Your Ultimate Guide: How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Train

Manali is often referred to along with its neighboring town, Kullu. It is a favorite getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners. Named after the sage Manu, who was believed to be the first human according to the Hindu religion. With an intriguing mythological significance attached to its name, this hill station boasts enthralling forests and snow-capped mountains. Manali’s geographical location could be muse-like for many painters and artists. It is positioned in the northern part of the Kullu Valley due to the passage of the Beas River. While buses and flights are common travel options, train journeys offer a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and scenic beauty. If you’re wondering how to go Delhi to Manali by train, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step planning process.

Why Choose the Train for Your Manali Journey?

Traveling from Delhi to Manali by train is fabulous:

• Comfortable Travel: Upon comparison with buses, one might have ample legroom in train journeys and can move around to make long journeys less tiresome.

• The beautiful views: Journeying through the Shivalik Hills and green valleys is magnificent and full of amazing views of nature.

• Budget-Friendly: Compared to flight travel and private taxis, train travel is infinitely cheaper, making it a solution for budget travelers as well.
• Convenience: If traveling at night, train travel gives you more time to rest and freshen up before reaching the destination.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Train

Manali does not have any railway station. So it becomes imperative to dig in for information on how to reach Delhi to Manali by train. So, the journey would mean reaching the nearest railway station by train and hiring a taxi or getting a bus to Manali.

Step 1: Ticket Reservation 

Ticket reservations from Delhi to Manali by train can be made ahead of time by the IRCTC website or railway reservation counters. During peak tourist months (summer and winter), tickets for the train are in great demand and sell out fast, so you are advised to book the tickets early.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Train

The nearest station that serves Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, but due to its limited connectivity, most visitors reach either Chandigarh or Una and then travel to Manali by road.

Recommended Trains:

• New Delhi to Chandigarh: Shatabdi Express (12005/12045) – A fast and comfortable option.
• New Delhi to Una: Himachal Express (14553) – Provides a direct link to Himachal Pradesh.

Once you reach Chandigarh or Una, you can take a bus or taxi to Manali.

Step 3: Train Timings and Schedules

Train timings and schedules are not similar. Therefore it becomes very important to check the latest current timings on the IRCTC website. Some important train services are:

• Shatabdi Express from New Delhi to Chandigarh: Early morning departure to Chandigarh with a travel time of 3-4 hours.
• Himachal Express to Una: Most preferred for travel during the night so that time passengers could save time.

Once in Chandigarh or Una, you can avail the last lap of the journey through a state-run HRTC bus or hire a private cab.

Travel Tips for the Delhi to Manali Train Journey

A few travel tips to keep your journey smooth. These can be helpful in getting a sense of the place with regard to clothes, health, and safety.

• Pack Warm Clothes: Carry warm clothing with you, as it becomes too cold in Manali during winter.

• Beverages: Keep water in a bottle for refreshing hydration when you need it.

• Entertainment: Bring books, movies, or music to keep yourself entertained.

• Safety Tips: Lock your luggage and avoid sharing personal details with strangers.

• Prevention against Motion Sickness: Take your medications and do not forget to pack them, as there are many winding roads to cover before reaching Manali.

Order from Swiggy on your train journey and enjoy meals at your seat!

When you are on the move, you tend to get hungry because train food, which you might have packed from home several hours ago, or the unhygienic snacks from the small kiosks on the platform may not always be appetizing. However, with the collaboration of Swiggy and IRCTC, you can order food on train, fresh and scrumptious, right to your train seat. Use the Swiggy app to check all the meal options available while on the train and get a hassle-free experience when it comes to online food ordering through your smart devices.

Conclusion

Train journeys between Delhi and Manali are captivating and economical. Choosing the correct train, reserving a seat well in advance, and following travel tips would make your journey trouble-free and a pleasure altogether. It’s important to gather all the information on how to go Delhi to Manali by train. This journey will prove to be an unforgettable one, with a bag full of memories, whether you are single, with your family, or with friends. A train journey is always mesmerizing, and if you are loaded with the necessary input to plan your trip, then it becomes much more manageable.

FAQ

1. What is the nearest railway station to Manali?

The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, but it has limited train connectivity. Most travelers prefer reaching Chandigarh or Una and then taking a bus or taxi to Manali.

2. How long does the train journey from Delhi to Manali take?

The train ride from Delhi to Chandigarh or Una takes 4 to 7 hours, followed by a 7 to 10-hour drive to Manali, depending on the traffic and environment.

3. Can I travel to Manali by train during the winter?

Yes. However, remember that heavy snowfall during winter might lead to roadblocks. Thus, it is a good idea to check weather conditions and road accessibility before going on your trip.