How to Get from Delhi to the Mountains by Train
The national capital, Delhi, not only a commercial hub of the country, but also serves as an access point to the quiet and majestic mountains of North India. For travelers looking for a break from the city’s tumult, opting to take a train from Delhi to the mountains can be an economical, picturesque and comfortable experience. The Indian Railways has hoisted up a number of train courses, so you can conveniently plan your travel to a wide range of well known slope stations like Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, Nainital, and even as far as possible up to the Jammu and Leh. In this article, you can find the best train routes as well as travel tips when traveling to the mountains by train from Delhi.
Reasons for Taking Trains on Your Mountain Journey
Train journeying in India is one of the notable approaches to understand different locales. Here’s the reason you should take a train to get to the mountains:
Economical: Train tickets are reduced compared to flights or private taxi trips, hence making it a preferred means of transport for budget travelers.
Scenic Views: One of the best things about traveling by train is the beautiful landscapes, rivers, and green valleys.
Comfort & Space: Trains provide you more space to move than bus journeys.
Green: The carbon footprint of trains is less than those of flight or road transport.
Convenience: Major railway stations in the city are connected to hill stations by direct and connecting trains.
So, let us get into the routes to different hill stations starting from Delhi.
Delhi to Shimla by Train
Shimla is one of the most-visited hill stations in India. While there isn’t a direct train route from Delhi to Shimla, you can take a combination of broad-gauge and narrow-gauge trains.
Best Train Route:
Stage 1: Take a practice from Delhi to Kalka (Ideally, Kalka Shatabdi Express, Himalayan Sovereign)
From Kalka, take the killer Kalka-Shimla Toy Train a UNESCO World Heritage train with one of the most captivating rides as it passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges.
Travel Time:
Delhi to Kalka: ~4-5 hours
Kalka to Shimla: ~5-6 hours
Alternative Route:
- Arrive in Chandigarh by train then take a taxi or bus (takes about 3-4 hours) to Shimla.
Delhi to Manali by Train
There is no direct railway station in Manali. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar connected by a narrow-gauge scenic railway.
Best Train Route:
Step 1: Train from Delhi to Pathankot (Top Choices: Jammu Mail, Jhelum Express)
Step 2: Board the Kangra Valley Toy Train from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar.
Step 3: From Joginder Nagar, take taxi or bus to Manali (~3-4 hours)
Alternative Route:
- Travel to Chandigarh by train, and then board a direct bus or cab from Chandigarh to Manali (8-10 hours).
Delhi to Rishikesh by Train
Rishikesh is a bustling spiritual and adventure hub, and it is well connected by train.
Best Train Route:
- Direct train from Delhi to Haridwar Junction (Best option: Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express)
- Take local train / bus / taxi from Haridwar to Rishikesh (just over 1–hour journey).
Travel Time:
- Delhi to Haridwar: ~4-5 hours
- Haridwar to Rishikesh: ~1 hour
Delhi to Nainital by Train
Nainital is the only destination with no railway station. Kathgodam is the nearest station and is the one well-connected to Delhi.
Best Train Route:
- Delhi to Kathgodam by Train (Best options: Ranikhet Express, Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti).
- Taxi/bus to Nainital (approx 1 h drive) from Kathgodam.
Travel Time:
How to Reach Delhi to Kathgodam: ~5-6 hours
Kathgodam to Nainital: ~1 hr
Train from Delhi to Jammu & Kashmir
Train Travel One can use train travel to explore the scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir.
Best Train Route:
- Get a Train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi (Best: Jammu Rajdhani, Vaishno Devi Express).
- Take a train from Jammu to Udhampur (or Banihal)
- Drive from Banihal to Srinagar (for road trip).
Travel Time:
Delhi to Jammu: ~10-12 hours
Jammu to Udhampur/Banihal: 2-3 hours
Banihal to Srinagar (road journey): ~2-3 hours
Train Travel to the Mountains: What You Need to Know
Book Tickets in Advance:
Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and toy trains ticket availability is high in demand and get booked fast. Book confirmed tickets at IRCTC beforehand.
Check Train Schedules:
Train timings may vary. Before traveling, always check live updates on the IRCTC website or railway apps.
Opt for Comfortable Classes:
Book AC coaches for overnight travel to enjoy a comfortable journey. For short-distance journeys you can go for sleeper class or chair car options.
Carry Essentials:
As it is usual for train journeys to take a long time pack warm clothes, snacks, power banks and basic medicines.
Be Aware of Local Transport:
Make sure that you check the availability of local transport at your destination as well so that you don’t face connectivity issues.
Keep Documents Handy:
Always make sure that you carry a valid ID (Aadhar card, passport, or driving license) with you during train travel.
Conclusion
Flying to these destinations can be costly, so traveling by train to the mountains from Delhi can be an enthralling and economical experience as well. Whatever your destination be, Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, Nainital, or Jammu & Kashmir, the train journey is a delightful combination of comfort, nostalgia, and breathtaking scenery. Fortunately, if you plan ahead, you can, like so many other mountain escape enthusiasts, make the most out of your getaway, savoring the journey as much as the destination.
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