Trip from Delhi to Manali by Road – Distance and Places to visit Enroute
All of us want to go out either for seeking relaxation or looking for some adventures. Whether you take a leave or it is a holiday, north India gives you so many options to choose from. Within just 500 to 700 km range there are a lot of beautiful hill stations near Delhi that you can plan with your friends, family or colleagues. All these places are well connected from the capital city via roads and it is a guarantee that no other mode of transport can give you the beautiful, scenic and adventures experience that a road trip has to offer. One of such journeys is the Delhi to Manali road trip.
The 500-600 km stretch has a mix of cities, landscapes, and historical landmarks. Manali is at 2,050 meters in the Kullu Valley and is famous for its snow capped peaks, green valleys and cultural vibrancy. It is a hub for adventure sports like skiing, paragliding and river rafting. But before you reach this paradise, the journey itself has a lot to offer. Let us break down the three routes from Delhi to Manali and the must visit places en route. Booking Tempo Traveller Delhi to Manali is best way to travel from Delhi to Manali. Enjoy the beautiful landscape with full comfort and luxury while traveling with your entire group.
Highlights of Delhi to Manali by Road
Delhi to Manali distance is 500 km approx via Chandigarh, but in peak season, travel time can increase due to traffic.
| Shortest Distance | 503 Km |
| Longest Distance | 662 Km |
| Total Driving time | 10 – 15 hours depending on routes, traffic and road condition |
| Delhi to Manali Routes | Ambala-Chandigarh Route – Via NH 44 and NH 154Banur-Palampur Route – Via NH 44 and NH 205 Shimla Route – Via NH 44 and NH 5 |
Best Time to Visit Manali from Delhi
Manaili is an all-time destination if you are travelling from Delhi. If you are the one who likes snowfall or looking for snow adventure activities then winter is the best time for you to visit. You can visit anytime between October to March. The temperature dropped down to a negative degree. If you like to see greenery all around and overall pleasant weather then April to June is the best time. During Monsoon this place looks exactly like scenery but you have to be aware of road conditions as it is prone to landslides.
Delhi to Manali Route
There is not only a single route for Delhi to Manali by road. You can choose from 3 Delhi to Manali routes that you can choose from; some routes are scenic while some are short and take less time to cover. But whatever route you choose you will see a transformation of a bustling city to a serene village while passing through the snow capped mountains, rugged mountainous terrain, pine trees, and fresh breeze of air. Either you are travelling Delhi to Manali by car or by rental taxi you will find various eating places all along the way.
Route 1: Ambala-Chandigarh Route – Via NH 44 and NH 154
Route Map:
Delhi → Panipat → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Distance and Time: Approximately 527 kilometers that takes around 11-12 hours.
Road Conditions: The roads up to Chandigarh are mostly well-maintained having wide highways. From Chandigarh, the terrain rises with curves and requires caution when driving closer to Mandi and Kullu. But when youHire a Tempo Traveller on Rent, your journey becomes easy and relaxing.
Places to Visit on Delhi to Manali Route
Panipat: Famous for the battles fought here, Panipat has the Panipat Museum where you can see the battle valour and the tomb of Ibrahim Lodhi, the end of the Lodi dynasty.
Kurukshetra: This city is full of mythology and history as it is the site of the Mahabharata battle. Key attractions are Brahma Sarovar, a big water tank considered sacred and Jyotisar where Lord Krishna is said to have given the Bhagavad Gita.
Ambala: Famous for its cloth market, Ambala has the Ropar Wetland where bird lovers can have a field day and Gurudwara Manji Sahib, an important Sikh shrine.
Chandigarh: Called the best planned city in India designed by Le Corbusier, Chandigarh has the Rock Garden, an eclectic collection of sculptures made from industrial and urban waste, Sukhna Lake, a big water tank where you can boating and the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bilaspur: A hidden gem, Bilaspur has Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see tigers, leopards and other wildlife and Gobind Sagar Lake, a man made water tank where you can enjoy water sports.
Mandi: This ancient town has many ancient temples like Triloknath Temple and Panchvaktra Temple. Rewalsar Lake where you can see floating reed islands and has a connection with Buddhist mythology is a must visit.
Kullu: Kullu is one of the beautiful places in itself but it gets overlooked by Manali. Visit Bijli Mahadev Temple for the valley view and Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with diverse flora and fauna.
Route Option 2: Banur-Palampur Route – Via NH 44 and NH 205
Route Map:
Delhi → Panipat → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Banur → Palampur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Distance and Time: Approximately 671 kilometers that takes around 15-16 hours.
Road Conditions: This road has fewer people and better sights. As one proceeds to Palampur, the majority of the paths are in good condition, although some roads are confined and meandering as you move towards Mandi and Kullu.
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Places to Visit from Delhi to Manali Tour
Andretta artists village: Andretta is a village and an artists’ colony in palampur. It is immensely famous for its Norah’s Centre for Arts, Andretta Pottery and Craft Society.
Bhakra Nangal Dam: this is one of the largest dams in India and an engineering wonder. The reservoir is called Gobind Sagar where you can go for picnics and boating but it requires a special permit to visit.
Kangra: The first thing you will visit there is an ancient Kangra Fort and its ruins and also get the stunning view of the valley. Then visit the Kangra Art Museum to see the historic artifacts of the region. You can also see the Norbulingka Institute which is dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture.
Palampur: The tea capital of North India, Palampur is surrounded by tea gardens and pine forests. Andretta Artists’ Village is for art and culture lovers and Tashi Jong Monastery is for spiritual solace and architecture.
Bir Billing: The paragliding capital of India, Bir Billing has thrilling paragliding with views of Dhauladhar Range. The peaceful environment and Tibetan monasteries make it a perfect relaxer.
Route Option 3: Shimla Route – Via NH 44 and 5
Route Map:
Delhi → Panipat → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Zirakpur → Shimla → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Distance and Time: Approximately 605 kilometers that takes around 15 hours.
Road Conditions: The road up to Shimla is good with good highways. After passing Shimla the road becomes narrow with many curves that require careful driving especially in winter months. You can Rent Delhi to Shimla Tempo Traveller to easily pass the route and reach the destination comfortably.
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Places to visit on Delhi Shimla Manali Route
Shimla: The queen of hills, Shimla is a must visit on this route. Walk along the Mall Road, visit the Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge and enjoy the views from Jakhoo Hill.
Pinjore: Pinjore Gardens also known as Yadavindra Gardens are a beautiful example of Mughal garden architecture. The terraced gardens with fountains, pavilions and a mini zoo is a treat for the visitors.
Bilaspur: Apart from Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary you can enjoy boating and fishing in Gobind Sagar Lake. Kandrour Bridge, one of the highest bridges in Asia offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Kasol and Manikaran: Before you reach Manali take a diversion to these small towns. Kasol is beautiful and a trekker’s paradise. Manikaran is famous for hot springs and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara.
Popular Places to Eat between Delhi to Manali
- Haveli, Murthal
- Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba, Murthal
- Rasoi Veg Restaurant, Bilaspur
- Neelkanth Star, Karnal
- Mannat Haveli, Kurukshetra
- Cliffy’s Cafe, Palmpur
- Ekyam Sattvic Kitchen, Ambala
- Chhatwal’s Haveli, Chandigarh
- Hungry Point, Mandi
- The Lazy Dog Lounge, Manali
Best Places to Visit in Manali
Manali is a beautiful town in the Kullu Valley which is a perfect destination for adventure, peace and natural beauty. The town has many attractions for all kinds of tourists. Hadimba Temple is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi situated in the cedar forest. Solang Valley is a paradise for adventure lovers with activities like paragliding, zorbing and skiing in winters. Rohtang Pass is seasonally open and offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is perfect for snow sports. Old Manali has quaint cafes, traditional houses and lively markets. Vashisht Hot Springs is perfect for a relaxing dip in natural hot water. Manu Temple is dedicated to sage Manu the creator of the human race in Hindu mythology. Naggar Castle is a historic monument and offers panoramic views and a glimpse of the royal past. Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and trekking & wildlife heaven. Beas Kund is a high altitude lake and a trekker’s paradise with stunning views. And Mall Road is the hub of Manali with shops, restaurants and local handicrafts.
Popular Hotels and Resorts in Manali
| Hotels | Address |
| Snow Valley Resorts | Log Hut Area, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131 |
| Himalayan Heights | ADHPL Barrier Hamta Road, Prini, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175143 |
| Sterling Manali | Left Bank, Naggar Highway, Road, Prini, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175143 |
| Mastiff Grand Manali Resort | Kullu Manali, National Highway 3, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175143 |
| Solang Valley Resorts | Solang Valley, Manali, Burwa, VPO, Palchan, Himachal Pradesh 175103 |
Tips for Manali Road Trip
The road trip from Delhi to Manali has a lot to offer, each route has its own attractions and views. Whether you are going through historical landmarks on Ambala-Chandigarh route, serene landscapes of Banur-Palampur route or hill stations via Shimla, every part of the journey has something special. Be prepared and get going. You are all set for a journey full of stunning views and interesting stops. Before planning Delhi to Manali road trip, keep certain things in mind.
- For travelling in peak season of snowfall, always book in advance to avoid hike is price.
- If you are looking for trekking in Manali, always tie up with professional travel company.
- Pack wisely before travelling to Manali in winter months.
- For Rohtang Pass visit, check recent updates as it remains closed in certain months due to heavy snowfall and road block.
- If you are also planning to explore places near Manali, plan your schedule in advance. Popular road trips from Manali are Manali to Bir Billing, Tirthan Valley, Manali to Shimla, Manali to Leh.
