[elbazon]

hi everyone,

im trying to find out how to get to varanasi at the end of the month, most probably from parvati valley (kasol or manikaran)
and I guess by train will b a good solution. if you know the drill or heard about it, please let me know. (price, duration, location etc.)
thanx in advance
with appreciation
Noam

[dzibead]

You could go to Shimla or Solan by road and catch a train to Kalka (or just get directly to Kalka by road) and then from Kalka you can take the Kalka Mail, which goes to Mughal Sarai station which is only 15-20 kms from Varanani.  Or you could take another train from Kalka to Delhi (there are several, e.g., the Himalayan Queen) and then change to one of a number of other trains that go from Delhi to either Varanasi Junction or Mughal Sarai.  There are quite a few options for this leg of the journey.  

Check thetwo links below, which can help you find a train.   The Indian Railway website has detailed scheduling and fare information and the India Groove site is very good on linking trains and layovers.

     http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

http://www.indiagroo...n_finder/search

[jyotirmoy]

Alternately you can take a Volvo bus from Kullu and reach Delhi. As dzibead has said there are plenty of train options from Delhi to Varanasi. Train no.4258 Kashi Viswanath Exp. departs from New Delhi daily at 13:30 and reaches Varanasi at 6 AM next day. Train no.2560 New Delhi Varanasi Shiv Ganga Exp. departs from New Delhi daily at 18:25 and reaches Varanasi at 7:30 AM next day, this would be the best choice.

[iwanttogoback]

Quote

Train no.2560 New Delhi Varanasi Shiv Ganga Exp. departs from New Delhi daily at 18:25 and reaches Varanasi at 7:30 AM next day, this would be the best choice.

the overnight train trip is a great way to travel, and, as this is a longish journey, it's perhaps best broken up with some sleep.

[jyotirmoy]

And you save on a hotel night too.

[iwanttogoback]

Quote

And you save on a hotel night too

i think we did all night trips for this very reason! and it's such fun as well (unless you happen to be travelling with the indian national snoring team as i did one night )

[cyberhippie]

There's also the option of picking up a train for Varanasi in Ambala! Which is just 1.5 hours away by train from Kalka.

0414 JAT BSB SPECIAL #AMBALA CANT JN 20:50 VARANASI JN 12:15
3006 +ASR HWH MAIL         *AMBALA CANT JN 23:35 VARANASI JN 16:45
3050 +ASR HWH EXPRESS    *AMBALA CANT JN      23:10   VARANASI JN     19:00
3152 +SEALDAH EXPRESS    *AMBALA CANT JN      04:30   VARANASI JN     01:35
3308 GANGASATLUJ EXP       *AMBALA CANT JN       00:40    VARANASI JN     20:45

Or you can take a bus from Kullu to Ambala by passing Shimla

KULLU
13:15 PM

13:30 PM

40 Kms

Rs 30 /

MANDI
15:30 PM

15:45 PM

114 Kms

Rs 85 /-

BILASPUR
17:50 PM

18:00 PM

182 Kms

Rs 135 /-

CHANDIGARH
22:15 PM

22:30 PM

322 Kms

Rs 225 /-

AMBALA
23:45 PM

23:45 PM

372 Kms

Rs 255 /-

[jyotirmoy]

KALKA HWH MAIL originates from Kalka but has more quotas from Chandigarh.

[kidsan]

iwanttogoback, on Sep 9 2007, 06:04 AM, said:

unless you happen to be travelling with the Indian national snoring team as I did one night ;

you mean that there are trains without them?!  

[highland]

elbazon, on Sep 8 2007, 11:10 PM, said:

hi everyone,

im trying to find out how to get to varanasi at the end of the month, most probably from parvati valley (kasol or manikaran)
and I guess by train will b a good solution. if you know the drill or heard about it, please let me know. (price, duration, location etc.)
thanx in advance
with appreciation
Noam

Yes , you may travel by Train from Shimla to Kalka by narrow gauge  Toy train, then by broad gauge train from Kalka to New delhi and delhi to Varanashi.  If you interested to see more surrounding spots avail the  this chance  together for Kullu, Manali, Rohtang and obviously queen city Shimla.

Visit my blog - traveled some year back Manikaran,
Kalka to Shimla by toy train,
Manali to rohtangh pass

[kullukid]

Nice Blog, of one of my fave area's (H.P.) Highland, thank's for the links. KK