Road trips are a great way to escape from daily life and indulge in some quality time with your loved ones. For such a positive atmosphere, wouldn’t it be a great choice to set out on one of the most scenic road trips of India- the Delhi to Manali road trip.
Covering a distance of around 540 Km via National Highway 44, the entire road trip from Delhi to Manali can be covered in the maximum timeline of 12 hours. During the journey, you’ll get to witness a wide range of tourist places that will contribute to the overall sightseeing experience.
Top 5 Destinations to Explore on Delhi to Manali Road Trip
The roadtrip from Delhi to Manali can be one of the most beautiful ones to explore, for the visitors are likely to experience nothing less than the picturesque views of the mountain. Here’s a look at some of the most beautiful destinations when visiting Delhi to Manali by road route:
1. Kurukshetra
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Located just 2-3 hours drive from Delhi, Kurukshetra is a historically and culturally significant place in the Hindu culture. This heritage town was mentioned in Mahabharat. Kurukshetra is often referred to as the land where Bhagavad Gita was written.
Kurukshetra is also known by different names like Brahmadevi, Brahmakshetra, Dharmakshetra and Uttaradevi. Not only the saints of Hinduism but the land is often frequented by preachers of other religions like Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. Holy rivers like Yamuna and Saraswati flow in the heritage town of Kurukshetra.
Tip: When in Kurukshetra make sure to try delicious mixed dal, cholia, and Kadhi Pakora.
Must Read: Things To Do In Manali
2. Pinjore Gardens
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During the Delhi to Manali road trip, make sure to experience the beauty of Pinjore Gardens just a few kilometres away from Chandigarh. Also known as Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore Gardens is extremely popular because of its distinct Mughal Gardens-like structure.
Pinjore Gardens is spread across 7 terraces that have structures such as Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and Rang Mahal that are built on different levels. The garden is home to various plants, flowerbeds, trees, fruit groves and more. Pinjore Gardens is also the home to a museum and temple wherein several festivals are held.
Tip: It is advisable to visit Pinjore Gardens during Baisakhi festival, Mango festival and Heritage festival.
3. Kufri Valley
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One of the most beautiful hideouts to explore on the beautiful roadtrip from Delhi to Manali is Shimla’s very own Kufri Valley. Just a little off-roading from here and you’d arrive in this beautiful destination in no time. Kufri Valley provides a picturesque view of Shimla’s ski slopes, hiking trails, scenic valleys and more.
Kufri Valley is the home to some of the most popular tourist places of Shimla like Indira Tourist Park, Himalayan Nature Park and Johnnie’s Wax Museum. Kufri Valley has a lot of destinations to explore which is why it is best to dedicate at least one day here.
Tip: Take a hike to the Mahasu Peak and have fun skiing down the slopes.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Manali
4. Rewalsar Lake, Mandi
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While moving towards Manali from Shimla on your Delhi to Manali road trip, take a halt at the Rewalsar Lake in Mandi. Mandi is one of the most popular religious or holy destinations in Delhi, often referred to as the Kashi of Himachal or Varanasi of Hills. Visiting the Rewalsar Lake can feel like a much-needed break from the daily hustle and bustle of city life as it guarantees peace.
The Rewalsar Lake is a square shaped lake which is considered to be a sacred spot in three major religions – Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist. Not only is the lake surrounded by different Hindu temples, but also Buddhist monasteries and a Sikh Gurudwara. As a result, the lake radiates a positive spiritual ambience.
Tip: Take a walk around the boundaries of the Rewalsar Lake and enjoy the scenic landscape surrounding the lake.
5. The Great Himalayan National Park
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One of the most prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India, the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district is known for its prominent flora and fauna. The national park supposedly houses thousands of plant species, 209 bird species and 31 mammal species. Apart from these, there are also reptiles, insects and amphibians.
The Great Himalayan National Park is spread across four major valleys, Jiwa Nal Valley, Tirthan Valley, Parvati Valley and Sainj Valley, the perfect destinations for hiking and trekking. The different valleys offer different intensity of trekking experiences. Therefore, the visitors can choose as per their preference and go for a trek around the interiors of the national park or in an ecozone.
Tip: The national park is the perfect destination for bird watching with a wide range of species here. The visitors can also explore other activities like rappelling, river-crossing and rock climbing.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Himachal Pradesh
Things to Take Care of During Delhi to Manali Road Trip
When setting out on the Delhi to Manali road trip, it is important to be careful of specific things. It is advisable to be mindful about travelling to avoid any inconveniences. Some of the major things to be careful of during Manali road trip from Delhi are as follows:
- It is advisable to book your trip, especially accommodation in advance during festive seasons for a comfortable and smooth Delhi to Manali road trip.
- If you’re planning to take long treks in Manali such as the one around Deo Tibba, Chandratal or Bijli Mahadev, it is best to sign up with a local adventure group who are familiar with the routes.
- For the roadtrip, many visitors consider taking the Rohtang Pass because of the beautiful scenery. However, it is advisable to check for permits and accessibility because in some cases snowfall may last till May.
- The temperature in February and March can drop significantly. So, if you’re planning to head out on the roadtrip from Delhi to Manal during winter, plan your accommodation ahead so that you can save up on extra costs.
Perks of Road Trip
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The road trip from Delhi to Manali offers the perfect view of the breathtaking Greater Himalayas. While one side of your trip will be covered with snow-clad mountain peaks of the Himalayas, the other side will reflect the coming together of multicultural communities.
Manali is the perfect destination for artistic souls, wanderers and everyone who wants to experience something beautiful and mystical. Heading out on the Delhi to Manali road trip can offer a fun-filled experience offering a great view of the beauty that lies along the way.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dalhousie
Best Months for Road Trip
March to June are the best months for embarking on this amazing road trip and after the rainy season around winter. Thus September to March can be yet another ideal season for taking the road trip. It is advisable to not take the road trip during the rainy season as the destinations will be prone to road slides.
Summers, on the other hand, can offer a beautiful experience of visiting the hills. Make sure to include pit stops during your Delhi to Manali road trip because it offers an insight into the food, history and natural beauty of the Himalayas. Furthermore, you can indulge in the natural beauty and relish the local food and history. Dedicate at least one day to knowing your pit stops across the road trip for a beautiful well-rounded road trip experience.
Further Read: Things To Do In Kufri
Delhi to Manali road trip has been the preference for many considering the scenic views it has to offer. Moreover, it is just 10 hours of drive which can provide a good break from the hustle of city life. Plan your trip to Manali today and experience the beauty of the mountains. It is advisable to visit Manali during favourable seasons to avoid any inconvenience during the trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi to Manali Road Trip
How long does it take from Delhi to Manali by car?
Delhi to Manali road trip takes around 12 hours to reach by car as the distance is 536 kms. The road is pretty scenic, making it the perfect road trip experience.
Where are the major stopovers on the Delhi to Manali trip?
The major stopovers on the Delhi to Manali road trip are around Chandigarh, Shimla and Mandi mostly. Shimla has a wide range of destinations to explore like Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Mall Road and more.
Which is the best route for the Delhi to Manali road trip?
The best Delhi to Manali road route is around Shambhu Toll Barrier, Kharar, Roopnagar, Kiratpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Bhuntar, Kullu and Manali.
Which one is the cheapest Manali road trip from Delhi?
The cheapest Manali road trip from Delhi is via a bus, and not a car. The bus trip however takes longer and can be up to 12 hours 15 minutes.
Which is the best season for the Delhi to Manali road trip?
The best season for this road trip is from December to February. During the winter the road route becomes even more beautiful because of the snowfall. However, spring and summer months can also be an ideal season for indulging in outdoor activities.
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