Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, often called the "Mini Switzerland of India" for its lush green meadows and scenic views. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major metropolitan city in eastern India. Many travelers from Kolkata visit Khajjiar to enjoy its natural beauty and peaceful environment.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Khajjiar. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Kolkata to Khajjiar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for long-distance journeys from Kolkata to the northern region near Khajjiar. However, there is no direct train to Khajjiar, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• You can board a train from Kolkata Howrah Station to Pathankot Junction, which is the nearest major railway station to Khajjiar, covering around 1900 km in approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains on this route include the Howrah–Pathankot Express and other long-distance trains; fares typically range from INR 800 for sleeper class to INR 2500 for AC classes.

• From Pathankot, Khajjiar is about 90 km away by road, which you can cover by taxi or bus in 3 to 4 hours through hilly terrain.

• Train frequency is good with multiple trains daily; booking through IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or track maintenance in northern India, so plan accordingly during July to September.

Bus

Bus travel from Kolkata to Khajjiar is less common due to the long distance and multiple state borders, but you can combine buses for parts of the journey. This option suits budget travelers who prefer road travel.

• Start by taking a bus from Kolkata to Delhi or Chandigarh, which takes about 24 to 30 hours via state transport or private operators, with fares ranging from INR 800 to INR 1500.

• From Delhi or Chandigarh, you can catch a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus or private taxi to Dalhousie or Khajjiar, which takes 6 to 8 hours covering around 250 km.

• Major bus depots in Kolkata include Esplanade and Howrah; in Himachal, buses depart from Dalhousie or Chamba for Khajjiar.

• Bus services in hilly areas may be less frequent and crowded during holidays; booking tickets in advance is advisable.

• Road conditions on NH44 and NH154 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Khajjiar is an adventurous option for travelers who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The journey covers over 2000 km and passes through multiple states and highways.

• The most common route is via NH19, NH44, and NH154, passing through cities like Varanasi, Delhi, and Pathankot before reaching Khajjiar.

• The total driving time is approximately 36 to 40 hours, so plan for overnight stops in cities like Delhi or Chandigarh to rest safely.

• Toll plazas are frequent on national highways, with total toll costs ranging around INR 1500 to INR 2000 for the entire trip.

• Fuel stations are available on major highways, but in hilly areas near Khajjiar, fuel options may be limited, so fill up in larger towns like Dalhousie or Pathankot.

• Monsoon season can make hilly roads slippery and prone to landslides; check weather and road conditions before starting your drive.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Khajjiar, but flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Kolkata to northern India, combined with road travel from nearby airports.

• Fly from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) or Jammu Airport (IXJ), which are the closest airports to Khajjiar, with flight durations around 3 to 4 hours including layovers.

• Flight fares vary widely from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early can save money.

• From Chandigarh or Jammu airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Khajjiar, which takes about 5 to 7 hours by road covering 200 to 250 km.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at airports for safer and fixed-price rides.

• Flights may be delayed during foggy winter mornings or heavy monsoon rains, so keep buffer time in your itinerary.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Khajjiar, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats, especially during holidays and peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Pathankot Junction and arrange a taxi or bus to Khajjiar before arrival to avoid last-minute hassles.

• For road travel, check your vehicle condition thoroughly, carry a physical map or GPS device, and plan overnight stops in safe cities like Delhi or Chandigarh.

• Pack light but include warm clothes as Khajjiar has cool weather, especially in the evenings and winters; also carry bottled water and snacks for the journey.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted local operators for the last leg from Pathankot or Chandigarh to Khajjiar to ensure safety and fixed fares.

• Keep emergency contacts handy, including local police and hospital numbers in Himachal Pradesh, and inform family or friends about your travel schedule.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets, as police checks are common on interstate highways and in Himachal Pradesh for security reasons.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid stomach issues; avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared and from trusted vendors.

• Book your train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and HRTC to avoid scams and last-minute unavailability.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Khajjiar; negotiate fares beforehand if prepaid options are not available.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags during monsoon season to protect your belongings from rain and humidity.

• During winter, roads can be foggy and slippery; carry warm clothes and avoid night travel in hilly areas to reduce risk.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Khajjiar is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters are cold but beautiful, while monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt travel.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so plan your departure times and routes accordingly to avoid delays and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and roads are crowded and accommodations fill up fast.

• Monsoon months (July to September) may cause landslides and roadblocks on NH154 near Khajjiar, leading to travel delays.

• Winter mornings (December to February) often have dense fog in northern plains, causing flight and train delays, so allow extra travel time.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help avoid city traffic and reach connecting points like Delhi or Chandigarh in daylight.

Arrival at Khajjiar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Khajjiar, you will find a small but charming hill station with limited public transport options. The main entry points are via Dalhousie or Chamba towns, where you can find buses and taxis.

Local transport includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private cabs. Most travelers prefer staying near the Khajjiar lake area, which has several guesthouses and hotels. Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are rare, so negotiate fares before starting your ride.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Khajjiar requires some planning due to the long distance and lack of direct transport. The most efficient option is to take a train or flight to Pathankot or Chandigarh, followed by a road journey to Khajjiar. This combination balances comfort, time, and cost effectively.

Remember to book tickets early, check weather conditions, and plan your last-mile transport carefully. With these tips and options, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of Khajjiar without stress.