Manipal is a beautiful university town located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, in southern India. Delhi, the capital city of India, lies in the northern part of the country. Many students, professionals, and tourists travel this route to explore Manipal’s educational institutions and scenic surroundings.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Delhi to Manipal. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Manipal – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance journey. Trains connect Delhi to nearby railway stations of Manipal with reasonable comfort and frequency.

• The nearest major railway station to Manipal is Udupi Railway Station, about 22 km away. Trains from Delhi to Udupi take approximately 36 to 42 hours, covering around 2,200 km.

• Popular trains include the Mangala Lakshadweep Express and the Kerala Express, which run weekly or biweekly. Booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to high demand.

• Train fares range from INR 800 for sleeper class to INR 2,500 for AC 3-tier, depending on availability and season. Trains offer basic catering but carrying snacks is advisable for comfort.

• Delays can occur during monsoon months due to heavy rains in the Western Ghats. Night travel is common, so pack essentials for overnight comfort and safety.

• From Udupi station, you can take local buses or prepaid taxis to reach Manipal in about 40 minutes. Auto-rickshaws are also available but negotiate fares beforehand.

Bus

Bus travel from Delhi to Manipal is less common due to the long distance but possible with multiple changes. It suits budget travelers who prefer road trips and flexibility.

• Direct buses are not available; you need to take a bus from Delhi to Bangalore or Mangalore first, then connect to Manipal via local buses or taxis.

• Buses from Delhi to Bangalore take around 36 to 40 hours, operated by private and state transport companies. From Bangalore to Manipal, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs regular buses taking 8 to 10 hours.

• Bus fares from Delhi to Bangalore range from INR 1,200 to INR 2,000 depending on the class. Bangalore to Manipal buses cost around INR 300 to INR 600.

• Road conditions on National Highways 44 and 75 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery patches, especially near the Western Ghats.

• Night buses are common but can be crowded and less comfortable. Booking tickets online through RedBus or state transport portals is advisable to secure seats.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Manipal is a long but scenic option for those who prefer flexibility and road adventure. The distance is about 2,200 km and takes around 38 to 42 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH44 and NH75, passing through cities like Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. This route has many toll plazas, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Driving allows you to stop at various rest points, dhabas, and tourist spots along the way. Plan overnight halts in cities like Nagpur or Hyderabad for safety and rest.

• Fuel costs for this journey can range between INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 depending on your vehicle’s mileage. Ensure your vehicle is serviced before the trip.

• Monsoon season can make some stretches slippery and prone to landslides near the Western Ghats. Avoid night driving in these areas and check weather updates regularly.

• Local traffic near Manipal can be narrow and busy. Parking is limited in the town, so plan accommodation with parking facilities or use local taxis after arrival.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Manipal from Delhi. Although Manipal does not have its own airport, nearby airports connect well with the town.

• The closest airport to Manipal is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), about 60 km away. Flights from Delhi to Mangalore take around 3.5 to 4 hours with direct daily services by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• From Mangalore airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Manipal in about 1.5 hours. KSRTC also runs buses connecting the airport to Manipal.

• Flight fares typically range from INR 3,000 to INR 7,000 one way, depending on booking time and season. Booking tickets 3-4 weeks in advance can help secure better prices.

• Airport facilities include car rentals, ATMs, and food outlets. Avoid peak holiday seasons like summer vacations and festival times to prevent price surges and crowded flights.

• Weather delays are rare but can occur during heavy monsoon rains affecting Mangalore. Always check flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Manipal, helping you prepare and execute your journey smoothly.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort. Flights are fastest, trains are economical, buses are flexible, and driving offers freedom.

• Step 2: Book your tickets early. Use IRCTC for trains, airline websites or apps for flights, and RedBus or state transport portals for buses. Early booking ensures availability and better fares.

• Step 3: Pack essentials like water, snacks, medicines, and chargers, especially for long train or bus journeys. Carry light luggage for easy last-mile travel in Manipal.

• Step 4: Reach your departure point early. Delhi railway stations and airports can be crowded, so arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure to avoid stress.

• Step 5: On arrival at Udupi station or Mangalore airport, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safe and reliable transport to Manipal. Avoid unmetered autos to prevent overcharging.

• Step 6: Once in Manipal, use local buses or autos for short distances. Many hotels provide shuttle services, so confirm this during booking for convenience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets, as these are checked frequently on trains and buses in India.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in some regions.

• Book train and flight tickets at least 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during festivals or university admission seasons when demand spikes.

• Use Ola or Uber apps for local travel in Delhi, Mangalore, and Manipal to ensure fair pricing and safety compared to hailing street cabs.

• Pack light and secure your luggage with locks, especially on trains and buses where theft can occur during crowded travel.

• During monsoon months (June to September), expect delays on roads and railways near the Western Ghats. Carry rain gear and check weather forecasts regularly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Manipal depends on weather and traffic conditions. Avoiding peak festival seasons and monsoon months can make your journey more comfortable.

Summer months (March to May) can be hot in Delhi but pleasant in Manipal. Monsoon brings heavy rains in Karnataka, which may cause travel delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are fully booked and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (June to September) often causes fog and waterlogging on highways near the Western Ghats, leading to slower travel and occasional cancellations.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at stations or airports.

• Winter months (November to February) offer pleasant weather in both Delhi and Manipal, making it an ideal time for travel and sightseeing.

Arrival at Manipal & What to Expect

When you arrive at Udupi railway station or Mangalore airport, you will find several transport options to reach Manipal. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are widely available and recommended for safety and fixed fares.

Local buses run frequently between Udupi and Manipal, but they can be crowded during peak hours. Auto-rickshaws are common but always agree on the fare before starting your trip. Manipal town is compact with many guesthouses and hotels near the university area, making it easy to reach your accommodation.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying from Delhi to Mangalore followed by a taxi to Manipal is the fastest and most convenient way to travel. However, trains offer a budget-friendly alternative with scenic views along the route. Driving is suitable for those who enjoy road trips and flexibility, while buses are best for travelers on a tight budget willing to manage multiple connections.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing travel times that avoid peak traffic and weather challenges. With these tips, you can confidently reach Manipal from Delhi and enjoy your time in this vibrant university town.