Delhi Nainital Road Review
Last Saturday (July 15, 2007), I was driving on NH24 as I had some work in Naukuchiatal and thought that I would write a quick Road Review since there are lots of folks who use this road for going almost anywhere in Kumaon. Though I didn’t go to Nainital, but probably going till Bhimtal is as good as going till Nainital from Road Review perspective ;)
This road can be divided into many sections.
- NH 24 - Delhi, Ghazibad, Hapur, Garh Mukteshwar (NHAI)
- NH 24 - Simbhavli, Gajraula, Moradabad, Rampur (NHAI)
- NH 87 - Rampur, Bilaspur, Rudrapur (mostly UP)
- NH 87 - Rudrapur, Haldwani, Nainital/Bhimtal (Uttrakhand)
Section 1 which starts from Nizamuddin Mode in Delhi has lots of small cities/villages en route. Expect a little jam at Ghazipur Crossing (almost all times of day), then one at Ghaziabad Trade Tax (just beyond Vijay Nagar) and usualy slowness as you cross numerous towns. Hapur bypass is lovely and amazingly smooth, you can go beyond 120 easily. I drove at 80-100 KPH (in my Mahindra Scorpio) as it was raining and road was wet, so less traction. Beyond Hapur, the road is mostly single and not too much of traffic till you get closer to Brij Ghat or Garh Mukteshwar where it can take from 15 minute to many hours depending upon whether there is anything big at Ganga. By the way, this is the closest point for Delhi-ites for a Ganga dip. Avoid mornings on major poornimas (full names) or big festivals.
Section 2 is after Garh. Again single road for some time and then you stat to see the NHAI work. There are stretches where the road work has been done and there are two roads, 3 lane each. On these stretches you can easily go beyond 120 and make merry but every 20-30 odd kilomters, you will enter a bottle neck, mostly at the places where they are trying to make a flyover, these bottle necks can actually kill your entire fun if its raining or if there is a break down. But all in all, this stretch is bettr then Section 1. Once NHAI is done, it would be cream. Moradabad bypass is already a marvel. I dont know why they stopped accpeting money at a single toll for the whole stretch, now you have to stop twice to pay toll. As you pass Moradabad bypass, Rampur City can get a littly stuffy but its just couple of kilometers so not too much of pain.
Section 3 is when you cross Rampur city and take a left turn to get on NH87. Now the ordeal begins, now you are not with NHAI but on a road maintained (or not maintained) by government of UP. I have been driving this stretch for at least last 8-9 years and I have never found this good. You have to handle this till Rudrapur.
From Rudrapur, you again take a left leaving the road which goes till Lucknow, and now you drive along side jungle. Infact both sides. Amazing drive. For 20 odd kilo meters you and this long serpenetine road amid Tanda (thats the name of Jungle Reserve), reach Rudrapur and then Haldwani. From there the road to Nainital is very good. For Bhimtal/Sattal/Naukuchia Tal or going to Almora/Bhavali/Binsar/Mukteshwar, you need to take a right exit at HMT factory, which is about 6 KM from Kathgodam station, if you dont take a right and keep going straight you reach Nainital.
Tip - Start early in the day (5 for Summers and 6 for Winters) to avoid traffic and it should not take you more then 7 hours to reach Nainital or other places.
I was back on Sunday, july 16 2007.
August 3rd, 2007 at 2:39 am
A much better way to get to Nainital/Ramgarh is to do a LEFT U turn at the end of the Moradabad flyover,head towards Kashipur,after 15kms take a right to Bazpur-Kaladhungi.This stretch used to be very bad but now is tip-top.After Bazpur there is very little traffic and the drive through the forest is beautiful.From Kaladhungi go up to Nainital/Bhowali and on to Ramgarh.During the peak season,I avoid Nainital and go via Kathgodam,Jeolikote,Bhowali..again a very nice drive and great tarmac,fabulous in the rains!I do this atleast once a month and would appreciate any feed-back from other regulars.
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:23 am
Some more advice re:NH24.Do not travel via GarhMukteshwar till the 12th Aug as there are lots of closures/diversions because of Shivratri/Pilgrims ferrying GangaJal/Amavasya.It would be wise to check the following link whenever you are planning to go through GM…you could get held up there for any number of hours!
http://www.panchangam.com/vratha.htm
August 17th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Thanks for the tip about the route via Kaladhungi. A friend who has just gone today was disgusted with the road via Rampur. I plan to go in 2-3 days.
August 18th, 2007 at 3:58 am
A friend who has just returned from Kumaon says the stretch near Kaladhungi where the road goes thru the river-bed,is under water!
August 18th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Thanks for your prompt advise. However, since i’m going to nainital and not haldwani- would you still have to cross the water at kaladhungi on the bazpur-kaladhungi-nainital route???
I was just looking up google earth and it seems that you have to cross the river if you go towards haldwani from kaladhungi.
Can you check with your friend.
Thanks in anticipation
August 19th, 2007 at 4:58 am
You are right!The river crossing is on the Kaladhungi - Haldwani route,which you should avoid..there is a problem at a bridge as well after Kathgodam.The drive to Nainital is prettier thru Jeolikote,via Haldwani but maybe a little later.
Please do post your comments here after you complete the trip!
August 19th, 2007 at 7:11 am
Thanks.
August 24th, 2007 at 4:07 am
The road from Moradabad to Kaladhungi was really excellent.
August 26th, 2007 at 3:09 am
What did you do after Kaladhungi?And did you come back the same way?
August 26th, 2007 at 5:25 am
went up straight (not via Katgodham). Visited Sat Tal. Stayed 3 days in naini and came back via the same route
August 29th, 2007 at 2:15 am
Can any one advise me about taking a trip to Nanital on 30/08/2007 from Delhi.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:15 am
Anoop, why dont you register at the forum at http://www.ghumakkar.com/phpbb (click at forum on the top bar and register) and ask this. By the way what advice you are expecting from Ghumakkars on this ?
August 29th, 2007 at 5:10 am
Actually somebody brought it to my notice that all the kaverias from Haridwar are blocking the Garh Ganga area so is it advisable to take that route or is there any way out from Delhi to nainital.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Kawarias thing stopped a while back, 11 Aug. So now no such blocks. Also Kawarias use Delhi-Roorkee-Haridwar highway and that is what is closed and you would need to take NH24. Garh Ganga is a ganga point so I am not sure whether there is any thing else going on there. Poornima is just over (Rakhi) , not sure but I wont be surprised if some Krishna Janmashtmi thing is going on at Garh.
September 12th, 2007 at 4:13 am
Did the usual trip to Mukteshwar last week but changed the route a bit after Haldwani…Discovered a rather picturesque and less travelled road..there were quite a few waterfalls and a roaring stream to drive by..the road is single-lane but well tarred even after the rains.
After the Bhimtal lake,head towards Bhowali.After another couple of Kms,look out for a hair-pin bend(called Khutani) that takes you to the RIGHT..This goes to PADAMPURI - DHARI - DHANACHULI BEND from where you can take the road to Bhatelia-Mukteshwar or the upper road to Paharpani…The towns on this stretch are small and not crowded..Did not cross a single truck but there was the odd bus.Area is famous for Herb farming.We stayed at The Ramgarh Cottages @ 1900/-a night,meals extra,rather nice!The rate comes down to 1250/-in the winter..definitely worth it!There is also a new Guest House coming up next door, run by a Lady-Doctor from Defence Colony… even cheaper!…more next time!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:11 am
1. Have been going to Naintal / Bhimtal atleast twice a year via Rampur.
2. Returned on 17 Sep 2007 after a trip covering Delhi - Moradabad- Kaladhungi- Khurpatal- Nainital- Kilbury - Pangot- Nainital - Bhowali - Ramgarh- Nathuakhan - Hartola - Mukteshwar - Bhimtal - Haldwani - Kaladhungi - Moradabad- Delhi.
3. Route Moradabad - Kaladhungi is way - way ahead of route via Rampur. Beautiful is the word. Literally No Trucks, No Buses, No overtaking hassles. Tension - free.
For Nainital thereafter
Option - 1 - Kaladhungi - Haldwani( Beautiful Forest Road. Negligible Traffic) - Naintal. Long Route. Atleast you avoid Rampur route.
Option 2 - Kaladhungi - Naintal via Khurpatal (35 KMs approx). Road is bad only at places on account of extensive rains Uttaranchal had this year (under repairs currently, but not too bad at all) - Not more that 5 - 6 KMs stretch . Kaladhungi - Short of Mangoli is a Good Road. Bad Patch thereafter. Khurpatal - Nainital is very good.
I personally would go for Kaladhungi - Khurpatal - Nainital route.Via Rampur - NEVER.
Other roads - Naintal - Kilbury - Pangot OK. Too many twists & turns. Not a second off the road you can afford to see.
Beyond Pangot - Bad Road.
Road Nainital - Bhowali - Ramgarh- Nathuakhan - Hartola/ Mukteshwar - Bhimtal- Excellent to say the least.
Was surprised beyond words to see the number of roads being built in these areas. These roads will take anyone to absolute interiors. Uttaranchal Govt appears to be putting their Heart & Soul in Road Building. My Complements to them.
Sandeep.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Guys I heard there is a direct raod towards Bazpur as well and we need not take the Kashipur road for reaching Kaladhungi.
Its visible on the mapmyindia.com as well.
Any updates?
Neeraj
May 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Planning to visit Joelikot on way to nainital. Plan is also to drive down from gurgaon. please suggest the better road.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Take NH24. Take a U turn from Moradabad bypass (towards Corbett). Head towards Bazpur and then Kaladhungi. Take right and you would each Haldwani. Then Kathgodam, Jeolikot.
On the way back, I would suggest that you come from Khurpa Tal side. That would take you to Kaladhungi and then back with the same route.
If you do make it then please comment on this blog on road condition. That would help fellow ghumakkars.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:16 am
is Kaladhungi road good for low floor cars like Honda City?
June 5th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Yes. Its a pretty decent road with some rough patches which tend to get worse during rains. So avoid during Monsoon but otherwise its pretty good for any car.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:02 am
Is there any good food joint (value for money) for family on delhi naninital road?
June 10th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Yes there are quite a few at Gajraula (Bhajan Dhaba, Giani dhaba etc). I would recommend that you stop at A1 Plaza (look for Reliance Pump sign). Its after Gajraula, between Joya and Moradabad.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Guys!
How is Rampur Delhi road in Moradabad..?
June 11th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Not sure whether I got your question.
The moradabad stretch on Delhi - Rampur road is one of the best. Joya - Moradabad is high speed double and then you have this lovely bypass.
Can you be more clear please ?
June 12th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Hi Nandan
Thanks for replying my question. what i meant was how is delhi moradabad highway in general.
i have never been to jim corbet national park hence I am not sure whether delhi moradabad highway leads straight to jim corbet national park or not..?
what i want to know is the follwing:
1: Is delhi - moradabad highway going straight to jim corbet national park or not.?
2: if yes then how far is jim corbet from moradabad.?
3: is it safe to drive at night?
4: is it a quiet road or a populated area?
June 12th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Thanks Arif. Here’s my response
1. Delhi - Moradabad or NH24 doesn’t go to CTR (Corbett Tiger Reserve). For CTR, you get off NH24 after Moradabad by-pass.
2. Read Delhi-Ramnagar road review for route details.
3. I would advise that you avoid driving in night since you are not familiar with the route.
4. mix of both.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Anyone done this route through Kaladhungi - Khurpatal to Nainital lately? I’m planning to drive down next week. any help will be useful.
Thanks,
Rajeev
June 17th, 2008 at 3:02 am
The route is good. I have done it twice - last in Jan 2008.
My Sep 2007 observations on this site were as follows -
Sep 2007- Kaladhungi - Naintal via Khurpatal (35 KMs approx). Road is bad only at places on account of extensive rains Uttaranchal had this year (under repairs currently, but not too bad at all) - Not more that 5 - 6 KMs stretch . Kaladhungi - Short of Mangoli is a Good Road. Bad Patch thereafter. Khurpatal - Nainital is very good.
May 2008 - Should be good
June 17th, 2008 at 3:04 am
Want to visit areas beyond Nathuakhan - Hartola. Can any one advise the places to visit and stay.
Sandeep.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
Sandeep and all other contributors,
Thanks for your inputs on the route to nainital. I went there last week - and against your sane advise - but following some local person’s advise, i went straight to Rampur from Moradabad (I started from Delhi) even though I had made up my mind not to go thru Rampur. The inevitable happened…… there was a never ending 3 km long blockage on one side of the road due to the trucks parked there, and only a narrow lane for the two way traffic. And after 3 kms of driving and not facing any traffic, I got surpised, but to my horror I saw that there was a jam and the traffic had been held up for hours . Knowing the alternate route from your mails above, i turned around quickly to Moradabad before the traffic behind me could stop me. Then followed the Baazpur, kaladhungi, haldwani, kathgodam route…..that was sheer pleasure. No buses, no trucks, no honks, all forest and clean roads. My trip was a big success mainly due to the route that I took on your advise.
Thanks a lot for putting your experiences for others benefit.
All others who visit this site, please go thru Rampur on your own risk. The route to nainital is best enjoyed from the path of Moradabad, Baazpur, kaladhungi, haldwani, kathgodam, Nainital.
Cheers,
Vib
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Absolutely right, Vib.
I too took that route on the way to Kausani last week and thanked all Ghumakkars for the pleasure of jungle drive.
However, had to come back via Rampur as we were held up in the hills for long. Though there weren’t any hold ups on the national highway, it wasn’t a good drive for most of the way with all the widening going on.
June 28th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Guys I just got back from Nainital this Wednesday, June 25th. The Road is quite bad. From Hapur to Gajraula, there are some very bad stretches mostly due to the road construction. Gajrraula to Rampur the road is good. The Muradbad bypass is already in for some major repairs. Every 20 odd meters, the embankment has caved in and NHAI has resorted to sand filling and quick fix measures.
Traffic is a big concern though. After Bilaspur, the road gets better and once you enter Uttrakhand, the difference in road quality is visible.
I wanted to do the Kaladungri rout but was advised against it as a bridge in that route is broken/ under repairs. Moreover, there have been a few land slides between Khurpatal and Nainital.
The road from Rudrapur to Nainital is very good and the drive is great.
For people travelling with their family, I would recommend that you stay at the Palace Belvedere in Mallital. It’s a heritage property being managed by Welcome heritage. It is a very convenient location. Walking distance from the Flatts, the ropeway and the boad club.
The view from the front rooms is the best you can get in any of the Nainital properties. Staff is friendly and the place is well managed.
Cheers!
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:43 am
Gautam is absoultely right. DO NOT TAKE THE BAZPUR - KALADHUNGI ROUTE. The bridge is broken and you will struck in the middle of the route. UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES AND PROMPTED BY LOCALS, DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT TAKE THE MUD PATH ALONG SIDE THE RIVER. Locals will tell you to take the kuccha road to kashipur and from there to Bazpur and Rudrapur. Do not pay heed to them. The road aheads gets invisible and totally messed up and you land up in mud patches and in fields. Car can get struck up and no decent poulation. I recently travelled on 28th June through this route. Thank God we could safely make it through this route but were scared to our wits ends and so thought to warn all the others. The Moradabad - Rampur route is good enought except for some 20 km stretch which is rough as I returned through this route itself. One more warning though. At Moradabad, there will be a sign post of Bypass at 2 Km ahead but at the turn, there is no sign board and u have to take a right turn under a under construction bridge. Keep an eye for it.
For something good, after Gurmukhteshwar, you can find nice bamboo stools (muddhas) at the road sides. Bargain them hard at 50% price and you will strike a good deal.
Happy Driving.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:07 am
Thanks Lokesh. Thats very very helpful.
Do you have a sense on when this bridge would get fixed.
Also if down the line, someone makes the trip via this road, and could update it on current status, it would really help fellow ghumakkars.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:19 am
HI Lokesh,
I am planning to visit nanital tomorrow. Given your advice i assue its not good to go by kaladhungi route.
I’ll take the normal route. Could you also share good hotels and places you visited during your stay.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Hi Rohit, Any idea if the kashipur bridge is all set?
I am planning to go to nainital by kaladungi route from delhi on 2nd Aug 2008.
yr comment would be helpful.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Hi all
looking at all comments -the recent ones I guess
NH 87 - Rampur, Bilaspur, Rudrapur (mostly UP)
NH 87 - Rudrapur, Haldwani, Nainital
seems to be the good option If I am travelling tomorrow.
can anyone be quick to answer please.
July 26th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Ammy - Take the usual route i.e. be on NH24 till Rampur, take a left towards Bilaspur, Be on it for most of the time.
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I agreed with you
August 8th, 2008 at 7:22 am
I am planning to go to nainital on 14-17 august on bike.I want enjoy my ride most so will it good to move along with mooradabad ramnagar road.
will the condition be favourable?
August 8th, 2008 at 9:07 am
For a bike, I would suggest that you take the usual route (Delhi - Moradabad - Rampur - Bilaspur - Nainital) because of Monsoons.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:25 am
I am travelling in the next 2 days to Binsar. Wanted to know which is the best route to take right now considering all the rains. Is the kaladungi route from moradabad a good one or take the traditional route of rampur-haldwani-kathgodam-alomora. I have new skoda so dont want to go over rough roads as far as possible.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:44 am
One of the ghumakkars (Anand) took the Kaladhungi road and you would need to cross a river on road. I would think that with a Skoda it should not be a problem to be on the Kaladhungi road.
I would pass a note to Anand to see if he could reply to your query since I guess he was on this road, last weekend.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Dear Vivek,
The traditional road is OK. But one patch - from Rampur to Bilaspur is really bad (I came this Sunday). You can go from Moradabad to Haldwani via Bazpur & Kaladhungi. This route though a bit longer would be better.
The river crossing was on Ramnagar - Kaadhungi road. You would not pass through that river crossing.
I will confirm the exact route by tomorrow.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Hi Anand,
Thanks for the details. I will wait for your updates. Would appreciate if you can give the detail route details. Will the kaladhungi route be faster to reach from delhi and is it safe to drive on that since its just me & my wife only.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I am taking my team for a trip to Saat-Taal. The route map that our travle agent has sent us is the traditional Rampur-Bilaspur-Haldwani road. However, my past experience has been much better with the Kaladhungi road.
My question is - Where is this bridge that everyone seems to be warning about ? Has the construction/repair been completed yet ?
We are leaving this Friday and I would like to take the Kaldhungi road through bazpur but if the bridge is still under construction then we’ll take the regular ramnagar route.
Has anyone been there recently ? Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks
August 28th, 2008 at 5:49 am
As far as I remember, this bridge is not between Bazpur - Kaladhungi - Haldwani. So you are good.
Also, when you come back then please update here on the road status please. Even if you end up taking the normal route then too, would be helpful for fellow ghumakkars.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:42 am
dear Pramesh
am regular visitor of Nainital…..came back last week only. Bridge between Moradabad and Bazpur is still under construction,dont go via Kaladhungi. if you want to go via Kaladhungi only than take Moradabad-Doraha- Kashipur-Bazpur-Kaladungi…….i came back via Rudarpur-Bilaspur-Rampur……..actualy both routs are horrible at this moment,but Rampur is better.
Ajay setia
August 28th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Dear friends.
let us make Delhi-Nainital long drive club.
am at setiaajay@hotmail.com
waiting for response.
ajay
August 28th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Thanks Ajay and Nandan. I guess we’ll take the regular Rampur Route this time then. I’ll update the status of the roads when I’m back on Tuesday.
Cheers:)
August 28th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Ajay - Very interesting thought. I dont frequent this route but I am sure there would be lot of people who would be.
August 29th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Thanks Nandan. I hope few regulars will be intrested in club.
regular visitor of Nainital and adjouring area should contact me at setiaajay@hotmail.com,if they are intrested in Delhi-Nainital long drive club.
ajay
September 7th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Hi Guys,
I’m back from Saat-Taal and as promised I am here to report back on the road conditions. Sorry for the delay though :)
So..The road up to Garh is pretty ok ..although there are patches where you might have to use the makeshift diversions. After Garh and till Rampur, the road is still a road although with very big craters on it almost throughout, like it has been bombed or something.
After Rampur and till Bilaspur, the road is quite bad. Can’t pick up any speed at all….is going to eat up a lot of time. After Bilaspur, it getts better and then of course after Kathgodam its a better road uphill.
Though I haven’t been through the Kashipur, Baazpur, Kaladhungi road, but people at the camp said that the road that side has been repaired and the bridge is safe too…although they have now posted a barrier at the bridge, so the trucks etc cannot pass through on it .. Buses are out as well. Only Cars etc can pass through there.
So there it is …anyone who’s gonna travel there soon … Enjoy the trip
Cheers