Pickup Location:
Drop Location: Manali
About the Drop Location
A trip from Delhi to Manali is a popular getaway for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those looking to experience the serene beauty of the Himalayas. Manali, located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque hill station known for its snow-capped mountains, lush forests, adventure sports, and vibrant culture.
Local Cuisine:
Dham: A traditional Himachali dish made with rice, dal, and curry.
Sidu: A Himachali bread, often served with chutney.
Chana Madra: A chickpea-based curry cooked in yogurt, typical of Himachali cuisine.
Tibetan Momos: A popular snack in Manali, especially in Old Manali.
Fruit Wines: Manali is famous for its apple and plum wines.
Travel Tips:
Stay Warm: If traveling in winter, pack warm clothes as temperatures can dip below freezing.
Stay Hydrated: Manali’s altitude can cause mild altitude sickness, so drink plenty of water.
Key Details
1. Distance and Travel Time:
Distance: Approximately 550-600 km (depending on the route).
Travel Time: It typically takes 12-15 hours by road, and around 14 hours by bus or private vehicle.
2. By Road (Car/Taxi/Private Vehicle):
Distance: 550-600 km, depending on the chosen route.
Time: 12 to 15 hours, depending on road conditions, stops, and traffic.
Best Routes:
Via NH44 and NH3: The most commonly used route is via NH44 (Delhi to Chandigarh), followed by NH3 (Chandigarh to Manali). This route passes through Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu.
Via NH1: Another popular route is via NH1 to Ambala and then connecting to NH3.
Road Conditions: The roads are generally well-maintained, but some parts of the journey, especially the hilly stretches, may be narrow and winding, so caution is needed. In winter, snowfall may affect road conditions.
Toll Charges: There will be toll charges along the highway, particularly on NH44 and NH3.
Travel Tip: The best time to leave Delhi is early in the morning (around 6:00 AM) to avoid traffic and make the most of daylight hours, especially during the hilly sections.
3. By Bus:
Duration: 12 to 15 hours (depending on the type of bus).
Bus Services:
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC): State-run buses like Volvo AC buses and Deluxe buses connect Delhi with Manali.
Private Bus Operators: Several private operators like RSRTC, Kullu Manali Volvo, and Vijay Tour & Travels offer buses, including Volvo AC buses and semi-deluxe buses.
Departure Points: Most buses leave from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Majnu Ka Tila, or other key points in Delhi.
Types of Buses:
Volvo AC buses: These are more comfortable and popular for long-distance travel, offering reclining seats, air conditioning, and a smoother ride.
Semi-deluxe/Non-AC buses: A cheaper option, but they may not offer the same comfort.
Cost: The price for a Volvo bus ticket ranges from ₹1200 to ₹2000 (one way), depending on the operator and class. Semi-deluxe buses may be cheaper.
Booking: You can book tickets online through platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, or directly with the bus operator.
4. By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is around 160 km from Manali. However, the station is not very well connected to major cities, and you would still need to travel by road from the station to reach Manali.
Alternate Railway Station: Ambala Junction (about 300 km away) or Chandigarh Railway Station (about 250 km away), both of which are well connected to Delhi by train. You can then continue by bus or taxi from these stations to reach Manali.
Duration: Train journeys can take 6-8 hours to reach stations like Chandigarh or Ambala, but the final leg to Manali will still require a bus or car ride.
Train Services: Popular trains from Delhi include Shatabdi Express, NDLS-Howrah Express, and Haryana Mail.
Cost: Train tickets typically cost ₹300-₹1500, depending on the class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.).
Note: While trains are convenient to reach cities near Manali, buses or taxis are still required to cover the remaining distance.
5. By Air:
Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar), located around 50 km from Manali. However, flights to Bhuntar are limited and typically costlier than other modes of transport.
Flights: Direct flights from Delhi to Bhuntar are available, but they are often limited to certain days or seasons. From Bhuntar, you can take a taxi or bus to Manali.
Cost: Flights to Bhuntar range from ₹2000 to ₹5000 (depending on the season).
Not Recommended: Given the short distance between Delhi and Manali, flying is usually not the most cost-effective or time-efficient option unless you’re looking for a direct route during the peak tourist season.
Places to Visit
Manali is a stunning destination offering natural beauty, adventure, and cultural attractions. Here are the top things to do:
1. Rohtang Pass:
Located at an altitude of 3,978 meters, this is one of the top tourist attractions. You can enjoy snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and sledging (open from May to November).
Best Time: Summer months (May to November).
Entry Fee: Around ₹500 for vehicles to access Rohtang (government fee), and there may be charges for adventure activities.
2. Solang Valley:
Known for its adventure activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, skiing, and snow scooter rides in winter.
Best Time: December to February for snow activities.
Entry Fee: Free to visit, but charges for activities apply.
3. Hadimba Temple:
This ancient temple is dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. The temple is located amidst a forest of cedar trees.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
4. Manu Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Manu Rishi, who is believed to be the creator of human beings. It is located in the Old Manali area.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
5. Old Manali:
A quieter and more serene area of Manali, Old Manali is known for its cafes, shops, and stunning views of the mountains. It’s also a good spot to relax and experience the laid-back vibe of Manali.
Explore the local culture, taste Himachali food, and shop for local handicrafts.
6. Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs:
Famous for its hot springs, this temple is dedicated to the sage Vashisht. The natural hot water springs here are believed to have healing properties.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
7. Nehru Kund:
A natural spring of water named after Jawaharlal Nehru, it’s a serene spot for nature lovers and offers a peaceful escape.
Best Time to Visit: Summer months (April to June).
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (March to June): The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, rafting, and exploring the valleys.
Monsoon (July to September): Manali experiences moderate rainfall during this time, making it less ideal for outdoor activities due to landslides. However, the landscape is lush and green.
Winter (October to February): If you want to experience snow, the winter months are ideal. Temperatures can drop below 0°C, and snow activities are in full swing in places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.