Distance
The road distance between Ludhiana and Almora is approximately 523 to 662 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 9 to 14 hours by road, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Ludhiana
You have several choices for getting from Ludhiana to Almora. Each option has its own benefits, whether you prefer comfort, cost-effectiveness, or a quicker journey.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Travelling by road is a popular choice for this route, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you transition from the plains to the hills.
- Ludhiana to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 523 to 662 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 9 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: You’ll typically head towards Uttar Pradesh, possibly via Ambala or Saharanpur, then connect to roads leading into Uttarakhand through cities like Haldwani or Rudrapur before ascending to Almora. The initial part of the journey is on national highways, but as you approach the Kumaon region, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views of the mountains, requiring careful driving.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore small towns along the way. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It’s a long and potentially tiring drive for the person driving, especially on the winding mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: It’s a good idea to start very early in the morning from Ludhiana to avoid city traffic and to cover a good portion of the distance during daylight hours. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Ludhiana to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 523-662 km.
- Travel Time: Around 9 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Ludhiana. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like SpTaxi Service or Guruji Travels. One-way taxi fares can start from around ₹7,000 to ₹10,686 for a sedan and ₹8,500 to ₹14,324 for an SUV.
- 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 long and sometimes challenging 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 or night driving fees, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical and practical way to travel from Ludhiana to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Ludhiana to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 523-662 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are typically long, ranging from 10 to 14 hours. Some luxury buses might take 10-12 hours, semi-sleeper buses 11-13 hours, and standard buses 12-14 hours.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from major bus stands in Ludhiana or specific boarding points.
- Bus Types: You might find Luxury, Semi-Sleeper, or Standard buses from various private operators or state transport corporations. Some routes might involve transferring at major hubs like Haldwani or Kathgodam.
- Pros: It’s generally an affordable way to travel, with fares to Haldwani (a major hub before Almora) starting from around ₹999 to ₹1,349.
- Cons: The journey is quite long and can be less comfortable than a train or private car, especially on ordinary buses. Schedules can occasionally be delayed.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during festive seasons or holidays. For a more comfortable journey, inquire about AC or sleeper buses if available. Carry enough water and snacks for the trip. From Haldwani or Kathgodam, you can easily find shared taxis or local buses to Almora.
3. By Train (to Nearest Station + Road)
While Almora doesn’t have its own railway station, you can take a train from Ludhiana to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable option for covering a significant portion of the distance.
- Ludhiana to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
- Travel Time (Ludhiana to Kathgodam): Train journeys from Ludhiana to Kathgodam typically take around 9 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 40 minutes. For example, the Kathgodam Garib Rath (12208) is a fast option taking 9 hours 30 minutes.
- Key Trains: Jammu Tawi – Kathgodam Garib Rath Express (12208) is a popular option. There are also trains like Amritsar – Lalkuan Express (15015) and Amritsar – Lalkuan Weekly Express (14616) that connect to Lal Kuan, which is close to Kathgodam.
- Train Fare: Fares vary by class: 3rd AC (3A) around ₹670. Other classes like Sleeper or AC 2-tier might also be available at varying prices.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing for longer journeys, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: The train journey itself is long. You will need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam to Almora.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, as popular trains and routes get booked up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam, you can easily find shared taxis, private cabs (taxi fares from Kathgodam to Almora start from around ₹2,918), or local buses to Almora. The drive from Kathgodam to Almora is scenic and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
4. By Air (Flight + Road – Recommended for Speed)
This is often the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ludhiana to Almora, despite involving a road segment.
- Ludhiana (Sahnewal Airport – LUH) or nearby major airports to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora. While Ludhiana has a domestic airport, direct flights to Pantnagar are not common. You will likely need to travel via Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport – DEL) or Chandigarh (Chandigarh International Airport – IXC).
- Flight Options: You would typically take a flight from Ludhiana to Delhi, and then a connecting flight from Delhi to Pantnagar. Alternatively, you could travel to Chandigarh and fly from there to Pantnagar (with or without a Delhi layover).
- Flight Duration: The total travel time, including layovers, can range significantly, from around 4-6 hours to 9-15 hours or more, depending on the number and duration of layovers. The direct flight from Delhi or Chandigarh to Pantnagar is about 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Airlines: IndiGo is a common airline operating flights on these routes.
- Flight Fare: One-way flight fares from Ludhiana to Pantnagar (with layover) can vary widely, starting from around ₹4,693 (via Delhi) or ₹6,268 (via Delhi) to ₹9,000 or more, depending on booking time, airline, and layover duration.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance by air, significantly reducing overall travel time compared to long ground journeys.
- Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Requires transfers and managing baggage. You still have a road journey from Pantnagar to Almora.
- Tips: Book your flights well in advance for better fares. From Pantnagar Airport, you can easily hire a taxi to Almora. The taxi ride from Pantnagar to Almora takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Ludhiana depends on what matters most to you:
- For the fastest travel time: Flight to Pantnagar (via Delhi/Chandigarh) + Taxi is the most efficient, despite the transfers.
- For a balance of comfort and budget: A train to Kathgodam + Taxi is a good option, offering a comfortable long-distance journey before a shorter road trip into the hills.
- For budget travellers: The bus is the most economical choice, though it’s a long journey with potential transfers.
- For maximum flexibility and directness: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is ideal, though it’s a long drive.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Ludhiana to Almora will lead you to a charming destination known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora:)
