Manali, nestled deep in the heart of the Himalayas, is one of India’s most loved tourism destinations. Scenic beauty and adventure sports aside, there are serene temples that make it a wishful destination of many travelers. But how do you reach this paradise by train? Let’s discover just how comfortably you can travel to Manali by using India’s large rail network.
Can You Take a Direct Train to Manali?
Unfortunately, Manali does not have a direct railway station. Yet, that doesn’t mean you cannot reach this lovely hill station by train. The nearest major railway stations to Manali are at Chandigarh, Ambala, and Kalka. From these places, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to get to Manali.
Best Rail Routes to Reach Manali
The trains reaching Manali are numerous, depending on your location and also preference. However, the following are probably the best options for the public coming from the major Indian cities.
1. Delhi to Manali by Train
Delhi is a great transit town for those traveling to Manali. There are no direct trains from Delhi to Manali, but you can catch a train from Delhi to Chandigarh, Ambala, or even Kalka.
- Delhi to Chandigarh:Several trains run daily between Delhi and Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you may take a bus or taxi towards Manali, 310 km and takes about 8–9 hours.
- Delhi to Kalka: From Delhi, another route is Kalka. The train journey from Delhi to Kalka is scenic and then from Kalka, Manali is 275 kms.
Suggested Trains:
- Shatabdi Express (Delhi to Chandigarh/Kalka)
- Himalayan Queen (Delhi to Kalka)
2. Mumbai to Manali by Train
You can take the train from Mumbai to either Chandigarh or Ambala. The road distance from Mumbai to Chandigarh or Ambala is around 2400 kilometers. These trains generally take around 24-28 hours depending on the train.
- Mumbai to Chandigarh: After reaching Chandigarh, you are around 310 km from Manali. The best means to reach Manali is either by bus or hiring a taxi.
- Mumbai to Ambala:Ambala is again a pretty good option at a distance of around 310 km from Manali.
Suggested Trains:
- Paschim Express (Mumbai to Chandigarh)
- Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai to Ambala)
3. Kolkata to Manali by Train
Manali is quite far from Kolkata, but one can indeed take a picturesque train journey up to Chandigarh or Ambala and then proceed by road
- Kolkata to Chandigarh: The shortest route is by train up to Chandigarh and the remaining distance by road. The total journey in a train takes about 34–36 hours from Kolkata to Chandigarh.
Suggested Trains:
- Howrah-Kalka Mail (Kolkata to Kalka)
- Duronto Express Kolkata to Chandigarh
4. Chennai to Manali by Train
The options are basically the same as when traveling from Mumbai or Kolkata. Train to Chandigarh/Ambala then road to Manali.
- Chennai to Chandigarh: It is a very long train journey of about 45–50 hours from Chennai to Chandigarh, from where you can opt for road routes to Manali.
Suggested Trains:
- Andaman Express Chennai to Ambala
- Tamil Nadu Exp From Chennai to New Delhi takes a connecting train to Chandigarh
5. The Toy Train Experience from Kalka
For the adventure-seeker who wants to take in the scenery, consider taking the toy train from Kalka to Shimla. This is a narrow-gauge train route and a UNESCO World Heritage site, where one will have a highly panoramic view of mountains and valleys.
Although this route only takes you to Shimla, from there you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, which is approximately 250 kilometers from there. That will be a little time consuming, but perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the wonder of the Himalayan foothills.
Suggested Train:
- Shivalik Deluxe Express (Kalka to Shimla)
How to Reach Manali from the Nearest Railway Stations
Once you reach one of the nearest railway station to Manali: Chandigarh, Ambala, or Kalka-you have a several alternatives for reaching Manali:
- By Bus: The A/C, Deluxe, and Luxury buses, which are available from Chandigarh, Ambala and Kalka to Manali, are the best options. Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HRTC) maintains comfortable and dependable bus service, including luxury and Volvo buses.
- By Taxi:If you prefer greater comfort and privacy, you can book a taxi directly from the station. It’s more flexible but pricey too in comparison with the bus journey.
- Best Time to Travel: You should be aware that during winter months, between November and February, the roads leading to Manali become quite hazardous because of the heavy snowfall. Check your weather before making the road trip.
Discover the Best of Shimla and Manali
While you are in Manali, why not make a trip to Shimla as well? Shimla is also another beautiful hill station besides Manali. It is only a couple of hours away from Manali. With Best Quality Trip, What you get is a travel deal from Shimla to Manali, that can be customized according to your specific requirements for traveling. We deliver you the best of adventure, rest, and culture.
Why Choose the Best Quality Trip for Your Manali Travel?
At Best Quality Trip, we make your journey to Manali hassle-free and enjoyable. Traveling by train, bus, or any other means-they can have customized travel packages there according to his or her needs. Our expert guides help you experience the amazing landscapes and adventure activities and Manali’s cultural heritage.
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Conclusion: Enjoy a scenic journey to Manali by train.
While there is no direct train available to Manali, the routes through Chandigarh, Ambala, or Kalka carry some of India’s most scenic journeys. From the vast plains to the beautiful mountain ranges, your train ride to these stations is just the beginning of your Himalayan adventure.
You can alight for another bus going towards Manali. On reaching Manali, you’ll have snow-capped peaks on all sides of you, the lush valleys, and rivers. Plan your trip today, and Discover the Best of Shimla and Manali with Best Quality Trip.