Delhi to Himachal Pradesh travel guide
Nestled into the laps of Mother Nature is the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh as the name itself suggests the beauty it envelops. If any state is referred to as the fruit basket of India, it is Himachal Pradesh. It is a crime to not visit this epitome of beauty in your life and relish the memoirs for a life time. The climate is generally moderate due to presence of the great Himalayas in its territories, which also makes way for various types of flora and fauna species. The winters are extremely chill but summers are warm in Himachal Pradesh, India. The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is during spring, which extends from February to April. The enchanting hilly region Himachal Pradesh has a rich and varied history. The most astounding fact the historians have discovered is that about 2 million years ago prehistoric men lived in the regions of Kangra and Sirsa valleys. It is also known for the crafts work and woolen garments which are exported to countries like USA, China, European nations as the Pashmina variety of woolen goods is considered most adequate for cold countries.
In this article we are going to explore various destinations that can be reached from Delhi by different modes of transport.
How to Reach Himachal Pradesh
The state is easily accessible from any part of the country and how to reach Himachal Pradesh is not a problem.
By Air
The state of Himachal Pradesh has three airports located at Bhuntar near Kullu and Manali, Gaggal Airport near Dharamshala and Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla.
By Train
due to uneven terrain the construction of stations at some cities cannot be materialized, however there are connecting links available at the drop of the hat and commuting from one location to another is achieved. Shimla is connected to Delhi by a broad gauge up to Kalka. From Kalka tourists can take the toy train to reach Shimla while taxi service is also available charging up to Rs 1,750.
By Road
The state has a well developed network of roads and is connected to all the major cities of the North India. Delhi is situated at a distance of 343 km. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport (HRTC) runs several buses to and from the state to the neighboring cities and states. National Highway 1-A, National Highway-20, National Highway 21, National Highway 21-A, National Highway-22, National Highway-70, National Highway -72, National Highway73-A and National Highway 88 connect to the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Destinations | Kullu | Manali | Shimla | Dharamshala |
Distance by road | 507 km | 570 km | 370 km | 520 km |
Distance by train | No train station | No train station | No direct train | No train station |
Distance by flight | 330 km | NA | 270 km | 420 km |
Time taken road/train/flight | 10hrs/NA/1hr | 12hrs/NA/NA | 7hrs/NA/NA | 9hrs/NA/1hr |
Best mode of transport | Airways and for nature enthusiasts roadways | Roadways | Any one | Airways and for nature enthusiasts roadways |
Noticing that trains and airways facilities have not been started in few parts, but they are very much near to the railway stations and airports of the neighboring towns.
Buses to major destinations
Travel agency | Delhi to | Destination | Time taken | Fare | Connectivity to other destinations |
HPTDC | Delhi to | Manali-kullu | 12hrs | 675 | yes |
HPTDC | Delhi to | Manali-kullu | 12hrs | 700 | yes |
Cityland travels | Delhi to | Shimla | 9hrs | 900 | yes |
JBG travels | Delhi to | Shimla | 9hrs | 1050 | yes |
RST volvo | Delhi to | Dharamshala | 22hrs | 1200 | yes |
Kanak holidays | Delhi to | Dharamshala | 24hrs | 1350 | yes |
Shan e Himachal | Delhi to | Manali | 17hrs | 1300 | yes |
Other noteworthy destinations which are accessible by state run transport buses and private taxis are
- Khajjiar
- Chail
- Dalhousie
- Kullu
- Kasauli
- Bilaspur
- Chamba
- Palampur
Airways
Flights | Airlines | Nearest destination | Fare | Fare (early bird) |
IC-7803 | Air India | Kullu | 4500 | 3000 |
IC-7805 | Air India | Kullu | 5400 | 3900 |
IC-7811 | Air India | Kullu | 6200 | 5000 |
SG-2191 | Spice Jet | Dharamshala | 15000 | 13000 |
AI-9813 | Air India | Dharamshala | 12000 | 10500 |
There are very limited options available to reach Himachal Pradesh by air due to turbulences and weather conditions. From Delhi there is also a private airliner Jagson airlines that commutes to and from major HP locations.