Are you longing for a close-by mountain retreat from Delhi? Look no further than Auli, a haven in the Himalayas that provides adventure and awe-inspiring scenery. You’re in for an incredible experience if you’re wondering how to reach auli from Delhi by road, train, or flight. This guide will walk you through each stage of the journey how to reach auli from Delhi.
How to reach auli from Delhi by Road
Auli, a tranquil hill station in Uttarakhand, is approximately 500 kilometers away from Delhi. The road journey usually takes around 12–15 hours, but it’s worth every moment as you’ll traverse through picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and lush forests.
Step 1: Getting Started
- Begin your journey early in the morning to avoid the hustle and bustle of Delhi’s city traffic.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good condition if you’re driving. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for the trip.
Step 2: Route via NH44
- The primary route to Auli from Delhi involves following National Highway 44 (NH44). It’s a well-maintained road that connects the two cities.
- As you hit the highway, you’ll gradually leave behind the cityscape and enter the serene countryside.
Step 3: Pit Stops Along the Way
- Auli is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey too. Take advantage of the beautiful places you’ll encounter along the way.
- Haridwar: About 200 kilometers into your journey, you’ll reach Haridwar, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges. Take a break, visit the famous Har Ki Pauri Ghat.
- Rishikesh: A short drive from Haridwar, Rishikesh is known for its yoga retreats and adventure sports. You can explore the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges or even try river rafting in the Ganges.
Step 4: Devprayag and Beyond
- Continue your drive, and you’ll pass through Devprayag, a town where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the sacred Ganges. It’s a sight to behold.
- The journey from this point on becomes more mountainous and scenic. You’ll start noticing the ascent into the Himalayas as you approach Rudraprayag and Joshimath.
Step 5: Arrival in Joshimath
- Joshimath is the last major town before Auli. It’s approximately 250 kilometers from Haridwar and 16 kilometers from Auli.
- Once you reach Joshimath, you have two options to reach Auli:
- Cable Car: Auli is known for its cable car (ropeway) ride, one of the longest and most thrilling in Asia. You can take the cable car from Joshimath to Auli and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks during the ride.
- By Road: If you prefer to drive, you can take the road from Joshimath to Auli. It’s a scenic route with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
How to reach auli from Delhi by Train
Auli doesn’t have a train station of its own, but you can travel to the closest one and then continue by road. Auli may be reached by train from Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Step 1: Departure from Delhi
- From one of Delhi’s main train stations, such as New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI), or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM), you can begin your journey by boarding a train.
- To guarantee a seat, check the train schedules and purchase your tickets in advance.
Step 2: Arrival in Haridwar or Rishikesh
- You will arrive at one of the two major railway stations in Uttarakhand, Haridwar or Rishikesh, after a train ride that lasts roughly 5-7 hours.
Step 3: Onward Journey to Auli
Option 1: Haridwar to Auli (Approximately 270 kilometers)
- You can travel to Auli from Haridwar by bus or taxi. The drive from Haridwar to Auli by car is an adventure in and of itself, with beautiful views of the Himalayas.
Option 2: Rishikesh to Auli (Approximately 255 kilometers)
- If you arrive in Rishikesh, you must drive to Auli on the following stage of your journey. From Rishikesh to Auli, you can take a bus or a taxi.
Step 4: Enjoy the Scenic Drive
- It is a wonderful experience to drive to Auli from either Haridwar or Rishikesh. You will be treated to lush forests, meandering roads, and expansive mountain views as you make your way up into the Himalayan region.
- Before arriving at your destination, the journey will pass through towns like Joshimath, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag.
How to reach auli from Delhi by Flight
The closest airport for those traveling by air to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Here is a step-by-step instruction manual to help you fly from Delhi to Auli.
Step 1: Departure from Delhi
- Book a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which is well-connected to important Indian cities, to begin your journey.
- To guarantee a seat, check the flight schedules and purchase your tickets in advance.
Step 2: Arrival at Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport
- You will land at Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED) after a leisurely flight that lasts about 1.5 hours.
- The closest airport to Auli and a point of entry into the Garhwal region is this one.
Step 3: Onward Journey to Auli
Option 1: Taxi to Auli (Approximately 280 kilometers)
- You can take a taxi or cab after you land at Jolly Grant Airport to start the beautiful drive to Auli.
- A visual delight for nature lovers, the drive will pass through attractive villages, endearing landscapes, and meandering roads.
Option 2: Bus to Auli
- An alternative is to take the bus from Dehradun to Auli. Buses run by the Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation (UTC) connect Dehradun with Auli.
- Travelers have a more cheap option even though it can take a little longer than a taxi.
Step 4: Enjoy the Enchanting Drive
- The trip from Dehradun to Auli, whether you take a bus or a taxi, is nothing short of magical. You’ll be treated to the splendor of the Himalayas, tranquil valleys, and lush foliage.
- Before arriving in Auli, the journey will pass through cities like Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- If you intend to travel to Auli during a time when tourism is at its highest, reserve your tickets well in advance.
- If you’re traveling to Auli in the winter, when the area is covered with snow, be sure to check the weather and the state of the roads.
- For your trip, make sure to include necessities like warm clothes, cozy shoes, and snacks.
