Anandpur Sahib is a historic city in Punjab, known for its Sikh heritage. Naina Devi Temple is a famous Hindu shrine located in Himachal Pradesh, perched on a hill overlooking the Sutlej River. Many pilgrims and tourists travel this route to visit the sacred temple and explore the scenic surroundings.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Naina Devi Temple from Anandpur Sahib. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, routes, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Anandpur Sahib to Naina Devi Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey. The nearest railway station to Naina Devi Temple is Una Himachal, which connects well with Anandpur Sahib via nearby stations.

• The closest major railway station to Anandpur Sahib is Anandpur Sahib Railway Station, but it has limited connectivity; better options are at Rupnagar or Chandigarh for more frequent trains towards Una Himachal.

• From Anandpur Sahib, you can take a train or taxi to Rupnagar Railway Station, about 45 km away, which has better train connections to Una Himachal, approximately 45 km from Naina Devi Temple.

• Trains from Rupnagar to Una Himachal take around 2 to 3 hours, with fares typically between ₹100 and ₹300 depending on the train class and availability.

• Una Himachal station is about 15 km from Naina Devi Temple; you can hire a local taxi or take a bus from the station to the temple, which takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

• Train services may be less frequent on weekends and during monsoon season due to weather-related delays, so check IRCTC for real-time schedules and book tickets in advance.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly and widely used option to travel from Anandpur Sahib to Naina Devi Temple. State-run and private buses operate regularly on this route.

• From Anandpur Sahib Bus Stand, you can catch direct or connecting buses to Una, the nearest town to Naina Devi Temple, with journey times around 3 to 4 hours covering roughly 90 km.

• Punjab Roadways and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) run regular buses on this route; fares usually range from ₹100 to ₹250 depending on the bus type and comfort level.

• Frequent buses run throughout the day, but early morning departures are best to avoid crowding and reach the temple before afternoon peak hours.

• During monsoon, roads on NH205 and connecting highways can be slippery and prone to landslides, causing delays; check weather updates before traveling.

• Una Bus Stand is about 15 km from Naina Devi Temple; you can hire shared taxis or local buses to reach the temple, which take about 30 minutes.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Anandpur Sahib to Naina Devi Temple offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the scenic hills and countryside at your own pace.

• The distance by road is approximately 90 km via NH205 and NH503, taking around 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through Rupnagar and Una, with well-maintained highways, toll plazas, and several roadside dhabas where you can stop for refreshments.

• Driving during early morning or late afternoon helps avoid heavy traffic near Anandpur Sahib and Una towns, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Monsoon season can make some stretches slippery and narrow; ensure your vehicle is in good condition and drive cautiously on hilly roads.

• Parking near Naina Devi Temple is available but limited; arriving early helps secure a spot and avoid long waits.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Anandpur Sahib and Naina Devi Temple, as both locations are in close proximity and well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport to Naina Devi Temple is Gaggal Airport near Dharamshala, which is about 90 km away.

• Travelers can fly into Chandigarh Airport, approximately 80 km from Anandpur Sahib, and then continue by road or train to Naina Devi Temple.

• From Chandigarh Airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Anandpur Sahib or directly to Una and Naina Devi Temple, taking around 3 to 4 hours.

• Flights to Gaggal Airport are limited and mostly connect from Delhi; from there, a taxi or bus can take you to Naina Devi Temple in about 3 hours.

• Considering the short distance and good road connectivity, flying is generally not recommended for this route due to time and cost inefficiency.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Anandpur Sahib to Naina Devi Temple. It helps you organize your journey for a hassle-free experience.

• Start by booking your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure your seat, especially during festivals or weekends when demand is high.

• If traveling by train, reach Rupnagar Railway Station early to avoid last-minute rush; taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from Anandpur Sahib to Rupnagar.

• Upon arrival at Una Himachal station or bus stand, hire a prepaid taxi or use Ola/Uber app-based cabs for a safe and reliable ride to Naina Devi Temple.

• Carry light luggage and wear comfortable shoes as the temple requires a short uphill climb; local guides or porters can assist if needed.

• Plan your return trip in advance by checking bus and train timings for the evening to avoid waiting long hours at the station or bus stand.

• Keep some cash handy for small expenses like tolls, snacks, and local transport, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere on this route.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of water and some snacks, as food options on the way can be limited, especially during early morning or late evening travel.

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs from stations and bus stands to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least a week in advance during festival seasons like Navratri or Baisakhi, when pilgrim traffic increases significantly.

• Wear light cotton clothes in summer and carry a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon to stay comfortable and dry on the journey.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items while traveling in crowded buses or trains to prevent theft.

• Local buses and shared taxis from Una to Naina Devi Temple may not run late in the evening; plan your return accordingly or book a private cab.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Naina Devi Temple from Anandpur Sahib is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the roads are generally clear.

Monsoon season from July to September can cause delays due to slippery roads and occasional landslides on hilly stretches. Winter mornings may have fog, affecting visibility on the route.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals or holidays when roads and trains are crowded, such as Diwali and Navratri, to have a more comfortable journey.

• Early morning departures help you avoid traffic jams near Anandpur Sahib and reach the temple before afternoon crowds.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before starting your trip to avoid getting stuck due to landslides or heavy rains.

• Winter fog can delay trains and buses; allow extra travel time if you must travel during December and January mornings.

Arrival at Naina Devi Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive near Naina Devi Temple, you will find several local transport options such as taxis, shared jeeps, and buses to take you up the hill to the temple entrance. The last stretch involves a short uphill walk or a cable car ride, depending on your preference.

Accommodation options are available in Una and nearby towns, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. It is advisable to book in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Una, making local travel convenient and safe.

Conclusion

Traveling from Anandpur Sahib to Naina Devi Temple is straightforward with multiple transport options. Taking a bus or driving by car offers flexibility and scenic views, while trains provide comfort and a relaxed journey. Planning your trip with advance bookings and checking weather conditions will ensure a smooth experience.

Keep these tips in mind to navigate local transport, avoid delays, and enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of Naina Devi Temple. With proper preparation, you can confidently make this pilgrimage or visit and create lasting memories.