How to Reach Manali from Chennai
How to Reach Manali from Chennai – Complete Travel Guide
How to Reach Manali from Chennai- Manali, nestled in the beautiful Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most popular hill stations, known for its snow-covered mountains, lush valleys, and adventure activities. If you’re traveling from Chennai, reaching Manali requires some planning as there is no direct flight, train, or bus to this hill station.
In this guide, we’ll explore all the possible ways to travel from Chennai to Manali, including flights, trains, and road trips. Whether you want a fast journey or a scenic travel experience, we’ve got you covered.
Distance Between Chennai and Manali
The total distance between Chennai and Manali is approximately 2,750 km by road. Since Manali is in the northernmost part of India and Chennai is in the south, a direct trip is not possible. You will have to combine flights, trains, and road travel to reach Manali.
| Mode of Travel | Distance (Approx.) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Air + Road | 2,250 km (flight + taxi/bus) | 8 – 12 hours |
| By Train + Road | 2,700 km | 40 – 48 hours |
| By Road (Car/Bus) | 2,750 km | 50 – 55 hours |
1. How to Reach Manali from Chennai by Flight (Fastest Way)
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Manali from Chennai is by flight. Although there is no direct flight to Manali, you can fly to Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport) or nearby airports and then take a taxi or bus.
Step-by-step flight journey:
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Step 1: Book a flight from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar).
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Step 2: From the arrival airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali.
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Step 3: The road journey from Bhuntar to Manali takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, while from Chandigarh it takes 8–9 hours.
| Airport Option | Flight Duration | Road Distance to Manali | Road Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar) | 5 – 6 hours (1 stop) | 50 km | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Chandigarh Airport | 3.5 – 4 hours | 310 km | 8 – 9 hours |
| Delhi Airport | 3 – 3.5 hours | 540 km | 12 – 14 hours |
💡 Tip:
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If budget isn’t a constraint, book a flight to Bhuntar Airport for the quickest travel.
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For budget-friendly travel, fly to Delhi or Chandigarh and then take a Volvo bus or taxi to Manali.
2. How to Reach Manali from Chennai by Train (Scenic Route)
There is no direct train to Manali, as Manali doesn’t have a railway station. The nearest railway stations are Chandigarh, Ambala Cantt, and Joginder Nagar.
How to Reach Manali from Chennai-How to travel by train:
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Step 1: Book a train from Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS) to New Delhi or Chandigarh.
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Step 2: From Chandigarh or Ambala, take a taxi or bus to Manali.
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Step 3: If you reach Joginder Nagar, take a local taxi or bus to cover the last 120 km to Manali.
| Nearest Railway Station | Distance to Manali | Road Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Joginder Nagar | 120 km | 4 hours |
| Chandigarh | 310 km | 8 – 9 hours |
| Ambala Cantt | 350 km | 9 – 10 hours |
⏱ Travel Duration:
The total journey will take 40 – 48 hours, including the road trip.
💡 Recommended Trains:
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Chennai to Delhi: Tamil Nadu Express (12621) or GT Express (12615)
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Chennai to Chandigarh: Book a connecting train via Delhi.
3. How to Reach Manali from Chennai by Road (For Adventure Lovers)
If you love road trips and want to experience the diversity of India, traveling by car or bike from Chennai to Manali is an adventurous option. However, this is a very long journey and can take 3 to 4 days, depending on halts.
Suggested Route:
Chennai → Hyderabad → Nagpur → Jhansi → Agra → Delhi → Chandigarh → Mandi → Manali
| Mode of Transport | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Drive Car | 50 – 55 hours | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 (fuel + tolls) |
| Bus (Delhi to Manali) | 12 – 14 hours | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 |
💡 Tip:
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Break your journey into multiple stops to avoid fatigue.
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From Delhi, switch to a Volvo AC bus for a comfortable ride through the mountains.
How to Reach Manali from Chennai – Best Way to Reach Manali from Chennai
If you’re looking for speed and comfort, the flight option via Delhi or Chandigarh is the best.
For budget travelers, combining a train to Delhi and then a bus to Manali is more economical.
For adventure seekers, a road trip offers a memorable experience, though it is time-consuming.
Travel Cost Summary
| Travel Option | Approx. Cost (One Way) |
|---|---|
| Flight via Bhuntar | ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Flight via Delhi + Bus | ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Train + Bus | ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 |
| Car (Fuel + Tolls) | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 |
How to Reach Manali from Chennai- Tips for Traveling from Chennai to Manali
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Book Early: Flights and trains to Delhi or Chandigarh fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
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Weather Check: Manali experiences heavy snowfall from December to February. Carry warm clothes and check weather updates before traveling.
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Health Safety: If you’re not used to hill roads, carry medicines for motion sickness.
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Volvo Buses: Himachal Pradesh Tourism operates luxury Volvo buses from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali.
Conclusion
How to Reach Manali from Chennai – Reaching Manali from Chennai may take some effort, but the breathtaking views and exciting activities make it worth the journey. Whether you fly, take a scenic train route, or enjoy a thrilling road trip, there’s a travel option for every budget and preference.
Plan your trip well, book your tickets in advance, and get ready to explore the snowy peaks, lush valleys, and serene beauty of Manali
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