Sarahan is a scenic village located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, known for its ancient Bhimakali Temple and beautiful Himalayan views. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as a major starting point for travelers heading to Sarahan, making this route popular among tourists and pilgrims alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Sarahan using different transport modes. You will get practical advice on trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with tips to plan your journey confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Sarahan – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Delhi to Sarahan is partly possible as Sarahan does not have a railway station. You can take a train to nearby stations and then continue by road. This option suits travelers who prefer rail comfort for part of the journey.

• Take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Kalka Railway Station, about 270 km away, with travel times ranging from 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the train type and fare between ₹300 to ₹900.

• From Kalka, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sarahan, which is approximately 130 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours on hilly roads, with fares for taxis starting around ₹2000.

• Trains to Kalka are frequent, including Shatabdi and other express trains, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Note that the onward journey from Kalka to Sarahan involves winding mountain roads, so plan for slower travel and possible delays during monsoon or winter fog.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Sarahan from Delhi, though the journey is long. This option suits budget travelers who do not mind overnight travel and want to experience local transport.

• Direct buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Rampur Bushahr or Reckong Peo run daily, covering about 500 km in 14 to 16 hours, with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹900 for ordinary and deluxe buses.

• From Rampur Bushahr or Reckong Peo, you can take local buses or shared taxis to Sarahan, which is about 20 to 30 km away, taking 1 to 1.5 hours on narrow mountain roads.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates Volvo and ordinary buses on this route, with Volvo buses offering more comfort but fewer departures.

• During winter, buses may face delays or cancellations due to snowfall or landslides, so check weather and road conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Sarahan is a flexible and comfortable option, ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and enjoy scenic stops along the way. The route mostly follows national highways and mountain roads.

• The distance from Delhi to Sarahan is approximately 500 km via NH44 and NH205, with an estimated driving time of 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You will pass through major towns like Ambala, Chandigarh, and Shimla before ascending to Sarahan, allowing for rest stops and meals at popular dhabas and restaurants.

• Be prepared for toll plazas on NH44 and NH205, with toll fees totaling around ₹300 to ₹500; carry cash or use FASTag for smooth passage.

• Mountain roads near Sarahan are narrow and winding, so drive carefully, especially during monsoon or winter; avoid night driving in hilly sections for safety.

• Car rentals with driver are available in Delhi, with daily rates starting around ₹3500 to ₹5000 depending on vehicle type and season.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Sarahan, but flying to nearby airports can save time. This option suits travelers looking to shorten the journey and combine air and road travel.

• The nearest airport to Sarahan is Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla, about 125 km away, with limited flights from Delhi lasting around 1 hour and fares ranging from ₹2500 to ₹4000.

• From Shimla airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sarahan, which takes about 4 to 5 hours on mountainous roads.

• Another option is Chandigarh Airport, about 180 km from Sarahan, with frequent flights from Delhi and better connectivity; road travel from Chandigarh takes around 7 to 8 hours.

• Flight schedules to Shimla can be affected by weather, especially fog in winter, so always check flight status before booking and have backup plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Sarahan, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance through IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure seats and avoid last-minute hassles, especially during festivals or holidays.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Kalka station during daylight hours to arrange onward transport safely and comfortably.

• For road travel, start early from Delhi to avoid city traffic and reach mountain areas before dark; carry snacks and water for the long journey.

• Use reliable taxi services or pre-book cabs via Ola or Uber for the last leg from Kalka, Shimla, or Chandigarh to Sarahan to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Pack warm clothes and rain gear depending on the season, as weather can change quickly in the hills and affect travel comfort.

• Keep local currency handy for tolls, small purchases, and tips, as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas around Sarahan.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on mountain roads is crucial; avoid night travel in hilly sections and drive cautiously, especially during monsoon or winter when landslides and fog are common.

• Carry bottled water and eat at well-known dhabas or restaurants to avoid stomach issues; local Himachali cuisine is delicious but try it at clean places.

• Book tickets for trains and buses well in advance through official portals like IRCTC and HRTC to get confirmed seats and avoid overcrowding.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available to avoid overcharging, especially when traveling from railway stations or airports.

• Pack light but include essentials like a first-aid kit, power banks, and a physical map or offline GPS, as network coverage can be patchy in remote areas.

• During winter, check weather forecasts and road conditions daily; carry chains for tires if driving yourself and be prepared for sudden delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Sarahan is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers offer comfortable temperatures, while winters can be harsh with snowfall.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, causing travel disruptions and road closures, so it is advisable to avoid this period if possible.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when roads and trains are crowded, leading to higher fares and limited availability.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and snow, causing delays in flights and road travel; plan extra time and carry warm clothing.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Delhi and reach hilly areas before dusk for safer travel.

• Monsoon rains (July to September) increase the risk of landslides on NH205 and mountain roads, so check local news and weather updates before departure.

Arrival at Sarahan & What to Expect

When you arrive at Sarahan, you will find a small but charming village with limited public transport options. The main entry point is near the Bhimakali Temple, a key attraction.

Local transport includes shared taxis and private cabs that can take you to nearby hotels or guesthouses. Walking is common within the village due to narrow lanes. Most accommodations are clustered near the temple and main road.

Prepaid taxis are not common in Sarahan, so agree on fares before starting your trip. App-based cabs are unavailable here, so rely on local drivers or hotel arrangements. Carry some cash for local purchases and tips.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Sarahan from Delhi depends on your preferences. Taking a train to Kalka followed by a taxi is comfortable and scenic, while direct buses offer a budget-friendly option. Self-driving gives flexibility, and flights to Shimla or Chandigarh shorten travel time but require road travel afterward.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for mountain travel challenges. With proper planning and awareness of local transport, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Delhi to Sarahan, soaking in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Himachal Pradesh.