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Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in India, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its scenic beauty and charming landscapes, Manali attracts tourists from all over the country and the world. If you are planning to visit Manali from Chandigarh, there are convenient and picturesque routes to reach there.
By Road
The most convenient and fastest way to reach Manali from Chandigarh is by road. The total distance between Chandigarh and Manali is 310 km and it takes around 8 to 9 hours to cover the distance by car or bus.
You can take your own car or hire a taxi from Chandigarh to reach Manali. The route passes through beautiful valleys and hills of Himachal Pradesh. Some of the routes you can take are:
Chandigarh - Bilaspur - Mandi - Kullu - Manali
This is the most preferred and shortest route covering a distance of 310 km. The road condition is mostly good which allows you to reach faster.
Chandigarh - Shimla - Mandi - Kullu - Manali
This route covers a distance of 360 km and takes 10-11 hours to reach Manali. Although slightly longer, the route offers mesmerizing views as it passes through Shimla.
Buses for Manali are easily available from the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Chandigarh. Both ordinary and luxury buses ply on the route regularly. Some popular bus operators are:
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC)
Himalayan Queen
So if you want to admire lovely hillside views, a road trip is the best way to reach Manali from Chandigarh.
By Train
There is no direct train from Chandigarh to Manali. However, you can reach Manali by train to the nearest railway station which is Joginder Nagar railway station, located 166 km away from Manali.
Some trains like Kangra Valley Express, and Hamta Express operate from Chandigarh to Joginder Nagar on a regular basis. From Joginder Nagar railway station, you can easily get buses or taxis to reach Manali in around 4 hours.
So train can be chosen as an affordable means to reach Manali from Chandigarh.
By Air
Bhuntar Airport, located around 50 km from Manali is the nearest airport. It is well-connected with daily flights from Delhi. There are no direct flights between Chandigarh and Bhuntar.
You can first take a flight from Chandigarh to Delhi which takes around 1 hour. From Delhi Airport, book a connecting flight to Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar which takes 1.5 hours to reach. Taxis and buses are easily available from the airport to reach Manali in less than 2 hours.
Although air travel is the fastest way to reach Manali from Chandigarh, flexibility is lower compared to road and rail routes.
Also read - What is Famous in Manali for Shopping
Conclusion
So depending on your convenience, time and budget, you can choose a suitable means of transport to reach Manali from Chandigarh. The roads, trains and flights offer their own charming views and experiences. Plan your journey keeping the options in mind for a smooth and memorable trip!
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