Naina Devi is a famous hill town located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its revered Naina Devi Temple, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major starting point for travelers heading to this spiritual destination.

This route is commonly traveled by devotees and nature lovers who want to experience the serene hills and religious significance of Naina Devi. This guide will help you understand the main travel options, step-by-step planning, and practical tips to reach Naina Devi from Delhi comfortably and efficiently.

Getting from Delhi to Naina Devi – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for reaching Naina Devi from Delhi. The nearest major railway station to Naina Devi is Una Himachal, which is well connected to Delhi by several trains.

• Delhi to Una Himachal railway station is approximately 350 km and takes around 8 to 10 hours by train, depending on the service chosen. Trains like the Himachal Express and Jan Shatabdi run regularly.

• Train fares range from INR 300 to INR 900 for sleeper and AC classes, making it affordable for most travelers. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats.

• Una Himachal station is about 45 km from Naina Devi, so you will need to arrange road transport from here. Local buses and taxis are available at the station.

• Trains can get crowded during festivals like Navratri and summer holidays, so book tickets early to avoid last-minute issues and ensure comfortable travel.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides in Himachal Pradesh, so check train running status before departure during July and August.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Naina Devi from Delhi. Both government and private operators run services connecting Delhi to Una and Bilaspur, from where you can take local transport to Naina Devi.

• Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate is the main bus terminal for Himachal-bound buses, with frequent Volvo and non-AC buses to Una and Bilaspur, covering about 350 km in 9 to 11 hours.

• Bus fares range from INR 500 to INR 1200 depending on the type of bus (Volvo, deluxe, or ordinary) and operator. Booking online via MSRTC or private portals is advised.

• From Una or Bilaspur bus stands, shared taxis and local buses are available to Naina Devi, approximately 40-50 km away, with fares around INR 100 to 300.

• Buses can be crowded during peak pilgrimage seasons and weekends, so boarding early and booking in advance helps avoid standing tickets and discomfort.

• Road conditions on NH 44 and NH 503 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads in hilly stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Naina Devi offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby areas or travel at your own pace. The route covers around 350 km via NH 44 and NH 503.

• The drive usually takes 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with toll plazas on NH 44 near Karnal and Ambala, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Popular rest stops include Karnal, Ambala, and Una, where you can find dhabas and restaurants serving local and North Indian cuisine for meals and refreshments.

• Self-driving allows you to stop at scenic spots like the Shivalik hills and small towns en route, enhancing your travel experience beyond just reaching Naina Devi.

• During winter, fog near Ambala and Yamunanagar can reduce visibility early morning and late evening, so plan your driving hours accordingly for safety.

• Parking near Naina Devi temple can be limited during festivals, so consider parking at nearby towns and using local transport or walking to the temple complex.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Naina Devi, but you can fly from Delhi to nearby airports and then continue by road. This option suits travelers who want to save time on the long road journey.

• The nearest airports are Chandigarh International Airport (about 100 km from Una) and Shimla Airport (about 120 km from Naina Devi), both connected to Delhi by multiple daily flights.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Chandigarh or Shimla is around 1 to 1.5 hours, with fares typically ranging from INR 2000 to INR 5000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Chandigarh or Shimla airport, you can hire taxis or take buses to Naina Devi, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by road.

• Flight schedules may be affected by weather conditions in winter, especially fog in Chandigarh and Shimla, so check flight status before booking.

• This option is more expensive but saves significant travel time compared to road or train journeys, ideal for short trips or those with limited time.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Delhi to Naina Devi for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during festival seasons, using IRCTC for trains or MSRTC and private portals for buses to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute rush.

• Pack light but carry essentials like warm clothes if traveling in winter, bottled water, and snacks for the journey, as food options can be limited on some routes and at night.

• Reach the departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes early to avoid confusion and last-minute stress, especially at busy hubs like Delhi’s New Delhi Railway Station or ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

• On arrival at Una Himachal or Bilaspur, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted local taxi services to reach Naina Devi safely, as bargaining and overcharging can be common with roadside taxis.

• Keep a local SIM card or mobile data active to use Ola or Uber apps where available, or to contact your hotel or guide for pickup arrangements, ensuring smooth last-mile connectivity.

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

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as medical facilities near Naina Devi are limited and pharmacies may not stock all medicines.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues, and try local food at reputable dhabas or restaurants to enjoy Himachali cuisine safely.

• Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues and sold-out situations, especially during weekends and festivals when pilgrim traffic surges.

• Use local buses or shared taxis for short distances to save money, but confirm fares beforehand and avoid traveling alone at night for safety.

• Pack your luggage in sturdy bags and keep valuables close, as crowded trains and buses can be targets for pickpockets.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts regularly, as landslides and roadblocks can disrupt travel plans in the hills.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Naina Devi depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making travel comfortable.

Winter months bring cold temperatures and occasional fog, especially in early mornings and late evenings, which can slow down road and rail travel. Monsoon season may cause landslides and slippery roads in the hills, so caution is advised.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Navratri and Diwali when roads and trains are crowded with pilgrims, leading to higher fares and limited accommodation.

• Summer months from April to June are popular for hill travel but expect heavy traffic on weekends and holidays, so plan departures on weekdays if possible.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Naina Devi before evening, especially during winter when daylight hours are shorter.

• Monsoon travel requires flexible plans and checking local news for road conditions, as some routes may be temporarily closed due to landslides.

Arrival at Naina Devi & What to Expect

When you arrive near Naina Devi, you will find a small town with basic amenities catering to pilgrims and tourists. The temple complex is the main attraction, and local transport options are available for last-mile connectivity.

Prepaid taxis and shared cabs are common for reaching the temple from Una or Bilaspur. Auto-rickshaws and local buses operate within the town, but walking is often the best way to explore the temple area and nearby markets. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels in the town center, so booking in advance during peak seasons is advisable.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Naina Devi is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. The train to Una Himachal followed by a taxi is the most economical and popular route, while driving offers flexibility and scenic stops along the way. Flights to Chandigarh or Shimla combined with road travel save time but cost more.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your trip to Naina Devi and focus on the spiritual and natural beauty that awaits you in the hills of Himachal Pradesh.