Here’s How You Can Get to Manali from Chandigarh and Why You Should Go

There are many things to like about Chandigarh. It is a well-planned city for one thing. It is modern and well-developed and quite comfortable to live in for another. The people are friendly and the place is, well, happening.

One of the main reasons my aunt and uncle like living there, now that they’ve retired is that it is quite close to some of the major tourist destinations in northern India. They wanted a trip from Chandigarh to Manali for a long time but were unable to do it for one reason or another. However, once they moved to Chandigarh, getting to Manali proved to be easier than they had anticipated.

Chandigarh to Manali Distance

Manali is about 310 kilometers from Chandigarh if you travel by road, specifically NH21. There are no direct train services from Chandigarh to Manali. Joginder Nagar is the closest railway station to Manali, at about 50 kilometers. However, there aren’t any major train services between Manali and Chandigarh.

If you choose to fly from Chandigarh, you will need to book a flight to Bhuntar which is 50 kilometers away from Manali and the closest airport to the hill station. From the airport, you can take a cab or bus to the town.

Everyone agrees that traveling by road from Chandigarh to Manali is your best bet. Plenty of buses ply between the two cities throughout the day and the journey is about six hours. You can book the bus journey through various online sites and you have plenty of options available to you – deluxe Volvos, luxury buses, and regular state transport buses. Of course, you can also drive or hire a car to travel – probably the best way to do it if you’re going with friends or family.

Places to visit in Manali

Atal Tunnel

Explore the magnificent Atal Tunnel in Manali, a 9-kilometer long tunnel that connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Journeying through this tunnel offers breathtaking views that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. There are several nearby attractions to visit near Atal Tunnel, such as Sissu, Keylong, Gondhala Fort, Koksar, Hampta Pass, Kailash Manimahesh, Deo Tibba, and Tandi. During your Atal Tunnel tour, don't miss the enchanting Chandra River, the majestic peaks of Gyephang Goh, the refreshing Palden Lhamo Dhar waterfall, and the opportunity to engage in thrilling activities like camping, trekking, snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating.  Immerse yourself in lush green forests, admire the lofty Himalayan Peaks of Dhauladhar, marvel at hanging glaciers, soak in the scenic beauty of Dhundi Valley, and explore the blissful Chandra River, captivating Sissu waterfall, and the picturesque Keylong Valley.

Solang Valley

The famous Solang Valley is situated between the village of Solang and the Beas Kund. It is one of the premier tourist spots in the region, with plenty of locals visiting too. Not only can you enjoy the scenic beauty offered up by the snow-clad mountains and ponderous glaciers but you can also indulge in many other activities such as paragliding, parachuting, driving open jeeps, and even horse riding. If you decide to head here in winter, make sure to bring your skiing equipment along. You’ll find plenty of ski instructors and institutes to help you learn and improve. In summer, you can indulge in zorbing – rolling down the hillsides of Solang Valley in a giant, transparent ball.

Rohtang Pass

If you’ve planned a trip to Manali, this destination is a must-have in your itinerary. The Pass is located around 51 kilometers from the center of town and is reachable only by road. As you drive up the Manali-Keylong road, the stunning scenery around will definitely be worth the effort you put in to get there. Getting up to the pass is a treat in itself and once you get there, you can see nature in one of its most elemental forms. Some even say that it is here that you can truly experience the wildness and beauty that are the Himalayas.

Hadimba Temple

This temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, who was the wife of the Pandava Bhim and mother to Ghatothkach. The shrine is surrounded by deodar trees and is built on a rock that is believed to be in the image of Hadimba Devi. The temple is notable for its style of construction – it is made of wood and has a cone-shaped roof, unlike most other temples. There is another temple close by which is dedicated to Hadimba’s son, Ghatothkach. When you need to escape the hustle and bustle that even Manali isn’t entirely free of, this is the perfect place to go.

Vashisht Baths

Unlike other temples, which are concerned with your spirit and its rejuvenation, the Vashisht Baths with their hot water springs are great for your health and body too. They are located around six kilometers from Manali and along with the springs, also offer up beautiful temples constructed of sandstone. There are separate areas for men and women to bathe. The water from these springs is believed to have healing properties and there are plenty of souvenir shops around for you to indulge in some retail therapy afterward.

Chandrakhani Pass

Located in the beautiful Parvati Valley, the Pass is a must-visit for all those who love trekking in the mountains. You can almost believe that the sky and earth touch here, because of the way the snow and the clouds come close enough to almost merge. The Parvati Valley itself is a narrow place surrounded by steep and high mountains and is also a popular destination for those who want to go trekking.

Kullu

Who can ignore this lovely little place when its name is taken in the same breath as Manali? If you’re headed for Manali, you cannot leave Kullu off your itinerary. It has its own attractions and notable places to visit such as the Raghunath Temple, the Pandoh Dam, the ancient temple of Bijli Mahadev and much more. There is plenty of adventure to be had as well, with activities such as river rafting, mountaineering, trout fishing, and trekking being some of the most popular.

Best Time to Visit Manali

This really depends upon you and what you want to do. If you are looking for a refuge from the summer heat, obviously it’s a great place to go to. Remember though that in the rainy season, specifically July and August, you may encounter landslides. September and October are really some of the best months to visit because the rains have retreated but winter hasn’t come yet, leaving the weather fairly mild. If winter sports are your thing, then January is when the snowfall happens and when you’ll want to plan your trip.

Now you have all the details about Chandigarh to Manali, so its time to pack your bags and hit the road!