What is the Nearest Railway Station to Manali?

Manali is a beautiful hill station in the lap of Himachal Pradesh that is famous because of its splendid views, adventure activities, and cultural appeal. Although the town is a great tourist destination, you can enrich your experience many times more by exploring the destinations to visit around Manali. The area has it all; snow-laden mountain passes to religious shrines and hot springs among others, to satisfy the interest of every type of traveller. The environment of Manali is sure to give you an experience to remember, no matter your preference for nature, history, adventure, or anything in between.

This blog provides you with a list of five places you should visit around Manali that you should not miss on your visit, and find out the nearest train station to Manali.

The Nearest Railway Stations to Manali

1. Joginder Nagar Railway Station (Nearest Railway Station to Manali)

The closest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is about 162 km away, in Manali. It is the end-of-the-line narrow-gauge line of Himachal Pradesh. It is small, but it provides a scenic ride along the Kangra Valley. The train connectivity is limited to long-distance travellers, yet being an optimal route in case one wants to enjoy the scenery.

2. Chandigarh Railway Station (Nearest Major Railway Station to Manali)

Chandigarh Railway Station is the closest main broad-gauge station and is located approximately 294 km away in Manali with great connectivity to major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Kolkata. It is an advanced station that has all the modern facilities and good frequency of trains. People prefer to start their Manali journey in Chandigarh as it has a stable mode of transport. Taxis, buses, and cabs are easily accessible in Chandigarh.

3. Pathankot Railway Station (Popular Transit Point to Reach Manali)

Pathankot Railway Station, which is approximately 290 km away form Manali, is another major station that serves the tourists visiting Manali. It links with some cities in North India and acts as the entry point to the Kangra Valley Railway. Lots of travellers seek to disembark here and continue on to Manali by taxi or bus. Although the journey is longer than that to Chandigarh, it is a rustic experience of Himachal.

4. Una Railway Station (Accessible Option for Southern Travellers)

Una Railway Station is a fairly accessible alternative roughly 250 km away, particularly to travellers originating in Punjab, Haryana and South India. It is not a large centre, but is connected with the broad-gauge line, and trains are moderately frequent. The depot is simple yet effective with basic facilities. The tourists visiting Manali through Una can use the cabs or take the local buses.

5. Kalka Railway Station (Ideal for Toy Train Connection to Shimla)

Located around 280 km away from Manali, Kalka Railway Station is more popularly recognized as the entry line to the renowned Kalka-Shimla toy train. Although there is no direct link with Manali, Kalka is also a transit station that has been used by a number of tourists who combine their Manali visit with Shimla. Kalka has good connectivity with Delhi and some cities in the North by fast trains.

Also Read: What is the Nearest Railway Station to Auli?

Online Food Order in Train

Comfort, health, and variety of food- this is all about the online food ordering in train, IRCTC food ordering in train, and Jain food in train:

The Reasons to Order Train Food Online

• Healthy and clean food: No dubious station food or moldy pantry.
• Variety: Try out the regional food- North, South, Jain, snacks, sweets.
• Do not get out of your seat: This is especially useful when you have to stop or when it is night.
• Time-saving: You can pre-book in advance to adjust to the station stops.

1. IRCTC e‑Catering

What it can provide:

• Distributed in 100+ stations.
• Types of menus: Thalis, pizzas, fast-food, baked, diet.
• Early reservation period: 4-24 hrs in advance.
• Types of available meals: Jain, diabetic, South Indian, kids meals.

2. Partner Services: Traveler Food or IRCTC

• Select among the ratings such as IRCTC Food Order in Train or Traveler Food
• Track order in real-time: Live track of your food vendor.
• Cuisines: Wide-ranging-regional specialties, fast food, Jain thalis also.

Use:

• Access PNR and train details using open app/web.
• Filter: by type of food: by station: by rating.
• Pre-book or order live (when at a standstill).
• Give delivery coach and seat details.

3. Jain Food in Train

Need:

• Strict vegetarian minus root produce.
• Some travelers like restaurant-style Jain meals.

Options:

• IRCTC e‑catering: Offers Jain thalis, wraps, parantha etc.
• Partner apps: Write Jain clearly; put customization request below instructions.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Online Food Order in Train

• Find your PNR & train number in advance.
• Compare various websites: IRCTC, Zomato, TravelKhana.
• Filtering by cuisine: Vegetarian, Jain etc.
• Choose station: the place where your train stops 10-20 minutes.
• Choose the meal & seating details.
• Order online; receive PIN of the order.
• Follow up on delivery; meet vendor at your coach.

Also Read: How to Reach Dharamshala?

Four places to visit near Manali

1. Solang Valley

Solang Valley is an adventure lover paradise located at only 14 km distance of Manali. It is home to activities such as paragliding, skiing, snowboarding and zorbing and is also considered to be an excruciating place all through the year. The valley is a winter snow-covered playground and filled with lush green trees in the summer and an exhilarating ride on the ropeway. The Solang Ropeway offers beautiful pictures of snow-clad mountains and meadows.

2. Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is one of the most iconic high-altitude mountain passes in India, whose location is approximately 51 km southeast of Manali. It is open between May and November and is located at an altitude of 3,978 metres and is a mesmerizing view of glaciers, peaks, and rivers. Visitors seeking adventure have an opportunity to enjoy snow scooter rides, skiing and sledging.

3. Hadimba Devi Temple

Hadimba Devi Temple is a spiritual and historical temple built in 1553 and found in a green cedar forest in Manali. It is a temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, a character in the Mahabharata, which is famous due to its wooden architecture and cone shaped roof. The serene nature and the grandeur of the trees transforms it to the ideal place to look inwards and relax. Local legends, old carvings, and festivals such as the Hadimba Devi Fair in May are sources of attraction to many visitors.

4. Vashisht Hot Springs and Temple

Vashisht Village is located approximately 3.5 km towards Manali and it is known due to its vintage temple and the natural hot springs. It is a temple dedicated to sage Vashisht, thought to have meditated here, and the adjacent hot springs have medicinal value. Men and women have separate bathing areas and it is believed that the waters have curative powers of skin ailments.

These are the top places to visit near Manali that you can enjoy with your friends and family all the year round.

Also Read: Nearest Railway Stations to Darjeeling and the Best Time to Visit

Conclusion

Manali is not only a beautiful place to visit but also a gateway to few other adventures and attractions around it. Manali can easily be reached via the closest railway station to Manali which is Joginder Nagar, and has the widest connectivity. As you travel in the scenic beauty, get more comfortable with Traveler Food or IRCTC food order in train through e-catering services. You can contact Traveler Food at 7835992200 or 7827998877 and place your favourite food on order.

See you on the other side.