Manali is a beautiful hill station in northern India frequented by thousands of tourists. It is a marvellous tourist spot that offers many attractions and sightseeing options. With lavish green woodlands, stunning views, rambling glades covered with blooms, and a never-ending fantasy-like fog noticeable all around, the train trip to Manali will be an experience to remember.
People prefer to visit this place from Delhi because of the availability of several Delhi to Manali trains and the beautiful scenery on the way.
Delhi To Manali Train Route
Manali does not have a regular broad-gauge railway station of its own. You can reach Manali via the railway station, Chandigarh or Kalka station. Manali is about 530 km from Delhi and is well-connected to the major cities in India. From here, you can book a taxi, cab or bus to the beautiful city of Manali. The fastest train from Delhi to the nearest station to Manali takes approximately 4 hours of travel.
Nearest Railway Station to Manali
Chandigarh Railway Station
Chandigarh is the nearest railway station to Manali. It is 310 km from Manali hill station. Reaching Chandigarh from Delhi railway station is easy and takes approximately 4-5 hours. Taxis, cabs and buses are always available outside the station to reach Manali town.
During the road trip between Chandigarh and Manali, you will experience amazing scenic views of mountains and valleys.
Some of the famous trains from Delhi to Chandigarh station are:
- Kalka Shatabdi Express (12011)
- Andaura Vande Bharat Express (22447)
- Paschim SF Express (12925)
- Unchahar Express (14217)
- Kalka Express (14331)
Kalka Railway Station
Kalka station is 280 km far from Manali city. It is well connected to Delhi Railways stations and takes around 5-7 hours. Taxis and buses are regularly available outside the station to reach beautiful Manali. You can reach Manali in five to six hours by car from Kalka station.
Some of the famous trains from Delhi to Kalka Station are:
- Netaji Express (12311)
- Kalka Shatabdi (12005)
- Kalka Shatabdi (12011)
- Kalka SF Express (22455)
- Kalka Express (14331)
From Kalka, you can also travel to Shimla. A total of four trains operate from Kalka to Shimla. Here is the list of Kalka to Shimla toy trains:
- 04527 KALKA – SHIMLA Deluxe Special
- 04529 KALKA – SHIMLA Special
- 04515 KALKA – SHIMLA Festival Special
- 04517 KALKA – SHIMLA Covid Special
Moreover, Joginder Nagar railway station is the nearest station to Manali. It connects the hill station with several important cities. Ambala Cantt railway station is the other option to reach Manali by train. Passengers can get various transportation modes from the railway stations, including taxis, cabs and buses, at a reasonable price.
Delhi To Manali Train Time Table
Many trains run from Delhi and reach the nearest stations of Manali. Some are available for everyday booking; a few are available on bi-weekly or tri-weekly specific days. You can check the train timetable with the rail apps. On the rail food app RailRestro, you can also check the time timetable of the train from Delhi to Manali.
Delhi To Manali Train Fares
Various trains have different charges as the route and travel times differ. You should check seat availability, book your tickets in advance to confirm your train seats and save money on tatkal tickets.
The AC 1 tier Delhi to Manali train ticket price is between Rs. 1000-1300. Delhi to Manali Train ticket price starts from Rs 110 in second class up to Kalka through passenger train, and Kalka to Shimla by Toy Train price is Rs 70 for second class.
Train Food For On-Board Delhi To Manali Route
You can order food on train for Delhi to Manali route from RailRestro, an e-catering platform. To order your food, go to the website of RailRestro or install its app., select your favourite food, proceed with payments and place the order. This app can also find all relevant information regarding PNR status, train schedule, and train running status.
Best time to Visit Manali
- March to June (Summer season) is the best time to visit Manali. With colourful flowers in full bloom and cosy weather, temperatures range from 10-degree celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
- October to February (Winter season) is the time to enjoy snowfall in Manali. Manali becomes a heaven on earth for tourists with its snow-clad surroundings with temperatures that hover around subzero.
- July to August (Monsoon season) -This time, tourist visits are slightly low due to landslides and land blockages.
Things to Do in Manali
1. Adventure Activities in Solang Valley
Solang valley is famous for its scenic beauty and picturesque mountains. This valley is a popular tourist spot for various adventure activities like paragliding, horse riding and mountain climbing. Especially during summer, in May or June, this place is overcrowded with tourists.
2. Enjoy The Beautiful Route To Rohtang Pass
The Manali-Rohtang pass is a top-rated destination among tourists. It is located around 51 km from Manali at an altitude of 4111 metres. Every year there is heavy Snowfall in winter, and there are a lot of sports activities in the snow. You can also use binoculars to view the beauty of the Himalayas right in your footstep.
3. Enjoy the Festivals And Carnivals of Manali
There are various festivals organised in Manali. The famous Doongri festival is held in May and June, formally organised by the local people of Doongri Forest. Another festival is the Bhuntar fair which is held for three days in June and July in Bhuntar. Bhuntar fair is also known as ‘Tahoolikhana’. So, while you are here between May and July, you must not forget to enjoy the festivals being held.
4. Do Shopping in Manali
Old Manali market, Himachal Emporium Tibetan market, Manu Market and Mall road are the best shopping markets in Manali during a trip. It is impossible to think of returning home without stuffing your luggage with warm shawls and pashminas, decorative home items, handmade slippers and shoes, toys for kids and many more. Its different culture and beautiful traditions are well reflected through the local things tourists can take home as souvenirs or gifts.
5. Enjoy Local Food in Manali
Many cafes and hotels are famous eat-out options in Manali. Here, you can enjoy the favourite foods of the Himachal. Some favourite menu items to try are Patande, trout, bhey, mittha, aktori, Chinese, fast food and many more. Chopsticks restaurant is the best place to spend some relaxing time, having an extensive range of veg, non-veg, Chinese, and food varieties.
What are the Best Hotels in Manali?
Manali is a popular tourist destination for families and couples. For accommodation, you can opt for luxury hotels, resorts and budget-friendly hotels.
Some of the Famous Hotels near Manali are:
- 5 Star Hotel in Manali – The G Villas: 500 m from Prini Bus Stop
- 4 Star Hotel in Manali – The Orchards Green Resort and Spa: Walking distance from Hadimba Temple
- 3-Star Hotel in Manali – Hotel Vintage: 1.5 km from Hadimba Temple
- 2 Star Hotel in Manali – Hotel Meadows: Walking distance from Hadimba Temple
- 1 Star Hotel in Manali – Galaxy Inn: 1.6 km from Hadimba Temple.
What are the Other Modes to Commute to Manali?
Apart from the train, you can visit Manali by air and road. Bhuntar airport, Kullu, is the nearest airport to Manali at a distance of 10 km. Passengers who prefer air travel over train travel can fly from Delhi airport to Manali.
Moreover, the Himachal Pradesh state bus service is very convenient, and tourists can get regular buses from the town to different parts of the country at a minimal price. The best and easiest way to reach Manali is by road. Roads connect the hill station to other places, including Dehradun (227 km), Chandigarh (305km), Ambala (370 km), and Delhi (540 km). Many private and state buses connect Manali to different parts of the state.
Although, if you are travelling by train to Manali. You can use the train food app RailRestro to order your rail meal, check PNR status, and view train schedules.
RailRestro wishes your trip to be a great journey experience.