Rewalsar is a serene town located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its sacred lake and religious harmony, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major hub from where many travelers start their journey to Rewalsar.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Rewalsar. You will learn about train, bus, and car options, along with practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Rewalsar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular option for reaching nearby towns before taking road transport to Rewalsar. Trains offer comfort and affordability, but there is no direct rail link to Rewalsar itself.

• The nearest major railway station to Rewalsar is Joginder Nagar, about 20 km away, but it has limited connectivity. More commonly, travelers use Pathankot or Chandigarh stations, which are well connected to Delhi.

• From Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), you can catch trains to Pathankot or Chandigarh. The journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours depending on the train, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 for sleeper and AC classes.

• From Pathankot or Chandigarh, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Mandi or directly to Rewalsar. The road journey from these stations can take 4 to 6 hours due to hilly terrain and winding roads.

• Train frequency is good on these routes, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Be aware that during winter months, fog can cause train delays in northern India, so plan your arrival with some buffer time for onward travel.

Bus

Buses are a common and economical way to travel from Delhi to Rewalsar. Several state transport and private operators run services connecting Delhi to Mandi and nearby towns.

• From Delhi, you can board a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) or private Volvo bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Mandi, which is about 20 km from Rewalsar. The journey takes around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus fares range from ₹600 to ₹1,200 depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo). Volvo buses offer more comfort and are preferred for overnight travel.

• After reaching Mandi bus stand, you can take a local bus or taxi to Rewalsar. Local buses run frequently but can be crowded; taxis offer more convenience and cost around ₹400 to ₹600.

• During monsoon season, landslides and roadblocks can cause delays on the NH205 and NH3 highways, so check weather and road conditions before traveling.

• Booking bus tickets online through HRTC or private portals is advisable, especially during holidays and weekends when buses fill up quickly.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Rewalsar is a flexible and scenic option. The route covers plains and hills, offering beautiful views and stops along the way.

• The distance from Delhi to Rewalsar is approximately 520 km via NH44 and NH205, taking around 11 to 13 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through important towns like Karnal, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Mandi. Well-maintained highways like NH44 and NH205 make the drive comfortable with multiple toll plazas en route.

• Fuel stations, dhabas, and rest stops are available regularly along the highway, but it is wise to plan breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid fatigue.

• Driving in hilly areas near Rewalsar requires caution, especially during monsoon and winter when roads can be slippery or foggy. Avoid night driving in the hills if possible.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Delhi through various providers. Booking in advance can get you better rates and vehicle choices suitable for hill driving.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Delhi to Rewalsar for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure seats and avoid last-minute price hikes or unavailability.

• Choose your arrival station carefully; Chandigarh and Pathankot are good railheads with better onward road connectivity to Rewalsar.

• Arrange for a taxi or local bus from the railway station or bus stand to Rewalsar. Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber may be limited in smaller towns, so confirm availability beforehand.

• Pack light but include essentials like warm clothing, rain gear, and comfortable shoes, as Rewalsar’s weather can be cool and wet depending on the season.

• Keep local currency handy for small purchases and transport fares, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere in Rewalsar.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Rewalsar to prevent stomach issues, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Use trusted taxi services or prepaid counters at stations to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during your onward journey.

• Book accommodations in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals such as Guru Rinpoche Fair, as Rewalsar attracts many visitors.

• Be cautious with street food; try local eateries with good reviews or recommendations to enjoy authentic yet safe meals.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as crowded buses and trains can make handling heavy bags difficult.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially during monsoon, to avoid landslides and road closures common in Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Rewalsar is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers are also popular but can be crowded.

Winter months bring cold temperatures and occasional snowfall in Rewalsar, which may disrupt travel plans. Monsoon season requires caution due to landslides and slippery roads.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh when transport services are crowded and prices rise.

• Fog in northern plains during December and January can delay trains and buses, so plan extra time for connections.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Rewalsar during daylight, making last-mile travel easier.

• Monsoon rains from July to September can cause roadblocks on NH205; monitor local news and weather updates before starting your journey.

Arrival at Rewalsar & What to Expect

Rewalsar town is small but well connected by road. Upon arrival, you will find local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws for commuting within the town and nearby attractions.

Most visitors stay near the Rewalsar Lake area or in guesthouses around Mandi. Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs may not be widely available, so negotiate fares beforehand or use local transport options.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Rewalsar is manageable with proper planning. The train to Chandigarh or Pathankot combined with a taxi or bus to Rewalsar is a common and cost-effective method. Buses offer a direct but longer journey, while self-driving provides flexibility and scenic views.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hilly terrain will make your trip comfortable. With these tips, you can confidently plan your journey to Rewalsar and enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty this town offers.