shimla to manali distance
Affordable Shimla to Manali Trip Distance & Budget Tips two popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, India, is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) by road. The journey typically takes around 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The route passes through scenic mountain landscapes, valleys, and small towns, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas. The main road is via National Highway 205 and 3, which is the most common way to travel between these two destinations.
Travelers can go by car, bus, or taxi, and there are regular bus services connecting Shimla and Manali.
shimla to manali by car
If you’re hiring a private taxi or cab, the cost typically ranges between ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 (Indian Rupees) for a one-way trip, depending on the type of car (sedan, SUV) and the season. During peak tourist times, such as summer or holidays, prices may be higher due to demand.
If you’re using your vehicle, you should also consider the cost of fuel. A regular car usually consumes around ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 worth of fuel for this trip, depending on your vehicle’s mileage.
Best Time to Travel:
The best time to travel from Shimla to Manali by car is between March and June or September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are in good conditions.
shimla to manali by bus
Bus Options:
- Ordinary State Transport Buses: These are the most affordable option. The ticket price ranges from ₹400 to ₹600. These buses are basic but comfortable for budget travelers.
- Semi-Deluxe/Deluxe Buses: These buses offer slightly better comfort and range in price from ₹600 to ₹900.
- Volvo/AC Luxury Buses: For a more luxurious experience, you can choose Volvo or other AC buses. The price for these buses is typically between ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
Route and Scenery:
The journey is scenic, passing through beautiful valleys, rivers, and mountains. There are usually a few stop along the way for meals and rest so you can relax and enjoy the view.
If you’re planning a trip from Shimla to Manali by bus, it’s a great way to experience the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh while staying within a reasonable budget. Affordable Shimla to Manali Trip Distance & Budget Tips
shimla to manali by train
Traveling from Shimla to Manali by train is an adventure, as there is no direct train between the two cities. However, you can break the journey into two parts: first, a scenic toy train ride from Shimla to Kalka, and then travel by bus or taxi from Kalka to Manali.
Part 1: Shimla to Kalka by Toy Train
The distance from Shimla to Kalka is about 96 kilometers (60 miles). This part of the journey is famous for the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage route that passes through 102 tunnels and offers breathtaking views of the hills.
- Train Options:
- The “Shivalik Deluxe Express” and the “Kalka-Shimla Express” are two popular trains.
- The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours.
- Ticket Price:
- For the toy train, the ticket price ranges from ₹250 to ₹500 (approx. $3 to $6), depending on the class you choose.
Part 2: Kalka to Manali by Road
Once you reach Kalka, you will need to take a bus, taxi, or another mode of road transport to reach Manali, as there is no train service between these two places. The road distance from Kalka to Manali is around 280 kilometers (174 miles), and the journey usually takes about 8 to 10 hours.
- Bus or Taxi:
- Buses are available at various price ranges, from ₹800 to ₹1500 (approx. $10 to $18) for regular and deluxe buses.
- Taxis can be more expensive, costing around ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 (approx. $50 to $75), depending on the vehicle and season.
Total Travel Cost:
- Toy Train (Shimla to Kalka): ₹250 to ₹500
- Bus or Taxi (Kalka to Manali): ₹800 to ₹6,000
- Total: ₹1,050 to ₹6,500 ($13 to $80), depending on the transport you choose.
While there’s no direct train from Shimla to Manali, combining the toy train ride and road travel offers an enjoyable and scenic way to experience the journey!
shimla to manali by flight
Traveling from Shimla to Manali by flight is a convenient option for tourists who want to save time. However, there is no direct flight between Shimla and Manali, as both towns have small airports. To fly between these two popular destinations, travelers usually have to take a connecting flight via Chandigarh or Delhi. Affordable Shimla to Manali Trip Distance & Budget Tips
Here’s how the journey works:
- Shimla to Chandigarh/Delhi: You can take a flight from Shimla Airport (SLV) to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) or Delhi Airport (DEL).
- Chandigarh/Delhi to Manali: From Chandigarh or Delhi, you can either take a flight to Bhuntar Airport (KUU), which is the closest airport to Manali (about 50 km away) or drive/take a bus to Manali.
Estimated Travel Time
- Flight Time (Shimla to Chandigarh/Delhi): Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Flight Time (Chandigarh/Delhi to Bhuntar): Around 1 hour.
Total Distance
- The total air travel distance, including connections, ranges from 250 km to 300 km, depending on the route taken.
Price
The price for the flights can vary depending on the season and availability. On average:
- Shimla to Chandigarh/Delhi: Flights can cost around ₹2,500 to ₹4,000.
- Chandigarh/Delhi to Bhuntar: Prices usually range between ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
Other Travel Options
If flights seem too complicated or expensive, many travelers opt for road trips via bus, car, or taxi. The distance between Shimla and Manali is around 250 km, and it takes 7 to 9 hours to travel by road.
FAQS
1) Is Shimla costly?
Yes, Shimla can be considered costly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Accommodation, food, and activities can be more expensive compared to other hill stations in India. However, it’s possible to find budget-friendly options if you plan and are flexible with your travel dates.
2) Which is colder, Shimla or Manali?
Manali is generally colder than Shimla. Both cities are known for their cold weather, but Manali typically experiences lower temperatures, especially during the winter months. This is due to its higher altitude and location in the Kullu Valley, which is surrounded by mountains.
3) Which month is best to visit Manali?
The best time to visit Manali is between March and June. This is when the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Avoid the monsoon season (July to September), as it can be rainy and cold.
4) Which fruit is famous in Shimla?
Apples are Shimla’s most famous fruit. The climate and soil conditions in the region are ideal for growing this delicious and nutritious fruit, which is often referred to as the “Apple Capital of India.”
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