How to Reach Bazpur To Ranikhet

Bazpur, a town in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, is known for its fertile agricultural lands and proximity to the plains. Ranikhet, in contrast, is a serene hill station in the Almora district, famous for its lush golf courses, ancient temples, and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Traveling from the busy plains to the calm mountains offers a pleasant change of scenery and a wonderful experience through the diverse landscapes of Uttarakhand. This article will guide you through the various ways to reach Ranikhet from Bazpur, helping you plan your trip smoothly.

Bazpur to Ranikhet Distance

The approximate road distance between Bazpur and Ranikhet is around 115 to 130 kilometers, depending on the specific route you choose. The journey typically takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road, which includes travel time and short breaks, making it a manageable drive.

How to Reach Bazpur To Ranikhet

Planning your trip from Bazpur to Ranikhet primarily involves road travel, as both locations are well-connected by road, though public transport might require some planning.

By Road: The Most Common Way

Traveling by road is generally the most popular and flexible option for this route, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes from the plains to the hills.

1. Private Taxi or Car Rental

Hiring a private taxi is arguably the most convenient way to travel from Bazpur to Ranikhet. You can book a cab for a one-way trip. Many local taxi services in Bazpur can provide vehicles ranging from comfortable sedans to spacious SUVs.

• Journey Details: The road trip usually takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. There are a couple of common routes. One popular route would be from Bazpur towards Kaladhungi and then onwards to Nainital or Bhowali, finally reaching Ranikhet. Another route could take you via Ramnagar and then towards Ranikhet. Both routes offer scenic drives, especially as you begin to ascend into the hills. The roads are generally in good condition, but as you get closer to Ranikhet, they will become more winding.
• Benefits: This option offers maximum flexibility. You can stop whenever and wherever you want for breaks, meals, or to admire the views. It’s also ideal if you are traveling with family or a group, as you can share the cost and comfort. Given the relatively short duration, it’s a comfortable and direct transfer.
• Cost: Taxi fares vary depending on the type of vehicle and the service provider. For a one-way trip, you can expect fares to start from around ₹3,500 to ₹5,500, or more, depending on the car model. It’s always a good idea to confirm the total fare, including any potential toll charges, before starting your journey.

2. Bus Services

While direct bus services from Bazpur to Ranikhet might not be frequent, you can easily find buses from Bazpur to major transport hubs in the Kumaon region, such as Haldwani, Nainital, or Kathgodam. From these points, you can then take connecting buses or shared taxis to Ranikhet.

• Journey Details: Buses from Bazpur will take you to destinations like Haldwani or Nainital. This leg of the journey can take around 2-3 hours. From Haldwani or Nainital, Ranikhet is approximately 2-3 hours away by road. You will find regular local buses and shared taxis from these towns to Ranikhet.
• Benefits: Bus travel is often the most budget-friendly option. Both state-run (Uttarakhand Roadways) and private bus operators provide services on these routes.
• Considerations: This option might involve multiple changes and could be less comfortable than a private taxi, especially for long journeys with luggage. It’s advisable to check bus schedules and availability beforehand, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons.

By Train: An Indirect Option

There is no direct train route to Ranikhet as it does not have its own railway station. While Bazpur has its own railway station, you would still need to connect to a road journey for the final leg.

• Nearest Railway Stations to Ranikhet:
  • Kathgodam (KGM): This is the nearest major railway station to Ranikhet, located about 75-80 kilometers away. Kathgodam is well-connected by trains from various parts of India, including Delhi.
  • Ramnagar (RMR): Another nearby railway station, approximately 95-100 kilometers from Ranikhet.
• How to Travel from Bazpur by Train:
  • Bazpur to Kathgodam/Ramnagar: You can find trains from Bazpur to Lal Kuan (LKU), Rudrapur City (RUPC), or Kashipur (KPV), and from there, connecting trains to Kathgodam or Ramnagar. For instance, the Ranikhet Express (15014) passes through some stations near Bazpur (like Rudrapur City or Lal Kuan) and terminates at Kathgodam. The train journey to Kathgodam would typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours from nearby major stations.
  • From Kathgodam/Ramnagar to Ranikhet: Once you reach Kathgodam or Ramnagar, you can easily hire a taxi or take a local bus to Ranikhet. The drive from Kathgodam to Ranikhet is very scenic, winding through hills and taking around 2-3 hours.
• Benefits: Train travel can be more relaxing than continuous driving, especially for longer distances to connecting points.
• Considerations: This option requires careful planning to coordinate train timings with your onward journey by road. It might also be time-consuming due to transfers and the fact that you’ll still end up on a bus or taxi for a significant portion.

By Air: Not a Practical Option

Flying is generally the fastest way to cover long distances, but for Ranikhet, it’s not a direct option and requires further significant road travel.

• Nearest Airport to Ranikhet:
  • Pantnagar Airport (PGH): This is the closest airport to Ranikhet, located approximately 115-120 kilometers away. It’s a small domestic airport with limited flight connectivity.
• How to Travel from Bazpur by Air: There are no direct flights from Bazpur (which does not have its own airport) to Pantnagar. You would need to travel by road from Bazpur to Pantnagar Airport (which is roughly 25-30 km from Bazpur), and then from Pantnagar Airport, you would hire a taxi to Ranikhet. The drive from Pantnagar to Ranikhet takes about 3-4 hours and offers scenic views as you ascend into the hills.
• Benefits: While flying is generally fast, for this specific route, the combination of road travel to the airport, limited flight options, and then another long road journey makes it less efficient than a direct road trip.
• Considerations: This is often the most expensive option and not time-saving compared to a direct cab for the entire journey.

Important Tips for Your Journey

• Book in Advance: Especially if you are traveling during peak tourist seasons (like summer or festive holidays), it’s always wise to book your train tickets or taxis in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Road Conditions: The road conditions from Bazpur to Ranikhet are generally good for most parts. However, as you ascend into the hills, the roads become winding. During the monsoon season (July to September), there could be chances of landslides or slippery conditions in the hilly sections. It’s advisable to check weather and road reports before you travel.
• Carry Essentials: When traveling to the mountains, it’s a good idea to carry warm clothing, even in summer, as the weather can change quickly. Also, keep some basic medicines, snacks, and water handy.
• Enjoy the Views: The journey from the plains of Bazpur to the hills of Ranikhet is quite scenic. Be sure to take in the views as the landscape changes.

Whether you prefer the comfort of a private car or the affordability of a bus (with connections), reaching Ranikhet from Bazpur is a straightforward journey. With proper planning, your trip from the agricultural heartland to the tranquil Queen’s Meadow will be smooth and memorable.