There are many beautiful hill stations near Delhi which are very well connected so that one can take a scenic drive with family or friends. Manali is one such popular destination that is considered the oldest town in Kullu Valley. This gorgeous hill station is perched with the aura of romance to welcome travelers with snow-laden mountains, cozy cafs, and vibrant streets. There are many things to do in Manali right from visiting the busiest Mall Road to the calm and peaceful old Manali to the beautiful Hadimba Temple.
If you are craving a thrilling road trip to Manali then you should surely explore how to reach Manali from Delhi. The journey to this fascinating town has a lot more to offer which can be equally fascinating when you take this memorable road trip. When you book your ride in advance through travel companies that can turn your ride into an experiential journey by customizing the trip to your liking and enjoying the interesting pit stops en route.
Although a long drive, you can make your travel more exciting, when you book an exciting Kullu Manali holiday package with TourTravelWorld.
On your Manali Road Trip from Delhi, you will get to enjoy the rustic landscape of Haryana and Punjab, visit popular stop points, explore hidden gems and eat at the local dhabas to finally witness the scenic mountain views of Himachal Pradesh.
The Popular Routes To Your Destination
Once you have made up your mind to take this road trip then its time to check the popular routes and choose wisely before starting your journey. Delhi to Manali distance is somewhere between 550 km to 650 km which takes approximately 12 hours to 15 hours depending upon the route you have chosen and other travel conditions.
There are multiple route options for covering Manali to Delhi distance by road. Different routes will take you to the same destination but through different sceneries, towns and eateries. Lets discover the best routes for your next trip from Delhi to Manali by road.
Delhi- Panipat- Kurukshetra- Ambala- Chandigarh- Bilaspur- Mandi- Kullu- Manali
The distance is approximately 540 km which will be covered within 12-13 hours. This is one of the most common and frequently taken routes by travelers to reach Manali from Delhi as the road conditions are pretty good.
Purana Quila (Panipat): Visit this historical place of the battle of Panipat along with the mosque and museum.
Kurukshetra: You can also visit Brahma Sarovar, Sheikh Chili Tomb, and jyotisar, the birthplace of Bhagwad Geeta recited during Mahabharata.
Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake (Chandigarh): An interacting and creative garden made with trash and recyclable material is a must-visit along with a clean and well-maintained beautiful Sukhna lake.
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary (Bilaspur): This lush green forest on Pendra road is a must-visit on your way to Manali.
Rewalsar Lake (Mandi): This scenic lake nestled in the mountains could be your memorable stopover. Rewalsar Lake is close to three monasteries as well depicting Buddhist culture.
Bijli Mahadev Temple (Kullu): This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a must-visit tourist place to witness the magical aura and seek blessings.
Delhi- Panipat- Kurukshetra- Ambala- Banur- Palampur- Bir- Kullu- Manali
This route is around 650 km which is usually covered in 15-16 hours. This alternate route runs through the same as above till Ambala then changes after taking the bypass for Banur to reach Palampur.
Bhakra Nangal Dam: This huge dam is popular for its outstanding engineering and brilliant architectural sights. You need special prior permission if you want to visit this dam.
Kangra Fort: This oldest fort is situated on the outskirts of Kangra valley which is worth a visit.
Norbulingka Institute and Monastery: Driving to Dharamshala from Kangra to visit this cultural monastery are not to be missed if you want to experience Buddhism culture closely.
Bir-Billing: Bir is known as the paragliding capital of India which is no less than a paradise on earth. Get the thrilling lifetime experience on your way to Manali.
Parashar Lake: This stupefying lake in the Dhauladhar range is indeed an incredible stopover for your road trip.
Delhi- Panipat- Kurukshetra- Ambala- Zirakpur- Shimla- Mandi- Kullu- Manali
The distance from New Delhi to Manali is approximately 600 km which can be covered within 15-16 hours. This route is almost the same till Ambala which means you have to take NH 5 after Ambala that leads you to Zirakpur. All the popular stopovers have been mentioned till Ambala along with Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu. Some of the additional places are as follows:
Viceregal Lodge: This magnificent building was once the president's house during the British Raj in the summer capital of India (Shimla). It is famous for its architectural work and the beautiful views of the surrounding.
The Ridge: One of the popular hangout places in Shimla along Mall Road is located in the heart of Shimla. Dont miss out on the vibrant market, libraries, churches, and other sights.
Annandale: It is a serene golf course in Shimla surrounded by mountains with an Indian Army Museum. This place is highly admired by locals but mostly missed by tourists.
Chiswick Falls: If you are traveling in the summers then it would be a delightful experience for you to witness quietness, a lush waterfall, and a tranquil environment with beautiful mountains around this picnic spot.
Murthal: This popular highway side in Haryana has many eateries and family restaurants with a multi-cuisine menu. Dont miss out to take a halt at Amrik Sukhdev and enjoy parathas with tea.
Puran Singh Da Dhaba: This old Dhaba in Ambala Cantt owned by a Sikh family is popular for serving mouth-watering nonveg dishes.
Bahadur Dhaba: This local eatery in Bilaspur is famous among tourists for grabbing quick bites and traditional Pahari meals.
Chawlas: It is one of the oldest eateries on Mandi highway and one should not forget to enjoy authentic Punjabi delicacies.
This paradise in the Himalayas has a lot more to offer from charming nature, exciting nightlife to thrilling adventures. Enjoy the local delights, themed cafs, and shopping at local shops. Even a solo trip to Manali is the safest option among youth as you get to explore new places, new people, food, and culture. A person on a solo trip will never return alone but with lots of new experiences and memories.
Opt for self-drive only if you have good experience driving in hilly areas, else rent a cab with a good tour and travel company.
The road conditions on NH 44 are good but you may find some rough patches after Bilaspur.
Speed should be slowed down on hairpin bends, narrow paths, and keep in mind the distance with the trucks along the way.
1: Dont hit beyond the speed limit and slow down once youre off the highway especially on steep turns.
2: Make halts en route or switch drivers or even plan an overnight stay at Chandigarh as the drive can get too long.
3: Follow GPS but in case of confusion, dont hesitate to ask the locals for directions especially while passing any village.
4: Carry your snacks and water or prefer only bottled water from outside and always eat at a clean restaurant.
5: After any stopover, do wash your hands properly if possible or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before getting into the car.
6: Choose a 100% hygienic hotel with vaccinated staff for a safe and comfortable stay.
7: Most importantly, follow all the COVID-19-related guidelines and protocols issued by WHO to stay safe.
Keep these things in mind before you hit the highway for the most memorable trip.
A road trip to Manali is the perfect way to experience the changing cultures from the hustle-bustle of the metro cities to the pastoral towns, villages, and finally into the pine-laden Himalayan ranges and lush green valleys of incredible Himachal Pradesh.
Indulge yourself in Paragliding, Zorbing, Hot Water Bathing at Manikaran, Ride A Yak, Meditate At The Arjun Gufa, Yoga At The Shrihari Yoga Ashram, River Rafting, Watching Museum Of Himachal Culture And Folk Art, Sightseeing, Camping, Explore Local Market, Skiing at Solang Valley, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. Go for Trekking(Hampta Pass Trek, Chandratal Lake Trek, Chandrakhani Pass Trek, Jogini Waterfall Trek, Patalsu Peak Trek, Kheerganga Trek).