Are you planning a short and beautiful journey from the serene cantonment town of Ranikhet 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.
Ranikhet to Almora Distance
The road distance between Ranikhet and Almora is relatively short, approximately 46 to 60 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 1 hour to 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Ranikhet
Due to the close proximity and the mountainous terrain, road travel is the most direct and common way to get from Ranikhet to Almora.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Common and Convenient)
Travelling by road is the most popular choice for this route, offering stunning views as you wind through the Kumaon hills.
- Ranikhet to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 46 to 60 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 1 hour 7 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and any stops you make.
- Route: The journey involves scenic mountain roads, often following NH109 for a good portion of the way. You’ll pass through charming landscapes as you head towards Almora.
- 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.
- Ranikhet to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 46-60 km.
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour 7 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Ranikhet. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Savaari, Gozocabs, or HurryUp Cabs.
- Fares can vary, but generally start from around ₹784 for an AC Sedan and ₹1,176 for an AC SUV with Savaari. Other services quote prices like ₹1,980 for a Hatchback/Sedan and ₹2,430 for an SUV (HurryUp Cabs) or from ₹2,126 for a compact car (Gozocabs).
- 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 Ranikhet to Almora.
- Ranikhet to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 46-60 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are relatively short, with an average duration of around 1 to 2 hours.
- Starting Point: Buses and shared jeeps/taxis are available from Ranikhet’s local bus stand.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: Fewer options compared to taxis, and schedules might 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 Ranikhet. Shared taxis 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)
Ranikhet itself does not have a railway station for long-distance trains. The nearest major railway station for this region is Kathgodam. Since Almora also doesn’t have a railway station and is connected by road from Kathgodam, taking a train from Ranikhet would involve traveling to Kathgodam first and then taking another road journey to Almora, which is inefficient and time-consuming for this short distance.
- Ranikhet to Kathgodam: This is a road journey (approx. 2.5-3 hours).
- Kathgodam to Almora: This is also a road journey (approx. 2.5-3 hours) as Almora doesn’t have a railway station.
- Overall: This multi-step process is much less practical than simply taking a direct bus or taxi from Ranikhet to Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Neither Ranikhet nor Almora has an airport for commercial flights. The nearest airport for both is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). Just like trains, flying from Ranikhet to Almora is not a practical option for this short distance. You would have to travel from Ranikhet to Pantnagar airport by road, then theoretically fly (though no direct flights exist for such a short inter-hill station distance) and then travel from Pantnagar to Almora by road. This would be very time-consuming and expensive.
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora.
- Travel from Ranikhet to Pantnagar Airport: This is a road journey of about 3 to 4 hours.
- Overall: Not a viable option for this short inter-hill station travel.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel between Ranikhet and Almora, the choice is clear and simple:
- For convenience, comfort, and speed: 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 short distance and scenic route, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the beauty of the Kumaon region as you move from Ranikhet to Almora. Enjoy your journey to the serene hills of Almora:)
