Salasar Balaji is a famous pilgrimage site located in the Churu district of Rajasthan. It is known for the Hanuman temple that attracts devotees from all over India. Chandigarh, a well-planned city in northern India, serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to Salasar Balaji.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Chandigarh to Salasar Balaji. You will learn about train, bus, and car options, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Chandigarh to Salasar Balaji – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular option for those who prefer comfort and affordability. However, there is no direct train to Salasar Balaji, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Salasar Balaji is Churu Railway Station, about 45 km away, connected to Chandigarh via several trains daily covering approximately 350 km in 6 to 8 hours.

• Popular trains from Chandigarh to Churu include the Ajmer Express and other passenger trains; fares range from ₹300 to ₹700 depending on class and train type.

• From Churu station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Salasar Balaji, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours; taxis are available outside the station but pre-booking is recommended during festivals.

• Train travel is comfortable with sleeper and AC coaches, but expect crowding during weekends and festival seasons, especially Hanuman Jayanti and Navratri.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and economical way to reach Salasar Balaji from Chandigarh. Several state-run and private buses operate on this route daily.

• Direct buses from Chandigarh ISBT to Salasar Balaji are limited; most buses go to Churu or nearby towns, requiring a change to local transport for the last 45 km.

• Frequent Volvo and non-AC buses run between Chandigarh and Churu, taking about 7 to 9 hours, with fares ranging from ₹400 to ₹900 depending on bus type.

• From Churu bus stand, shared jeeps and local buses are available to Salasar Balaji; these are affordable but may be crowded during peak pilgrimage times.

• Bus travel can be affected by monsoon road conditions and heavy fog in winter mornings, so plan accordingly and avoid night travel if possible.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chandigarh to Salasar Balaji offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby areas or travel with family.

• The distance by road is approximately 350 km via NH 52 and NH 62, taking around 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through key towns like Hisar and Churu, with multiple toll plazas; toll charges may total around ₹300 to ₹400 one way.

• There are good rest stops and dhabas along the highway offering local Rajasthani cuisine and refreshments, ideal for breaks during the journey.

• Driving during early morning hours is recommended to avoid city traffic in Chandigarh and to reach Salasar Balaji before evening, especially during festivals.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Chandigarh with daily rates starting around ₹2000, including fuel; ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for highway travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chandigarh to Salasar Balaji to help you organize your trip smoothly.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least a week in advance, especially during festival seasons, using IRCTC for trains or official bus websites to avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, choose a train arriving at Churu early in the day to have ample time for the onward journey by road to Salasar Balaji.

• Arrange local transport from Churu to Salasar Balaji in advance by contacting taxi operators or using app-based cabs where available to avoid waiting at the station.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit, as local transport options may not have frequent stops.

• Use offline maps or GPS apps for navigation if driving yourself, and keep emergency contact numbers handy for roadside assistance.

• Plan your return journey with buffer time, considering possible delays due to road conditions or festival crowds.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey; buy sealed bottled water from trusted vendors to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets through official portals like IRCTC for trains and state transport websites or reputed private bus operators to ensure safety and reliability.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber at Chandigarh and Churu for safer and fixed fare local travel.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying excessive cash; use digital payments where possible, especially in smaller towns en route.

• During monsoon, check weather updates as roads near Salasar Balaji can get slippery and cause delays; carry rain gear if traveling in that season.

• Wear comfortable footwear and carry sun protection like hats and sunscreen, as you may need to walk short distances at the temple and bus stands.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Salasar Balaji from Chandigarh is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather for travel and temple visits.

Summer months can be very hot in Rajasthan, making daytime travel uncomfortable. Monsoon season may cause road disruptions and slippery conditions, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Hanuman Jayanti and Navratri if you prefer less crowded conditions, as the temple and transport get very busy.

• Winter mornings may have dense fog on highways near Chandigarh and Haryana, causing slow traffic; start your journey after sunrise for better visibility.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Chandigarh and reach Salasar Balaji before evening, especially during winter when daylight hours are shorter.

Arrival at Salasar Balaji & What to Expect

On arrival at Salasar Balaji, you will find a well-developed temple complex with facilities for pilgrims. The area is small but busy, especially during weekends and festivals.

Local transport options include cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and shared jeeps for nearby areas. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so plan your return transport in advance.

Accommodation options are available near the temple, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Booking in advance during peak seasons is advisable.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chandigarh to Salasar Balaji is manageable using train, bus, or car, depending on your comfort and budget preferences. Train travel combined with local transport offers an economical and comfortable option, while driving yourself provides flexibility and convenience.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport ahead of time. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth pilgrimage experience to Salasar Balaji from Chandigarh and focus on the spiritual journey ahead.