Local Transport facilities at Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a state stretched across the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas in the northern part of the country and the hilly terrain of the state often leads to many issues with its accessibility. However, the government is making significant efforts towards developing the road and transportation facilities in the state and thus today the transportation in Uttarakhand has improved to a large extent compared to what it was a decade ago.

The major modes of transportation available at Uttarakhand are-

Road Transport

Road transport in Uttarakhand includes State buses, Shared taxis Private cars, and Jeeps. State bus services are administered by Uttarakhand state transport corporation. These buses are available at regular intervals and charge a nominal fare. Almost all the major Uttarakhand cities are connected via public buses which can actually make you reach the remotest Uttarakhand village even. Also, private buses, jeeps, SUVs, and private cars may be hired on per hour basis to reach the different parts of the state. These modes of road transport are however costlier when compared to state buses

Air Transport

Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the most important airport in Uttarakhand. Regular flights are operated by some of the major airlines such as Indigo, Air India, and Jet Airways and these flights connect Jolly Grant Airport, or rather Uttarakhand as a whole to some of the major cities of the country. The other less popular airports of Uttarakhand include Pantnagar Airport in the vicinity of Nainital and Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh. These airports however lack well-developed flight networks.

Uttarakhand is famous for the Chardham; i.e. the ‘four’ religious destinations of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath which constitute the four religious institutions in the Chota Chardham circuit. Each year thousands of pilgrims visit the Chardham braving the difficulties of the rugged high altitude mountainous route. To make their journey easier and less time consuming helicopter services to Chardham have been started. Companies like Prabhatam Aviation and Pawan Hans offer Bell Helicopters to ferry pilgrims to Chardham.

Online helicopter booking for Chardham has made things all the easier now. You can simply visit the official websites of these companies and get your Chardham Helicopter Yatra booked in just a couple of minutes.

Railway Transport

Haridwar is the most important railhead in Uttarakhand. Regular trains connect Haridwar to other parts of the country. The other important rail heads next to Haridwar are Dehradun Station, Rishikesh Station, and Kathgodam Station. There are several other small and medium-range railway networks within the state such as the Champawat railway network, Rudrapur-Udham Singh railway network, etc. Some of the most significant small railway stations of Uttarakhand are Rudrapur, Jwalapur, Kashipur, Haldwani, Kotdwar, Laksar, Kathgodam, Pitambarpur, Roorkee, Doiwala, Lal Kuan, Raja ka Sahaspur.

Local Transport

Auto rickshaws, rickshaws, and tongas ply on the plane lands of Uttarakhand. On the plains people even use bicycles and bikes which are however a strict no-no in the hilly terrain. In the hilly terrains, you can get a pony ride too if you find walking too difficult.

Getting Around in Haridwar:

Local Bus - There are numerous local buses available in Haridwar that cater to both tourists and residents. If you are looking for a sightseeing tour of Haridwar then taking this option is the right way to go. However, some private tour operators also hold some local sightseeing tours of the city where you will be taken around in their local cars.

Local Rickshaws - There are a number of auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws taking you from one place to another and keeping the entire city connected in their own way. Traveling in Haridwar is extremely easy and smooth along with being cheap. In case you want to get around the city in a more comfortable manner then you can hire a cab. Ola services are also gaining some leverage.

On Foot - If you want to have a more personal and closer interaction with the city then exploring it on foot is the best way to go for. Most sightseeing and tourist locations are situated close to each other and getting from one place to another on foot is the most sensible option for travelers.

Getting Around in Dehradun:

Local Bus - Being a growing metro city Dehradun has a number of local public as well as private bus services available, catering to tourists as well as residents on a daily basis. the primary bus station of Dehradun which is the city bus stand is located at a distance of 10 minutes from Dehradun railway station which can be reached on foot.

Local Cabs - Dehradun is a popular tourist destination and caters to a number of tourists on a daily basis. There are a number of taxis and cab services available here which will take you to various different places of interest in and around Dehradun. However national cab services like Ola are also gaining quick and immense popularity.

Getting Around in Nainital:

Local Buses - There are no local bus services available in Nainital however, there is a range of travel agencies that arranges bus tours of the city. Tourists can also make use of the interstate bus services that ply through Nainital.

Local Cabs - Due to the dearth of local buses there is a range of private taxis and cycle rickshaws available within the city. This is one of the most popular and highly availed services of the city by both locals as well as tourists. Keep in mind that no vehicles are permitted on the main mall road after sundown, between 6 pm and 9 am.

On Foot - This is the best way of getting around the city and exploring the hidden beauties it holds. The mall road is lined on both sides with restaurants, shops, and other souvenir shops. The locals and some offbeat travelers make t a point to go around this beautiful city on foot.