Are you planning a trip from the spiritual hub of Rishikesh to the peaceful hills of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the ways to travel, making your journey enjoyable and easy. Almora, known for its beautiful views, rich culture, and calm atmosphere, is a wonderful place to visit. Let’s explore how you can reach this lovely destination.
Rishikesh to Almora Distance
The road distance between Rishikesh and Almora is approximately 310 to 320 kilometers. This journey typically takes around 7 to 9 hours, depending on your chosen mode of transport, road conditions, and how many stops you make along the way.
How to Reach Almora from Rishikesh
You have a few choices for travelling from Rishikesh to Almora, each with its own advantages. Whether you prefer a comfortable train ride, a flexible road trip, or an affordable bus journey, there’s an option for you.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Driving to Almora from Rishikesh offers a great opportunity to enjoy the changing scenery, from the bustling riverfront of Rishikesh to the serene winding mountain roads.
- Rishikesh to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Approximately 310-320 km.
- Travel Time: Usually takes around 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and how fast you drive.
- Route: The most common route involves heading towards Haridwar, then continuing on towards Najibabad, Kashipur, and then ascending through areas like Haldwani and Kathgodam to reach Almora. The roads are generally in good condition, especially the major highways. As you enter the hills, the roads become more winding, offering beautiful views.
- Pros: You get the most flexibility to stop whenever you like, take photos, and explore small towns along the way. It’s great for groups or families.
- Cons: It can be tiring for the driver, especially on mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs and tolls.
- Tips: Start early in the morning from Rishikesh to avoid any city traffic and enjoy the cooler hours. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, especially the brakes, for hill driving.
- Rishikesh to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 310-320 km.
- Travel Time: Around 8 to 10 hours, depending on the service and stops.
- Booking: You can easily book a taxi or cab service from Rishikesh. Many local taxi stands and online platforms offer one-way or round-trip services to Almora. Expect fares for a sedan to be around ₹8200 and upwards for a one-way trip.
- Pros: It’s very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can relax and enjoy the journey. Door-to-door service is a big plus.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than other options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Book your taxi from a reliable service. Confirm the fare and any extra charges (like tolls) before starting your journey.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is a popular and budget-friendly option for many travellers heading to Almora from Rishikesh.
- Rishikesh to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 310-320 km by road.
- Travel Time: Typically takes around 7 to 10 hours.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from the main Rishikesh Bus Stand.
- Bus Types: You can find various types of buses, from standard government-run buses (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation – UTC) to some private luxury or semi-sleeper buses. Direct buses to Almora might be available, or you might need to take a bus to a major hub like Haldwani or Kathgodam and then connect.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel. Buses offer direct or nearly direct connectivity.
- Cons: The journey can be long and sometimes less comfortable than a train or car, especially on regular buses. Schedules can sometimes be delayed.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, look for AC or semi-sleeper buses if available on this route. Carry some snacks and water for the journey.
3. By Train
While Almora itself doesn’t have a railway station, you can take a train from Rishikesh (or nearby Haridwar) to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road.
- Rishikesh/Haridwar to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 90-95 km from Almora.
- Travel Time (Rishikesh/Haridwar to Kathgodam): Train journeys from Rishikesh (or more often from Haridwar, which is well-connected) to Kathgodam typically take around 5 to 7 hours.
- Key Trains from Haridwar: The Dehradun Kathgodam Express (14120) runs daily and is a convenient option. You might need to travel from Rishikesh to Haridwar (a short distance) to catch a train.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing for longer journeys. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You’ll 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 (fares can range from ₹2900-₹5900), 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)
For those who prioritize covering long distances quickly, flying is an option, though it still involves a significant road journey to Almora.
- Rishikesh (Jolly Grant Airport – DED) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is approximately 125 km from Almora.
- Travel Time (Rishikesh/Dehradun to Pantnagar): There are generally no direct flights from Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun/Rishikesh) to Pantnagar. You would most likely need to fly from Dehradun to Delhi, and then take a connecting flight from Delhi to Pantnagar. This makes the air travel option quite time-consuming and expensive for this specific route.
- Pros: Flying, if direct routes were available, would be the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance.
- Cons: The lack of direct flights makes this a less practical and significantly more expensive option. Even after landing at Pantnagar, you’ll need to arrange another mode of transport for the remaining journey to Almora.
- Tips: From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi (fares typically range from ₹4200 to ₹7000) or take a bus to Almora. The road journey from Pantnagar to Almora takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
The “best” way to reach Almora from Rishikesh really depends on your preferences:
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- For budget travellers: The bus is usually the most economical choice.
- For comfort and a relaxed journey: A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a taxi is often recommended.
- For flexibility and scenic drives: Driving your own car or hiring a private taxi is ideal.
- For the fastest overall travel time, despite connections: A flight to Pantnagar followed by a taxi is the quickest for the air leg, but less direct from Rishikesh itself.
No matter which way you choose to travel, the journey to Almora from Rishikesh promises beautiful sights and the chance to experience the serene beauty of the Kumaon Himalayas. Remember to plan your trip according to the season you are visiting, as weather conditions can affect travel times, especially in the hills. Enjoy your trip to Almora!
