How To Reach Manali

About Manali

Manali was the homeland of the lawgiver of Brahmin- Manu and the town is named after him. Manali derives its name from the word Manu-Alaya. A legend has it, that one day the seventh embodiment of Manu found a tiny fish which told him to take it with him as it would do him a tremendous benefit one day. He took care of the fish until the fish grew and released it into the sea. The fish warned him about the world being submerged and asked him to build an ark during the flood. Later, there was a flood that submerged the earth as said by the fish. However, that fish rescued Manu and other Gods. When floodwater receded, Manu's ark came to rest upon a hill, which was after called Manali.

How To Reach Manali

Manali by Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar in Kullu, which is 50 km away from Manali. Daily most tourists fly to Chandigarh or Delhi and then drive down to Manali. Both Delhi and Chandigarh are major cities and all carriers have a regular flight in and out of these cities.

Regular flights from New Delhi to Bhuntar is Air India
Regular flights from Mumbai to Bhuntar is Air India
Regular flights from Chandigarh to Bhuntar is Air India

Time taken by the fastest flight is:

New Delhi to Bhuntar: 2 hours 20 minutes approx
Mumbai to Bhuntar: 11 hours 30 minutes approx (only connecting flights available)
Chandigarh to Bhuntar: 50 minutes approx

Manali by Train

The nearest railway station to Manali is Chandigarh, which is approx 300 km away and another option is available to get a train from Ambala Cantt, which is approx 340 km away. Jogindernagar and Kalkaji are others, which are less popular options for Manali.

Trains from New Delhi to Chandigarh are Shatabdi Express, Unchahar Express, Himalayan Queen Express, Sachkhand Express, etc
Trains from Mumbai to Chandigarh are Paschim SF Express, Sampark Kranti Express, Bandra Terminus Chandigarh SF Express etc

Time taken by the fastest train is:

New Delhi to Chandigarh: 3 hours 17 minutes approx
Mumbai to Chandigarh: 22 hours 20 minutes approx

Manali by Road

Buses and taxis are good options if you want to reach Manali on a budget. The distance is around 540 km from Delhi- the capital city and there are also regular buses connecting to two cities with a very good frequency. You can also book tickets online for Manali or get tickets from the Inter-State Bus Terminus or the Himachal Tourism office on Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi House in Delhi. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses are regular and comfortable and Volvo bus services are also available. The time taken almost to travel from Delhi to Manali is 14 hours, from Ambala to Manali is 10 hours from Chandigarh is 8 hours and from Kullu to Manali is 1.5 to 3 hours. The road to Manali can be breezy and causes motion sickness so it is advised to stay away from too much food and keep motion sickness medicine along with you.