Naina Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Gobind Sagar Lake, attracting thousands of devotees every year. Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to this sacred shrine.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Chandigarh to Naina Devi Temple. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, or driving yourself, this article covers everything you need for a smooth journey.

Getting from Chandigarh to Naina Devi Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Naina Devi Temple from Chandigarh. The nearest railway station to the temple is Nangal Dam, which is well connected to Chandigarh by regular trains.

• Chandigarh Railway Station is a major junction with frequent trains to Nangal Dam, located about 70 km from the temple. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Train fares typically range from ₹100 to ₹300 for second-class and sleeper classes, making it affordable for most travelers. Advance booking via IRCTC is recommended, especially during weekends and festivals.

• Trains run multiple times daily, but morning and evening trains are usually less crowded. Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons when trains can be fully booked and crowded.

• From Nangal Dam station, you can hire a local taxi or take a shared cab to Naina Devi Temple, which is about 15 km uphill. The road is well maintained but winding, so allow 30 to 40 minutes for this last leg.

• Food options on trains are limited; it is advisable to carry snacks and water. The station has basic amenities but limited eateries, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Naina Devi Temple from Chandigarh. State-run and private buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs regular buses from Chandigarh ISBT to Naina Devi Temple or nearby towns like Nangal and Bilaspur. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours covering roughly 110 km.

• Bus fares range between ₹150 and ₹300 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo services. Volvo buses offer more comfort but are less frequent.

• Buses depart throughout the day, with early morning and late evening buses being popular among pilgrims. Booking tickets in advance during festivals is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.

• The route follows NH205 and NH3, passing through scenic hills and several toll plazas. Expect some traffic delays during monsoon due to landslides or road maintenance.

• There are multiple rest stops on the way with tea stalls and small eateries. However, facilities can be basic, so carrying water and snacks is recommended.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chandigarh to Naina Devi Temple offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions or travel at your own pace.

• The distance is approximately 110 km via NH205 and NH3, taking around 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is scenic but includes hilly stretches near the temple.

• Fuel stations and toll plazas are available along the highway, so plan refueling stops accordingly. Toll charges may vary but expect to pay around ₹100 to ₹150 in total.

• Parking near Naina Devi Temple is limited and can get crowded during peak pilgrimage times. Arriving early in the day helps secure a spot and avoid long waits.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides. Winter mornings can have fog, so drive carefully and avoid night travel in hilly areas.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Chandigarh, with prices ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 per day depending on the vehicle type and season.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or app-based cab from Chandigarh to Naina Devi Temple is convenient for travelers seeking door-to-door service without driving themselves.

• Ola and Uber operate in Chandigarh and nearby areas, but availability for long outstation trips may be limited. Pre-booking a private taxi is a reliable alternative.

• Taxi fares for the one-way trip usually range from ₹2500 to ₹3500 depending on the vehicle type and negotiation. Confirm the fare and return charges before starting the journey.

• Taxi drivers often wait at the temple for your return trip, which is convenient if you plan a short visit. For longer stays, arranging a separate return taxi is advisable.

• The journey time is about 3 to 3.5 hours, with stops possible on request for meals or sightseeing along the way.

• Ensure the taxi has proper permits for Himachal Pradesh travel and carries necessary safety equipment, especially during winter and monsoon seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chandigarh to Naina Devi Temple. It covers key actions to take before and during your journey to ensure a smooth experience.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance using IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure seats, especially during festivals or weekends when demand is high.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon, and warm clothes in winter due to the hill climate.

• Reach Chandigarh Railway Station or ISBT at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus bay comfortably.

• Upon arrival at Nangal Dam or the nearest bus stop, hire a local taxi or shared cab to reach Naina Devi Temple, as public transport options are limited beyond this point.

• At the temple, wear comfortable footwear for climbing steps and carry some cash for offerings and small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

• Plan your return journey ahead of time, checking bus or train timings, or confirm taxi availability to avoid waiting long hours in the temple area.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in hill regions of India.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs where available to avoid overcharging by local drivers, especially near tourist spots.

• Book tickets well in advance during festivals like Navratri or Diwali when the temple sees a surge in visitors and transport options fill quickly.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as public transport can be crowded and you may need to carry bags up steep paths near the temple.

• Wear comfortable and modest clothing suitable for temple visits and hill weather; layers help adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.

• Be cautious during monsoon season (July to September) as roads can be slippery and landslides may cause delays or detours along NH routes.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Naina Devi Temple from Chandigarh is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers can be warm in Chandigarh but cooler near the temple.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and occasional landslides, which can disrupt travel plans. Winters are cold with foggy mornings, so plan your departure times carefully for safety and visibility.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals and holidays like Navratri and Diwali if you prefer less crowded transport and temple premises.

• Monsoon rains between July and September can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions, so check weather forecasts and road status before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Chandigarh help avoid city traffic and allow ample daylight for the hill drive to the temple.

• Winter fog in December and January can reduce visibility on highways; avoid night travel and drive cautiously during this period.

Arrival at Naina Devi Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive at Naina Devi Temple, you will find a well-maintained pilgrimage site with basic facilities for visitors. The temple is located on a hilltop, so expect a short uphill walk or climb of steps from the parking area.

Local transport options near the temple are limited to shared taxis and private cabs. Many pilgrims prefer to stay in nearby towns like Nangal or Bilaspur, which have more accommodation and dining choices. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola may be available in these towns for last-mile connectivity.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chandigarh to Naina Devi Temple is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains to Nangal Dam combined with local taxis offer an economical and comfortable choice, while buses provide direct access with reasonable fares. Driving yourself or hiring a taxi adds flexibility and convenience, especially if you want to explore the region further.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the hill terrain. With these practical tips and detailed travel options, you can confidently make your pilgrimage to Naina Devi Temple a memorable and hassle-free experience.