Purnagiri is a revered pilgrimage site located in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. It is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Purnagiri and attracts devotees from across northern India. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a major city well connected to various parts of the country, making it a common starting point for travelers heading to Purnagiri.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Purnagiri. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, or driving yourself, this article covers all essential details for a comfortable journey.

Getting from Lucknow to Purnagiri – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many pilgrims and tourists going from Lucknow to Uttarakhand. However, there is no direct train to Purnagiri, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Purnagiri is Tanakpur, about 60 km away. You can board trains from Lucknow Charbagh station to Tanakpur, which takes approximately 10 to 12 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Train fares from Lucknow to Tanakpur generally range from ₹300 to ₹800 for sleeper and AC classes. Trains like the Tanakpur Express and others run daily but check IRCTC for exact timings and availability.

• Tanakpur station is well equipped with basic facilities, but last-mile connectivity to Purnagiri requires hiring a taxi or taking local buses from the station. Shared jeeps and taxis are available but may be limited in early mornings or late evenings.

• During monsoon season, train schedules can be affected by landslides or track maintenance in the hilly areas near Tanakpur, so plan accordingly and check for updates before travel.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Purnagiri from Lucknow, especially for those comfortable with road travel. Several state-run and private buses operate on this route.

• Uttar Pradesh Roadways and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation run buses from Lucknow to Tanakpur or Champawat, which are the closest towns to Purnagiri. The journey takes around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus fares range from ₹400 to ₹700 for ordinary and deluxe buses. Volvo or semi-deluxe buses are less frequent but provide more comfort for overnight travel.

• Buses depart from Lucknow’s Charbagh bus station and sometimes from Kaiserbagh, so confirm the boarding point when booking tickets online or at the counter.

• Roads on the route include NH9 and NH309, passing through scenic but winding mountain roads near Purnagiri. During winter, fog and occasional landslides can cause delays, so check weather forecasts before departure.

• Local buses and shared taxis from Tanakpur or Champawat to Purnagiri temple are available but may have limited timings, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Purnagiri offers flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic route at your own pace. The distance is about 450 km and takes roughly 10 to 12 hours by road.

• The recommended route is via NH27 and NH9, passing through Bareilly, Pilibhit, and Tanakpur before ascending to Purnagiri. The roads are mostly two-lane highways with some hilly stretches near the destination.

• Toll plazas are present on NH27 and NH9, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage. Expect toll costs around ₹200 to ₹400 for the entire route.

• Rest stops with food options are available at Bareilly and Pilibhit. Local dhabas serve North Indian cuisine and tea, ideal for breaks during the journey.

• Driving in monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides near Purnagiri. Winter mornings may have fog, so start early to avoid low visibility.

• Parking near Purnagiri temple is limited and can get crowded during festivals. It is advisable to park at designated lots and walk or hire local transport for the last stretch.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Purnagiri as it is located in a remote hilly area. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 150 km away, which has limited connectivity. Flying can be combined with road travel for faster access.

• Pantnagar Airport is connected to Delhi and other major cities with daily flights. From Lucknow, you can take a flight to Delhi and then another to Pantnagar, though this is time-consuming and costly compared to direct road or rail travel.

• From Pantnagar Airport, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Purnagiri, which takes around 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season and booking time, typically ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for one-way tickets between Delhi and Pantnagar.

• Due to limited flights and connectivity, this option is usually preferred by travelers combining Purnagiri with other Uttarakhand destinations.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Lucknow to Purnagiri for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or official bus portals to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute rush, especially during festivals.

• Reach Lucknow Charbagh railway station or bus station at least 30 minutes before departure to manage crowds and find your platform or bus stand without stress.

• If traveling by train, disembark at Tanakpur station and arrange a local taxi or shared jeep to Purnagiri temple. Confirm taxi fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• If traveling by bus, check the bus’s final destination and stops. Some buses may require a change at Tanakpur or Champawat; plan your connecting transport accordingly.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the last leg of the journey from Tanakpur to Purnagiri, as food options are limited on the mountain roads.

• Upon arrival at Purnagiri, use local guides or ask temple staff for directions to accommodation or nearby towns if you plan to stay overnight.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a photocopy of your ID and keep your valuables secure, especially when traveling by crowded trains or buses in India.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to avoid stomach issues common in hilly regions.

• Book tickets online early during peak pilgrimage seasons like Navratri to avoid sold-out trains or buses.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available to avoid haggling and ensure fair pricing.

• Pack light but include warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly in the hills, especially at night and early mornings.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather updates regularly to avoid travel disruptions caused by landslides or roadblocks.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Purnagiri is between March and June, and again from September to November. These months offer pleasant weather and safer road conditions. Winters can be cold, and monsoons bring heavy rainfall affecting travel.

Traveling during major festivals like Navratri or Diwali means large crowds and booked accommodations, so plan well in advance. Early morning departures help avoid traffic and fog on mountain roads.

• Avoid traveling during July and August due to heavy monsoon rains causing landslides and road closures in Uttarakhand hills.

• December to February can be very cold with possible snowfall near Purnagiri, so only experienced travelers should attempt winter visits.

• Festival periods attract many pilgrims, leading to crowded trains and buses; book tickets at least a month ahead.

• Start your journey early in the day to avoid night driving on winding roads, which can be risky due to poor visibility and limited street lighting.

Arrival at Purnagiri & What to Expect

When you arrive near Purnagiri, you will find limited public transport options. Most travelers hire local taxis or shared jeeps from Tanakpur or Champawat to reach the temple area. The final approach involves a short uphill walk.

Accommodation options near Purnagiri are basic guesthouses and dharamshalas catering to pilgrims. For more comfort, you can stay in Tanakpur or Champawat towns and travel daily to the temple. Local transport includes auto-rickshaws and taxis, but availability may be limited in the evenings.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Purnagiri from Lucknow is by combining train travel to Tanakpur followed by a taxi or bus for the last leg. This balances comfort, cost, and travel time well. Alternatively, direct buses offer a budget-friendly option but require patience for longer road travel.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With the right preparation, you can confidently undertake this spiritual trip from Lucknow to Purnagiri and experience the serene beauty of the Uttarakhand hills.