Plan the Ultimate Delhi to Manali Road Trip

First thing first, which vehicle should you choose? You can cover the 550 km distance between Delhi and Manali via bike, car or a tourist bus (based on the number of people). As long as the engine runs, any vehicle can take you to your destination. But, don’t opt for scooters or battery vehicles, they might be a little troublesome for your journey!

Once you have decided on the vehicle, it is time to choose the routes! After all, different paths will take you through different sceneries, tourist attractions and famous eat outs. So, have a look at the popular routes and choose wisely!

Delhi - Panipat - Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Bilaspur - Mandi - Kullu - Manali

This is indeed one of the frequently taken routes, connecting Delhi to Manali via NH-44 and 154. It will take you around 12 to 13 hours to reach the hill station for a fun-filled vacation. Here’s what awaits you on this tour!

An iconic historic site, Purana Qila is a sight to behold. Besides admiring the ancient architecture, you can also enjoy the panoramic views of the region from Quila park. And if you wish to dig deeper into the history of Panipat, you must definitely check out the library!

Take your next break at the serene Karnal Lake. A peaceful paradise with pristine surroundings, this place is perfect for relaxing and enjoying quick snacks before heading ahead.

For the religious souls, it is a must-visit spot in your Delhi to Manali route! Mythology says, here Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of the Bhagavadgita to Arjun during the epic war of Kurukshetra. Hence, the religious value!

While covering Delhi to Manali distance by road, there’s no way you can miss the Rock Gardens of Chandigarh. A 20-acres area of art and charming landscape, this garden consists of art objects made from industrial and urban waste. No wonder why it is among the top attractions in Chandigarh.

Renowned for its brilliant architecture, this massive dam has always been on tourists’ radar. So, while you are en route, don’t forget to enjoy the bliss of nature here! You can also indulge in some fun recreational activities and water sports!

Just before you reach Manali, stop by to experience the serenity of this enchanting valley. Covered with dense deodar trees, Barot Valley is truly a magical site. It is also an adventure soul’s paradise, given the opportunities for trekking, camping and trout fishing.

Whether you call it Rewalsar or Tso Pema, this lake is the epitome of spirituality and natural beauty. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, it is also a sacred spot for Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist pilgrims. There’s a shrine of Mandarave along with three Buddhist monasteries close to the lake.

To quench your spiritual thirst, remember to stop by the Bijli Mahadev Temple. Settled in the mesmerising Kully Valley, this is one of the ancient temples in the country dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tourists from across the country visit this temple to seek blessings. The religious aura of this place is simply magical. And the serene views of the valley make it even more captivating.

A road trip from Delhi to Manali offers an unforgettable culinary experience. After all, you get to taste delicious food from several local eateries. On this route, you can stop by Haveli or Amrik Sukhdev in Murthal or enjoy a home-style lunch at Pooran Singh Da Dhaba (Ambala). Chawla’s Mandi near Mandi, one of the oldest eateries on this highway, is a great spot to try mouthwatering Punjabi delicacies.

Delhi - Panipat - Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Zirakpur - Shimla - Bilaspur - Mandi - Kullu - Manali

As you must have already noticed, this route remains the same until Chandigarh and then leads to NH 5. That means instead of passing through Chandigarh after Ambala, you take the road to Zirakpur. Since we have already mentioned the popular stopovers till Chandigarh, along with Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu and Manali, here are the rest of the places that you can explore on this route!

Built in 1888 as the residence of Lord Dufferin, the then British Viceroy, Visceral Lodge is an architectural marvel. Located on the observatory hills, this magnificent building offers stunning views of the natural surroundings. To take a dip in history, visiting Visceral Lodge is a must while you are on the Delhi to Manali route by road.

The cultural hub of Shimla, the Ridge, is a famous hangout spot along Mall Road. You can enjoy a walk, visit the libraries, admire the churches and shop your heart out. Located in the heart of Shimla, the Ridge is undoubtedly one of the most popular stopovers on this exhilarating journey.

When you leave Delhi, you can relish fine dining at Haveli in Murthal as we discussed earlier. Then, stop at the Grand Lassi Shop in Zirakpur to try their refreshing lassi with heavenly aloo parathas. As you approach Shimla, don’t forget to delight your taste buds at Aunty’s Kitchen. And finally, before entering Manali, visit Highway Treat in Mandi for authentic Himachali meals.

Time for some travel tips for your Delhi-Manali road trip!

•Be cautious of narrow paths and hairpin bends while you travel the distance between Delhi and Manali.

•Plan an overnight stay at Ambala, Chandigarh or Shimla. Covering the entire distance in one go, including the stopovers can be tiring.

•Keep snacks and water in your bag. You might need them on your journey.

•Carry a medical kit and other essentials in case of any emergency.

•Switch drivers for a safe drive.

You must be already excited about this road trip, aren’t you? So, take note of the popular routes, book your accommodations, pack all the essentials and hit the roads.

The plagiarism is due to the routes’ names..shall we keep the names or remove them?