Pachmarhi is a beautiful hill station located in the Satpura range of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and peaceful environment. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major starting point for travelers heading to Pachmarhi due to its excellent connectivity and transport options.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Delhi to Pachmarhi. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical advice on travel times, fares, and local transport. This will help you plan your trip confidently and enjoy your journey to this serene destination.

Getting from Delhi to Pachmarhi – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many going from Delhi to Pachmarhi. Although there is no direct train to Pachmarhi, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway stations to Pachmarhi are Pipariya and Itarsi, both well connected to Delhi via direct trains like the Bhopal Express and the Dakshin Express, covering around 1,000 to 1,100 km in approximately 14 to 18 hours.

• Train fares vary by class, with sleeper class costing around ₹400-₹700 and AC classes between ₹1,000-₹2,000, making it a budget-friendly option for most travelers.

• Trains depart regularly from New Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin, but booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during holiday seasons when trains get crowded.

• From Pipariya or Itarsi, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus for the 50-60 km journey to Pachmarhi, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on hilly roads.

• During the monsoon season, train delays are common due to fog and track maintenance, so plan extra time if traveling between July and September.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Pachmarhi from Delhi, though the journey is long and can be tiring. It is suitable for budget travelers who prefer road travel.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Pachmarhi are limited, so most travelers take a bus to Bhopal or Pipariya first, then switch to local buses or taxis for the last leg.

• State transport buses like Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPSRTC) run regular services from Delhi ISBT to Bhopal, taking around 14 to 16 hours and costing ₹700-₹1,200 depending on the bus type.

• From Bhopal or Pipariya bus stands, frequent local buses and shared taxis are available to Pachmarhi, with fares around ₹150-₹300 and travel time of 2 to 3 hours on winding roads.

• Buses are generally crowded during festivals and summer holidays, so booking tickets early and choosing night buses can help avoid discomfort.

• Road conditions on National Highway 46 and connecting state highways are good, but monsoon rains may cause occasional delays and slippery patches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Pachmarhi is a flexible and scenic option for those who enjoy road trips. The route covers around 1,100 km and takes approximately 18 to 20 hours, usually split over two days.

• The most common route is via NH44 and NH46, passing through Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, and Bhopal, offering well-maintained highways and multiple toll plazas along the way.

• Fuel costs for the trip can range from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 depending on your vehicle’s mileage, and toll charges add approximately ₹500-₹700 for the entire route.

• There are several decent rest stops and dhabas on the highway, especially near Agra and Bhopal, where you can enjoy local food and refreshments safely.

• Driving through the Satpura hills to Pachmarhi requires caution due to narrow and winding roads; daylight travel is recommended for safety and better visibility.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Delhi, with daily rates starting around ₹3,000-₹4,500, including driver allowances and tolls, offering a hassle-free option for those unfamiliar with long drives.

Flight

There is no airport in Pachmarhi, but flying to nearby cities like Bhopal or Jabalpur is a convenient option for faster travel, followed by road transport to Pachmarhi.

• Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport is the closest major airport, about 200 km from Pachmarhi, with daily flights from Delhi lasting around 1.5 hours and fares typically between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000 one way.

• From Bhopal airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pachmarhi, which takes about 4 to 5 hours on NH46 and state highways, with taxi fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.

• Jabalpur Airport is another option, located approximately 210 km from Pachmarhi, with flights from Delhi and good road connectivity, but fewer flight options compared to Bhopal.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip and Yatra helps secure better fares and preferred timings, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Road travel from the airport to Pachmarhi can be challenging during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional landslides, so check weather conditions before planning your onward journey.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Pachmarhi. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least two weeks in advance via IRCTC or airline apps to ensure availability and better prices, especially during holidays and weekends.

• If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives at Pipariya or Itarsi during daylight hours to make the onward road journey safer and easier to arrange.

• Arrange local transport from Pipariya, Itarsi, or Bhopal to Pachmarhi in advance by contacting taxi services or checking bus schedules online to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and rain gear, as Pachmarhi’s weather can change suddenly, especially in the monsoon season.

• Start your journey early in the morning if driving or taking a bus to avoid city traffic in Delhi and ensure you reach your stop points with enough daylight for rest and meals.

• Use apps like Ola or Uber for local travel in Delhi and Bhopal, but rely on prepaid taxis or trusted local cabs for the final leg to Pachmarhi to ensure fair pricing and safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a copy of your ID and booking confirmations for trains, buses, or flights, as these are often checked during travel and at checkpoints in Madhya Pradesh.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and avoid street food in transit points to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Book tickets online rather than at counters to save time and avoid queues, especially for trains and flights, using reliable platforms like IRCTC and official airline websites.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Pachmarhi, but agree on fares beforehand or use meter-based rides to avoid overcharging.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables like wallets and phones close to you, as crowded trains and buses can be targets for pickpockets.

• During the monsoon, carry raincoats and waterproof bags, and check weather forecasts regularly, as heavy rains can disrupt road and rail services.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pachmarhi is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be warm, and the monsoon season brings heavy rains that may affect travel.

Delhi to Pachmarhi travel conditions vary with seasons, so it is important to plan accordingly to avoid delays and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi, as trains and roads are crowded, and ticket availability is limited.

• Monsoon season from July to September can cause landslides and slippery roads in the Satpura hills, leading to travel delays and safety risks.

• Winter mornings and evenings in Delhi can be foggy, causing train and flight delays, so allow extra time if traveling in December or January.

• Departing early in the morning from Delhi helps avoid city traffic and ensures you reach your next stop with enough daylight for rest and onward connections.

Arrival at Pachmarhi & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pachmarhi, you will find a small, peaceful town with limited public transport options. Most visitors rely on taxis, auto-rickshaws, or rented scooters to get around.

The main areas to stay are near the Pachmarhi market and the central plateau, where you will find guesthouses, hotels, and homestays. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare, so negotiate fares before starting your journey from the bus stand or taxi drop-off points.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Pachmarhi is best done by train to Pipariya or Itarsi followed by a road journey, or by flying to Bhopal and then taking a taxi. Each option balances cost, comfort, and travel time differently, so choose based on your preferences and schedule.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will make your trip smoother. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the scenic journey from Delhi to Pachmarhi and experience the natural beauty of this hill station without stress.