Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a famous cave temple located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its natural limestone caves and religious significance. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as a major starting point for travelers heading to this spiritual destination.

This route is popular among pilgrims and nature lovers who want to explore the unique cave formations and serene surroundings. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Patal Bhuvaneshwar using various transport modes, including train, bus, car, and flight options.

Getting from Delhi to Patal Bhuvaneshwar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and economical option for reaching the nearest railway stations to Patal Bhuvaneshwar. It suits travelers who prefer overnight journeys and want to avoid road fatigue.

• The closest major railway stations to Patal Bhuvaneshwar are Kathgodam (approx 180 km) and Haldwani (approx 190 km), both well connected to Delhi via regular trains.

• Trains like the Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti run daily between Delhi's Old Delhi or Anand Vihar stations and Kathgodam, taking about 6 to 8 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 300 to INR 1200 depending on class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC), with frequent bookings available on IRCTC and other platforms.

• From Kathgodam or Haldwani, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, which takes around 5 to 6 hours on hilly roads.

• During monsoon season, landslides can cause delays on connecting roads, so plan extra travel time if traveling between July and September.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar from Delhi, especially for those who prefer road travel and want to enjoy scenic views en route.

• State-run buses from Delhi to Almora or Pithoragarh depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar bus terminals, with journey times of 12 to 14 hours.

• From Almora or Pithoragarh, local buses or shared taxis connect to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, located about 40 km away, taking 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Bus fares from Delhi to Almora range between INR 600 and INR 1000, depending on the bus type (Volvo, Deluxe, or ordinary).

• Buses are frequent during the tourist season but can get crowded during festivals like Diwali and Navratri, so book tickets in advance.

• Road conditions can be challenging during winter due to fog and occasional snowfall, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Patal Bhuvaneshwar is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and to explore the region at their own pace. The route offers beautiful landscapes and several stops along the way.

• The distance from Delhi to Patal Bhuvaneshwar is approximately 520 km via NH9 and NH309, taking around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through major towns like Haldwani, Almora, and Pithoragarh, with multiple toll plazas and rest stops offering food and fuel.

• Driving through the mountainous terrain requires caution, especially during monsoon and winter seasons when roads can be slippery or foggy.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Delhi with daily rates starting around INR 2000, and it is advisable to choose vehicles with good ground clearance for hilly roads.

• Plan overnight stops in Almora or Pithoragarh if you prefer a relaxed journey with sightseeing opportunities.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Patal Bhuvaneshwar, but it requires combining air travel with road transport for the final leg.

• The nearest airport to Patal Bhuvaneshwar is Pantnagar Airport, about 160 km away, with limited daily flights from Delhi operated by regional airlines.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Pantnagar is approximately 1 hour, making it a quick option for travelers short on time.

• From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, which takes around 5 to 6 hours on mountain roads.

• Flight fares range from INR 2500 to INR 5000 one way, depending on the season and advance booking.

• Check flight schedules carefully as Pantnagar flights may not operate daily, and weather conditions can cause cancellations during monsoon or winter.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Patal Bhuvaneshwar. It covers key actions to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

• Book your train or bus tickets online at least 7 days in advance using IRCTC or state transport websites to secure your preferred travel dates and seats.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Kathgodam or Haldwani and plan your arrival time to connect with local transport to Patal Bhuvaneshwar.

• Arrange a taxi or shared jeep from Kathgodam, Haldwani, or Pantnagar airport to Patal Bhuvaneshwar; pre-booking helps avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, as temperatures drop in the hills, especially during early mornings and nights.

• Carry snacks and water for the road journey, but also plan to stop at local dhabas or rest areas to enjoy Uttarakhand cuisine.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy in remote areas near Patal Bhuvaneshwar.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available to avoid overcharging, especially when traveling from railway stations or airports.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from reputable dhabas to avoid stomach issues common in hilly regions.

• Book your tickets well in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Local transport options near Patal Bhuvaneshwar include shared jeeps and taxis; negotiate fares beforehand and confirm return timings.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as pharmacies may be limited near the cave temple area.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions regularly, as landslides and roadblocks can disrupt travel plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar is between March and June, and then from September to November. These months offer pleasant weather and clear roads for travel.

Monsoon months (July to September) bring heavy rains and landslides, making road travel risky. Winters (December to February) can be cold with fog and occasional snowfall, which may delay transport.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Navratri when roads and trains are crowded, and accommodation is limited.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at connecting stations or airports.

• Monsoon season requires extra caution due to slippery roads and possible landslides on the mountain route.

• Winter fog can reduce visibility on highways, so plan daytime travel for safety.

Arrival at Patal Bhuvaneshwar & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Patal Bhuvaneshwar, you will find a small town with basic facilities catering to pilgrims and tourists. The cave temple is well signposted and accessible by a short walk from the parking area.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and taxis that can take you to nearby towns like Almora and Pithoragarh. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to budget hotels mostly located in Almora or Pithoragarh, about 40 to 50 km away.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited in this remote area, so it is advisable to arrange your return transport in advance. The temple area has small eateries offering simple meals and refreshments.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a rewarding experience combining spiritual exploration with scenic mountain travel. The most efficient option is to take a train to Kathgodam or Haldwani and then hire a taxi for the onward journey to the cave temple.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will ensure a smooth trip. With the right preparation, you can enjoy this unique destination confidently and comfortably.