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Manali is a popular hill station located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, adventurous activities and numerous temples, Manali attracts tourists from India and abroad throughout the year.
If you are planning a trip to Manali from Delhi, this guide will help you understand the available transportation options and how to reach Manali most conveniently.
By Air
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport located approximately 50km away. It has flights connecting with Delhi and other major cities in India. Once you land at Bhuntar Airport, you can easily get buses or hire cabs to reach Manali which takes around 2 hours. Some of the airlines that operate flights from Delhi to Bhuntar Airport are Air India, SpiceJet and GoAir.
By Road
One of the most popular ways to reach Manali from Delhi is the well-connected road network via highway routes. There are hourly state transport buses from Delhi to Manali operated by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). The total distance is around 550km which usually takes 14-15 hours of journey time. Most buses depart Delhi in the evening and reach Manali the next morning. You can also find deluxe Volvo buses on this route for extra comfort.
Apart from public buses, you also have the option to hire a private taxi which allows flexibility to take halts in between for refreshments and meals. Some popular halt points while driving to Manali from Delhi are Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu.
Also read - How to Reach Manali from Mumbai
By Train
Ambala Cantt railway station located around 270km from Manali is the nearest major railhead. From Delhi, there are multiple daily trains connecting Ambala from where you will need to arrange a taxi or take a bus to complete the onward journey to Manali. The entire journey can take 18-20 hours with a combined train and road journey. Some important long-distance trains to Ambala Cantt from Delhi are:
Amritsar Shatabdi
Unchahar Express
Ambala Kalka Passenger
Make sure to check railway connectivity along with the road route before finalizing trains from Delhi.
Best Time to Visit
Manali enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, so it can be visited anytime. However, to see snowfall and frozen landscapes, December to February is the peak winter season with temperatures dipping below freezing point.
Summers between March to June are perfect for adventure sports with lush mountainsides providing relief from Delhi heat. Many events and summer festivals happen at this time increasing both accommodation rates and crowds.
For a balanced experience, September to November is ideal with fewer tourists, pleasant weather and breathtaking landscape. You also get to taste delicious apples that are harvested from mid-September onwards.
Where to Stay
With tourism being the backbone of Manali's economy, you will have no shortage of stay options suiting all budgets - from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels. Popular neighborhoods to find hotels close to the main town are Prini, Aleo and Old Manali. Prices are usually affordable but can multiply during peak seasons.
For low-budget stays, there are many lodges on the national highway as you approach Manali. If you love the outdoors, jungle camping alongside the Beas River is also possible in Manali's outskirt areas.
So if you are in Delhi and want to experience Himachal's natural beauty, historical temples and adventure tourism, visiting Manali is highly recommended. Its excellent connectivity via air, road and rail makes the whole journey convenient across various budgets.
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