Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching Manikaran from Delhi involves a combination of travel by air, train, and road. Manikaran is a popular pilgrimage site located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, known for its hot springs and the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. Here are detailed options for reaching Manikaran from Delhi for first-time visitors:
By Air:
Flight to Bhuntar Airport:
Delhi to Bhuntar: The nearest airport to Manikaran is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 34 km from Manikaran. Several airlines operate flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Bhuntar Airport.
From Bhuntar to Manikaran:
Taxi: Taxis are available at Bhuntar Airport. It takes about 1-2 hours to reach Manikaran by taxi.
Bus: Local buses or shared cabs are also available from Bhuntar to Manikaran.
By Train:
Train to Chandigarh/Kalka:
Delhi to Chandigarh: Take a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Chandigarh Railway Station (CDG). Several trains, like the Shatabdi Express, operate on this route.
Delhi to Kalka: Alternatively, you can take a train from New Delhi to Kalka Railway Station (KLK).
From Chandigarh/Kalka to Manikaran:
Bus: From Chandigarh or Kalka, you can take a bus to Bhuntar or Kullu. From there, take a local bus or taxi to Manikaran.
Taxi: You can hire a taxi directly from Chandigarh or Kalka to Manikaran, which takes about 7-9 hours.
By Road:
Direct Bus:
Volvo/Deluxe Buses: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and private operators run Volvo and deluxe buses from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) to Manali, with a stop at Bhuntar. From Bhuntar, you can take a local bus or taxi to Manikaran.
Duration: The bus journey from Delhi to Bhuntar takes approximately 12-14 hours. From Bhuntar to Manikaran, it takes another 1-2 hours.
Self-Drive:
Route: The driving route from Delhi to Manikaran is approximately 550-600 km and takes about 12-14 hours. The route is as follows:
Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Bhuntar → Manikaran.
Road Conditions: The roads are generally good, but the hilly terrain can be challenging. It is advisable to drive during the daytime and check weather conditions beforehand.
General Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Clothing: Carry warm clothing as the weather in Manikaran can be cool, especially in the evenings.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the area.
Health: If you are prone to motion sickness, carry medication as the hilly roads can be winding.
Cash: Carry some cash as ATMs may not be readily available.
Accommodation: Book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
By considering these options and tips, first-time visitors can plan a smooth and enjoyable trip to Manikaran from Delhi.