Are you planning a journey from the city of Meerut 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.
Meerut to Almora Distance
The road distance between Meerut and Almora is approximately 300 to 337 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 7 to 9 hours, but can be a bit longer depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Meerut
You have several choices for getting from Meerut 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.
- Meerut to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 300-337 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 7 to 8 hours. Some sources suggest as fast as 5 hours, but this might be under ideal conditions with minimal stops. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: Common routes involve heading towards Moradabad, then through towns like Rudrapur or Kashipur, and finally up to Almora. The initial part of the journey is on relatively flat 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. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It can be tiring 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 early in the morning from Meerut to avoid any potential city traffic and enjoy the pleasant weather in the hills. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Meerut to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 300-337 km.
- Travel Time: Around 5 to 7.5 hours. For example, a trip covering 328 km is often estimated at 5 hours 28 minutes by cab.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Meerut. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like EaseMyTrip or MakeMyTrip. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. You can expect taxi fares for a one-way trip to start from around ₹5,929 for a hatchback, ₹6,261 for a sedan, and ₹8,762 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.
- 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 Meerut to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Meerut to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 300-337 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 9 to 12 hours. Some options might involve a change of bus.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from the main bus stand in Meerut or you might need to head to Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate for more direct options.
- Bus Types: You might find services from private operators or state transport corporations (like UPSRTC or Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) that connect Meerut or nearby cities to Almora or major hubs like Nainital/Haldwani from where you can find onward buses to Almora.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel.
- Cons: The journey can be long and sometimes less comfortable, particularly on ordinary buses. Schedules can occasionally be delayed. Direct luxury buses might be limited.
- 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.
3. By Train
While Almora doesn’t have its own railway station, you can take a train from Meerut or a nearby major station to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable way to cover the first part of the journey.
- Meerut to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), located about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
- Travel Time (Meerut/Ghaziabad/Hapur to Kathgodam): There are no direct trains from Meerut City to Kathgodam. You would typically need to travel to a nearby major junction like Ghaziabad (GZB) or Hapur (HPU) first, then take a train to Kathgodam. Trains from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam typically take around 5 to 6 hours. For example, the Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040) from Ghaziabad takes about 5 hours.
- Key Trains: Trains like KATHGODAM SHTBDI (12040), UTR SAMPRK KRTI (15035), and RANIKHET EXP (15013) connect Ghaziabad or Hapur to Kathgodam.
- Train Fare: Train tickets can range from around ₹110 for 2S (Second Seating) to ₹1,260 for EC (Executive Class) on the Shatabdi.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing than a long bus journey, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You will need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam to Almora, adding an extra step to your journey.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak times, as seats can fill up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam, you’ll easily find shared taxis, private cabs (fares from Kathgodam to Almora can range from ₹2,900 to ₹5,900), and local buses that will take you the remaining 2.5 to 3 hours to Almora.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
This option involves flying to the nearest airport and then continuing by road.
- Meerut (via Delhi – DEL) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora. While Meerut does not have a major operational airport for commercial flights, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the closest major hub.
- Flight Options: You would need to travel from Meerut to Delhi Airport, and then take a direct flight from Delhi to Pantnagar. Flights from Delhi to Pantnagar are typically operated by airlines like IndiGo and take around 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance by air.
- Cons: This is generally the most expensive option. The overall travel time can still be significant due to the journey from Meerut to Delhi Airport, and then from Pantnagar Airport to Almora. Flight fares can vary, starting from around ₹3,591.
- Tips: From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi to Almora. Taxi fares from Pantnagar to Almora for a sedan can range from ₹4,973 to ₹6,730. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Meerut depends on what matters most to you:
- For budget travellers: The bus or a train to Kathgodam followed by a bus are the most economical choices.
- For comfort and a balanced journey: A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a taxi is a good option.
- For maximum flexibility and a direct route: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car gives you the most control and can be quite fast.
- For the fastest overall travel time (if willing to pay more and manage connections): A flight from Delhi to Pantnagar followed by a taxi is technically the quickest for the air leg, but less direct from Meerut itself and generally more expensive.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Meerut 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!