Kasard Devi is a serene hilltop village located in Uttarakhand, near Almora. It is famous for its ancient temple and stunning views of the Himalayas. Many travelers from Delhi visit Kasar Devi to enjoy nature and spiritual calm away from city life.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Kasar Devi. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Kasar Devi – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option to reach nearby towns before heading to Kasar Devi. Trains connect Delhi with Kathgodam, the nearest major railway station.

• Trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam take around 6 to 8 hours, covering approximately 280 km, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹900 depending on class and train type.

• Popular trains include the Ranikhet Express and the Shatabdi Express, which offer comfortable seating and reliable schedules, especially during non-peak seasons.

• From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kasar Devi, which is about 40 km away, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

• Train tickets can be booked easily via IRCTC or authorized agents; booking in advance is recommended during holidays and weekends to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or track maintenance, so check train status before departure during July to September.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Kasar Devi or nearby towns from Delhi. State-run and private buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• MSRTC and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation run buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Almora or Nainital, which are about 40-50 km from Kasar Devi.

• Bus journey time ranges from 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, with fares typically between ₹400 and ₹700.

• From Almora or Nainital bus stands, shared taxis or local buses to Kasar Devi are available frequently, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Volvo and deluxe buses are available on some routes, offering better comfort and fewer stops, but these are less frequent than regular buses.

• During winter and monsoon, road conditions can worsen, causing delays; it is advisable to check weather and bus schedules before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kasar Devi is a flexible and scenic option, especially if you want to explore the region at your own pace. The route covers national highways and mountain roads.

• The distance from Delhi to Kasar Devi is approximately 300 km, and the drive takes around 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The common route is via NH9 to Haldwani, then NH109 towards Almora, followed by local roads to Kasar Devi; toll plazas are present on NH9 and NH109 with moderate fees.

• Roads are well-maintained on highways but become narrow and winding near Kasar Devi; caution is needed while driving in hilly terrain, especially during rains.

• There are multiple rest stops and dhabas along NH9 and NH109 offering local food and refreshments, ideal for breaks during the journey.

• Self-drive cars or rental vehicles can be booked from Delhi through popular platforms like Zoomcar or local agencies; ensure your vehicle is suitable for hill driving.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Kasar Devi, but it requires additional road travel from the airport to the village.

• The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 90 km from Kasar Devi, with limited flights connecting Delhi and Pantnagar, taking about 1 hour.

• From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kasar Devi, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads.

• Alternatively, you can fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, around 150 km away, but road travel from there is longer and more challenging.

• Flight fares vary widely, generally ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 one way, depending on season and availability.

• Booking flights early is essential, especially during peak tourist seasons or festivals, as seats fill quickly and prices rise.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kasar Devi to help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least a week in advance to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute rush, especially during weekends or holidays.

• If traveling by train, choose a train arriving at Kathgodam in the morning to have ample daylight for the onward journey to Kasar Devi by road.

• Arrange local transport from Kathgodam or Almora in advance by contacting taxi services or using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available, to avoid waiting times.

• Pack light but include essentials like warm clothes, rain gear, and comfortable shoes, as Kasar Devi’s weather can be cool and unpredictable.

• Carry some cash for tolls, small purchases, and local transport, as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas around Kasar Devi.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times, especially if driving yourself, for safety and emergency support.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks during the journey, as food options can be limited on mountain roads and some bus routes.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs from stations and airports to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar to you.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions regularly, as landslides and roadblocks are common in Uttarakhand’s hills.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as you may need to switch between different modes of transport like trains, buses, and taxis.

• Avoid traveling late at night on hilly roads due to poor visibility and limited emergency services; plan to reach Kasar Devi before dusk.

• Try local food at dhabas along the way but ensure it is freshly cooked to avoid stomach issues, and carry basic medicines for travel sickness.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kasar Devi is between March and June or September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be cold, and monsoon brings heavy rains.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip outside heavy rain or fog periods will ensure safer and more comfortable travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali or Holi from Delhi, as trains and buses become crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon months (July to September) often cause landslides and road closures near Kasar Devi, leading to delays and cancellations.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and cold temperatures, which can reduce visibility and make driving challenging.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach Kasar Devi with daylight for safer mountain driving.

Arrival at Kasar Devi & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kasar Devi, you will find a peaceful village with limited public transport but good options for local taxis and shared jeeps. The main temple and viewpoints are within walking distance from the village center.

Accommodation options range from guesthouses to small hotels near the temple area. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare, so negotiate fares before starting your ride. Local buses run infrequently, so private transport is preferred for convenience.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kasar Devi from Delhi is by taking a train to Kathgodam followed by a taxi or bus ride to the village. This option balances comfort, cost, and travel time well for most travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will make your journey hassle-free. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual calm of Kasar Devi confidently and comfortably.