Kullu Manali is a beautiful hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic valleys and adventure activities. Vijayawada, in Andhra Pradesh, is a major city in South India. Many travelers from Vijayawada visit Kullu Manali to experience the cool climate and natural beauty.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Vijayawada to Kullu Manali. You will learn about trains, buses, self-drive options, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Vijayawada to Kullu Manali – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for long-distance journeys in India. However, there is no direct train to Kullu Manali, so you will need to combine train and road travel.

• Take a train from Vijayawada Junction (BZA) to Chandigarh Junction (CDG), a major railhead near Kullu Manali, covering around 2,200 km in approximately 36-40 hours. Trains like the Amritsar Express or other long-distance trains run regularly.

• Train fares range from INR 800 to INR 2,500 depending on class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC). Booking through IRCTC is recommended 30 days in advance to secure seats, especially during peak seasons.

• From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus to Kullu Manali, which takes about 7-8 hours covering roughly 250 km via NH205 and NH3.

• Trains can face delays during monsoon due to landslides or fog in northern regions, so plan buffer time. Night trains offer sleeping berths for comfort on this long journey.

• Food options on trains include pantry cars and station vendors, but carrying snacks is advisable for the long trip. Vijayawada station has good facilities for boarding passengers.

Bus

Direct bus services between Vijayawada and Kullu Manali are not available due to the long distance. However, you can travel by bus in stages combining south to north routes.

• First, take a bus from Vijayawada to Delhi or Chandigarh via Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) or private operators. This leg can take 30-36 hours covering over 1,500 km.

• From Chandigarh or Delhi, HRTC runs frequent Volvo and deluxe buses to Kullu Manali, taking about 7-9 hours. These buses are comfortable and have multiple daily departures.

• Bus fares from Vijayawada to Delhi range from INR 1,000 to INR 1,800 depending on the operator and bus type. Chandigarh to Manali buses cost around INR 400-700.

• Long bus journeys can be tiring, so plan overnight travel and book seats early during summer and holidays to avoid crowding.

• Rest stops on the highway include dhabas and highway restaurants, but hygiene standards vary. Carry water and light snacks for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Vijayawada to Kullu Manali is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The distance is about 2,500 km and takes around 45-50 hours of driving.

• The most common route is via NH44 passing through Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhopal, Delhi, and then NH205 towards Kullu Manali. This route covers diverse terrains and states.

• Expect toll plazas on NH44 and NH205, with toll charges totaling around INR 1,500-2,000. Carry cash or FASTag for smooth passage.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Nagpur, Bhopal, and Delhi to rest. Road conditions are generally good on national highways but can be challenging near Himachal during winter due to snow.

• Fuel stations are available regularly on highways, but remote hilly stretches may have fewer options. Carry extra water and emergency supplies.

• Driving in monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and landslides near Kullu Manali. Winter months may need snow chains and winter tires.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Kullu Manali. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (KUU), about 50 km from Manali. Flights connect from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

• Fly from Vijayawada Airport (VGA) to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with airlines like IndiGo or Air India. Flight duration is about 2.5 to 3 hours.

• From Delhi, take a connecting flight to Bhuntar Airport, which takes about 1 hour. Flights are limited and weather-dependent, especially in winter.

• Alternatively, fly to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) and then travel by road to Kullu Manali, which takes 7-8 hours by taxi or bus.

• Flight fares from Vijayawada to Delhi range from INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 depending on booking time and season. Delhi to Bhuntar flights cost around INR 3,000 to INR 5,000.

• From Bhuntar Airport, prepaid taxis and shared cabs are available to reach Manali town. Booking cabs in advance during peak season is recommended.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is for first-time travelers from Vijayawada to Kullu Manali. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to get confirmed seats and better prices. Early booking is crucial during summer and holidays.

• If traveling by train, choose a route to Chandigarh or Delhi and plan your onward road travel to Manali. Check train timings and platform details on official railway apps.

• Arrange local transport from Chandigarh or Bhuntar Airport to Manali in advance using HRTC bus bookings or prepaid taxi services to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack according to the season; winters are cold with snow, so carry warm clothes. Monsoon travelers should prepare for possible delays due to landslides.

• Use Ola or Uber in Vijayawada and Chandigarh for airport or station transfers. In Manali, local taxis and shared cabs are common for short distances.

• Keep your phone charged and carry portable chargers, as connectivity may be limited in hilly areas. Download offline maps for navigation on road trips.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters at airports and bus stands in Chandigarh and Bhuntar to avoid overcharging by local drivers. Confirm fares before starting your trip.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during long journeys to prevent stomach issues. Carry light snacks and water bottles for train and bus travel.

• Book train and bus tickets online via IRCTC and HRTC portals to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute rush at stations.

• In Manali, use local buses or shared taxis for short travel instead of expensive private cabs. Walking is also a good option in the town center.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for hill travel. Avoid heavy luggage as some roads have narrow or steep sections.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before starting your journey, as landslides can cause delays or route closures in Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kullu Manali is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters are cold with snow, attracting tourists for skiing.

Monsoon season from July to August brings heavy rains and possible landslides, which can disrupt travel and cause roadblocks. Plan accordingly and monitor weather updates.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas in Manali, as accommodation and transport get crowded and expensive.

• Early morning departures from Vijayawada or connecting cities help avoid city traffic and reach destinations on time.

• Winter months (December to February) require warm clothing and checking flight or road status due to snow closures near Kullu Manali.

• Summer months (April to June) see peak tourist inflow, so book transport and hotels well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Arrival at Kullu Manali & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kullu Manali, you will find a small but busy town with many hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. The main bus stand and taxi stands are near the town center.

Local transport includes shared taxis, private cabs, and buses that connect to nearby attractions like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are limited but available in Manali town.

Most travelers prefer staying in Old Manali or near Mall Road for easy access to shops, restaurants, and sightseeing. Walking is common in these areas due to narrow roads and traffic.

Conclusion

Traveling from Vijayawada to Kullu Manali requires planning due to the long distance and multiple transport modes. The most efficient option is to take a train or flight to Delhi or Chandigarh and then continue by road to Manali. This balances comfort, time, and cost.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will make your journey smooth. With proper preparation, you can enjoy the scenic beauty and cool climate of Kullu Manali confidently and comfortably.