Jwala Devi Temple is a famous Hindu shrine located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to seek blessings from the fiery goddess Jwala Ji. The temple is situated about 480 kilometers north of Delhi, making it a popular pilgrimage destination for people from the capital and nearby states.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Jwala Devi Temple. You will learn about train, bus, and car options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Jwala Devi Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for reaching Jwala Devi Temple from Delhi. The nearest railway station is Kangra or Pathankot, both well connected to Delhi. Trains offer a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way.

• Delhi to Pathankot railway station is approximately 450 km and takes around 8 to 10 hours by express trains like the Jammu Tawi Express or Himachal Express, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1200 depending on class.

• From Pathankot, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Jwala Devi Temple, which is about 40 km away and takes around 1.5 hours by road.

• Train services are frequent but can be crowded during festival seasons like Navratri, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable to secure preferred classes.

• Pathankot station has basic amenities including waiting rooms and food stalls, but it is best to carry water and snacks for the onward journey to the temple.

• During winter months, fog may cause train delays on this route, so plan for extra travel time if traveling from November to February.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Jwala Devi Temple from Delhi. Both government and private operators run regular services, including sleeper and semi-sleeper coaches.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private operators run buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Kangra or Nurpur, which are close to Jwala Devi Temple, covering about 480 km in 10 to 12 hours.

• From Kangra or Nurpur bus stands, local buses or shared taxis are available to Jwala Devi Temple, approximately 15 to 40 km away, with frequent departures throughout the day.

• Night buses are popular as they save daytime travel and accommodation costs, but they can be crowded and less comfortable during peak holiday seasons.

• Tickets can be booked online on the HRTC website or at the bus station; fares typically range from ₹400 to ₹800 depending on the bus type.

• During monsoon season, roads may be slippery and prone to landslides near Kangra, so check weather updates before traveling by bus.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Jwala Devi Temple offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions in Himachal Pradesh. The route is scenic but requires caution on hilly stretches.

• The distance from Delhi to Jwala Devi Temple by road is about 480 km via NH 44 and NH 503, taking approximately 9 to 11 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You will pass through major towns like Ambala, Ludhiana, and Pathankot; toll plazas are present on NH 44, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Rest stops with dhabas and restaurants are available along the highway, especially near Ambala and Ludhiana, offering local Punjabi and Himachali cuisine.

• Driving through the Kangra Valley requires attention due to narrow and winding roads; avoid night driving in hilly areas for safety.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi with companies offering vehicles suited for mountain roads, including SUVs and sedans.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Delhi to Jwala Devi Temple, but you can fly to nearby airports and continue by road. This option is less common due to limited air connectivity.

• The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (Kangra Airport), about 30 km from Jwala Devi Temple, with limited flights from Delhi operated by regional airlines.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Gaggal is around 1 hour, but flights are infrequent and may not operate daily, so check schedules in advance.

• From Gaggal Airport, taxis or buses are available to Jwala Devi Temple, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour by road.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season but generally range from ₹2000 to ₹5000 one way.

• Considering the limited flight options and additional road travel, flying is usually more expensive and less convenient than train or bus.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Jwala Devi Temple. It covers essential actions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable pilgrimage.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during festival seasons like Navratri, to avoid last-minute unavailability. Use IRCTC for trains and HRTC online portals for buses.

• Pack light but include warm clothes if traveling between October and February, as Himachal Pradesh can get cold, especially in the evenings and early mornings.

• Reach your departure point early—Delhi’s New Delhi Railway Station or ISBT Kashmiri Gate—to avoid last-minute rush and secure good seats or berths.

• On arrival at Pathankot or Kangra, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for the onward journey to Jwala Devi Temple to avoid overcharging.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and temple offerings, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, since network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas near the temple.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night in hilly areas and use only registered taxis or public transport for local travel to ensure personal safety.

• Food and Water: Stick to bottled water and eat at well-known dhabas or restaurants to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in Himachal Pradesh.

• Booking Strategy: Use official websites like IRCTC and HRTC for ticket bookings to avoid scams and inflated prices from agents.

• Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and shared taxis are common near Jwala Devi Temple, but always agree on fares beforehand or use metered options if available.

• Luggage: Carry a small backpack with essentials and avoid heavy luggage, as some local transport options have limited space and the temple area involves some walking.

• Seasonal Warnings: During monsoon (July to September), landslides can disrupt road travel; check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Jwala Devi Temple is between March and June, and again from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid the heavy monsoon months due to landslide risks and slippery roads.

Winter months (December to February) can be cold with occasional fog causing travel delays, especially on train routes. Plan accordingly if traveling during this time.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Navratri if you prefer less crowded trains and buses, as these periods see a surge in pilgrim traffic.

• Monsoon rains can cause roadblocks and delays, so monitor local weather reports and consider alternate routes if necessary.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and ensure you reach your destination with daylight remaining for local travel.

• Winter fog on the Delhi-Pathankot railway line can delay trains by several hours; keep buffer time if you have onward connections.

Arrival at Jwala Devi Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive near Jwala Devi Temple, you will find several local transport options like shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private cabs to take you to the temple entrance. The temple area is well signposted and popular among pilgrims.

Accommodation options are available in nearby towns like Kangra and Nurpur, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. It is advisable to book your stay in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are available in Kangra town, but may be limited closer to the temple.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Jwala Devi Temple from Delhi depends on your budget and comfort preferences. Trains to Pathankot followed by a taxi are economical and comfortable for most travelers. Buses offer a direct and affordable option, while self-driving provides flexibility for those who want to explore the region.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local travel challenges. With proper planning and practical tips from this guide, you can confidently undertake your pilgrimage to Jwala Devi Temple and enjoy a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling trip.