1. Introduction - Delhi to Manali Train.
Embarking on a journey from Delhi to Manali Train is an adventure filled with scenic beauty and cultural richness. Manali, nestled in the Himalayas, is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. This guide will help you navigate the best way to travel from Delhi to Manali train, ensuring a comfortable and memorable trip.
2. Why Choose Train Travel?
Train travel offers a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and the opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscapes of northern India. Unlike flights, trains provide a more relaxed and scenic journey, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the countryside. Additionally, train travel is often more economical and environmentally friendly compared to other modes of transportation.
3. Nearest Railway Stations to Manali
While Manali itself does not have a railway station, several nearby stations serve as convenient entry points:
- Chandigarh Railway Station: One of the most popular options, offering frequent connections from Delhi.
- Kalka Railway Station: Known for its toy train to Shimla, it’s another good option.
- Joginder Nagar Railway Station: The closest station to Manali, though with limited connectivity.
- Ambala Cantt Railway Station: A major junction with numerous train options from Delhi.
4. Popular Trains from Delhi to Chandigarh/Kalka
Here are some of the best trains to consider for your journey:
- Kalka Shatabdi Express: A fast and comfortable option with excellent service.
- Paschim SF Express: Offers a good balance of speed and comfort.
- Unchahar Express: A budget-friendly option with decent amenities.
- Netaji Express: Known for its punctuality and service.
5. Connecting from Railway Stations to Manali
Once you arrive at one of the aforementioned railway stations, you have several options to reach Manali:
- Taxis and Cabs: Easily available at all major stations. They offer a direct and comfortable ride to Manali.
- Buses: Both government and private buses operate from these stations to Manali. They are economical and frequent.
- Estimated Travel Time and Costs: The journey from Chandigarh to Manali by road takes around 8-10 hours and costs vary depending on the mode of transport.
6. Scenic Highlights of the Journey
The route from Delhi to Manali is dotted with picturesque landscapes, including lush green valleys, majestic mountains, and charming villages. Key highlights include:
- Shivalik Hills: As you approach Kalka, the Shivalik range offers stunning views.
- Kullu Valley: En route to Manali, the Kullu Valley is known for its apple orchards and vibrant culture.
- Beas River: The river accompanies you for a significant part of the journey, adding to the scenic beauty.
7. Travel Tips and Recommendations
To make the most of your journey, consider these tips:
- Best Time to Travel: The ideal time to visit Manali is from March to June and September to November.
- Packing Essentials: Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and travel essentials like snacks and water.
- Booking Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider using online platforms for convenience.
8.Delhi To Manali Train Route.
The train route from Delhi to Manali reach it by train in 13 h, 34 min. See the route on Google Maps.
9.Delhi To Manali By Car.
Driving from Delhi to Manali is a scenic and enjoyable journey! Here are some key details:
- Best Routes:
- Shimla Route (via NH 44 and NH 5): This route goes through Shimla, offering beautiful mountain views.
- Best Time to Visit:
- April to June for pleasant weather.
- December to February for snowfall.
- Stopovers: There are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way, such as Chandigarh, Bilaspur, and Mandi
10.Delhi To Manali Train Timetable.
Manali doesn’t have a direct train connection from Delhi. However, you can take a train to the nearest railway stations and then continue your journey by road. Here are the details:
- Chandigarh Railway Station:
- Distance to Manali: Approximately 310 km.
- Travel Time from Delhi: Around 4-5 hours by train.
- Popular Trains:
- Kalka Shatabdi Express (12011)
- Andaura Vande Bharat Express (22447)
- Paschim SF Express (12925)
- Unchahar Express (14217)
- Kalka Express (14331).
- Kalka Railway Station:
- Distance to Manali: Approximately 280 km.
- Travel Time from Delhi: Around 5-7 hours by train.
- Popular Trains:
- Netaji Express (12311)
- Kalka Shatabdi (12005)
- Kalka SF Express (22455)
- Kalka Express (14331).
From these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali. The road journey offers beautiful scenic views of mountains and valleys.
11. Delhi To Manali Train Fares.
Here are the approximate train fares from Delhi to the nearest railway stations to Manali:
- Chandigarh Railway Station:
- AC 1 Tier: ₹1000-1300
- Second Class: ₹11012
- Kalka Railway Station:
- AC 1 Tier: ₹1000-1300
- Second Class: ₹11012
From these stations, you can continue your journey to Manali by taxi or bus. The road trip offers beautiful scenic views of mountains and valleys.
12.How To Book Delhi To Manali Train.
To book a train from Delhi to the nearest stations to Manali (Chandigarh or Kalka), follow these steps:
- Visit the IRCTC Website:
- Create an Account:
- If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one by providing your details.
- Search for Trains:
- Enter your departure station (Delhi) and your destination station (Chandigarh or Kalka).
- Select your travel date and click on “Search”.
- Select a Train:
- Choose a train that fits your schedule from the list of available options.
- Check Availability and Fare:
- Check the seat availability and fare for your preferred class (e.g., AC 1 Tier, Second Class).
- Book Your Ticket:
- Select your seat, enter passenger details, and proceed to payment.
- You can pay using various methods like credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
- Confirmation:
- After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email and SMS with your ticket details.
- Download or Print Your Ticket:
- You can download the e-ticket from the IRCTC website or print it for your journey.
13.How much does a Manali trip cost?
The cost of a trip to Manali can vary depending on several factors such as the duration of your stay, the type of accommodation, and the activities you plan to do. Here are some general estimates:
- Budget Trip:
- Cost: Around ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per person for a 3-4 day trip.
- Includes: Basic accommodation, local transportation, and meals.
- Mid-Range Trip:
- Cost: Approximately ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per person for a 4-5 day trip.
- Includes: Comfortable accommodation, meals, local transportation, and some activities like sightseeing and adventure sports.
- Luxury Trip:
- Cost: ₹30,000 and above per person for a 4-5 day trip.
- Includes: Luxury accommodation, meals, private transportation, and premium activities.
These estimates exclude the cost of flights or train tickets to reach Manali. Prices can also vary based on the season, with peak tourist seasons generally being more expensive.
14. How to order food on the train.
Ordering food on the train in India is quite convenient! Here are the steps you can follow:
- Use the IRCTC eCatering Website or App:
- Website: Visit the IRCTC eCatering website.
- App: Download the “Food on Track” app from your app store.
- Enter Your PNR Number:
- Input your 10-digit PNR number to see the available restaurants and food options for your journey.
- Choose Your Food:
- Browse through the menu of various restaurants and select the items you want to order.
- Place Your Order:
- Complete your order by providing your contact details and choosing your payment method (online payment or cash on delivery).
- Enjoy Your Meal:
- Your food will be delivered directly to your seat at the specified station.
Frequently Asked Questions.
- How many trains run between Delhi and Manali?
There are no direct trains from Delhi to Manali. However, you can take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh or Kalka, and then continue your journey to Manali by taxi or bus.
- How to reach Manali faster by train from Delhi?
To reach Manali faster by train from Delhi, you can take the Kalka Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh, which takes around 4 hours1. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, which is approximately a 7-8 hour drive.
- What is the distance between Delhi and Manali?
The distance between Delhi and Manali by road is approximately 550 kilometers (about 342 miles)1. If you prefer to fly, the aerial distance is around 403 kilometers (about 250 miles).
How many railway stations are there in Delhi?
Delhi has a total of 48 railway stations. Some of the major ones include:
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
- Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI)
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM)
- Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT)
- Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE)
How many railway stations are there in Manali?
Manali itself does not have a railway station due to its mountainous terrain. The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is about 147 kilometers away. Other nearby stations include Pathankot, Chandigarh, Kalka, and Una Himachal, but they are all quite a distance from Manali.
If you’re planning a trip, you might need to rely on road transport from these stations to reach Manali.
- How to reach Manali from Kalka?
To reach Manali from Kalka, you have a few options:
- By Bus: You can take a bus from Kalka to Manali. The journey typically takes around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Buses are available from Kalka to Chandigarh, and from there, you can find direct buses to Manali.
- By Taxi: Hiring a taxi is a more comfortable and quicker option. The drive from Kalka to Manali takes approximately 7-8 hours, covering a distance of about 270 kilometers.
- By Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and drive to Manali. The route is scenic but involves navigating through hilly terrain, so be prepared for a long drive.
- By Train and Bus: You can take a train from Kalka to Chandigarh and then catch a bus from Chandigarh to Manali. This option might take a bit longer but can be more economical.
- Delhi to Manali train ticket price sleeper class
- Does Vande Bharat go to Manali?
The Vande Bharat Express does not go directly to Manali, as Manali doesn’t have a railway station. The Vande Bharat Express operates on routes connecting major cities, and the closest it gets to Manali is Chandigarh.
From Chandigarh, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Manali.
- Which is better, Shimla or Manali?
Both Shimla and Manali are beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, but they offer different experiences. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Shimla
- Accessibility: Easier to reach with a well-connected railway station (Kalka) and good road connectivity.
- Weather: Pleasant throughout the year, with snowfall in winter.
- Attractions: Mall Road, Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, and nearby places like Kufri and Chail.
- Vibe: Colonial charm with a bustling town atmosphere.
Manali
- Accessibility: No direct train; nearest stations are Chandigarh and Kalka, followed by a bus or taxi ride.
- Weather: Cooler than Shimla, with heavy snowfall in winter.
- Attractions: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, and adventure activities like paragliding and river rafting.
- Vibe: More laid-back and adventurous, with stunning natural beauty.
Which to Choose?
- Shimla: If you prefer a mix of colonial charm, easier accessibility, and a bustling town atmosphere.
- Manali: If you’re looking for adventure, stunning landscapes, and a more relaxed vibe.
- Delhi to Manali by train Shatabdi.
There isn’t a direct Shatabdi train from Delhi to Manali, as Manali doesn’t have its own railway station. However, you can take the Kalka Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Kalka or Chandigarh, which are the nearest major railway stations to Manali.
From Kalka or Chandigarh, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Manali. The journey from Delhi to Kalka or Chandigarh by Shatabdi takes around 4-5 hours.
15. Conclusion
Traveling from Delhi to Manali by train is a delightful experience that combines the charm of train travel with the beauty of the Himalayas.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this journey offers something for everyone.
So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to explore the enchanting landscapes of Manali.