At Reach By Routes, we help travelers discover the most efficient and comfortable ways to travel across North India. Journeying from the sacred hilltop shrine of Shri Naina Devi Temple to the modern city of Chandigarh is one of the most popular pilgrimage and weekend travel routes in the region.
The road distance between Naina Devi and Chandigarh ranges from approximately 100 km to 115 km, depending on the route selected. Thanks to excellent highway connectivity through Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the journey generally takes 2 to 3 hours.
Whether you’re driving your own vehicle, hiring a taxi, traveling by train, or taking a bus, this guide covers the best routes, alternative road options, and public transport choices.
🚗 Traveling by Road (Car & SUV)
Road travel is the most convenient option, offering flexibility and scenic views as you descend from the Shivalik hills into the plains.
Route A: Via Kiratpur Sahib, Ropar & Kharar (Recommended)
Best For:
Fastest travel time, excellent road quality, and straightforward navigation.
Route:
Naina Devi → Kiratpur Sahib → Anandpur Sahib → Ropar (Rupnagar) → Kurali → Kharar → Chandigarh
Distance:
Approx. 100–107 km
Travel Time:
2 – 2.5 Hours
Road Conditions:
- Initial hill descent from Naina Devi
- Well-maintained highways after Kiratpur Sahib
- Multi-lane NH-205 corridor
- Suitable for all vehicle types
Taxi Fare:
₹1,900 – ₹3,655
Highlights:
- Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara
- Ropar wetlands
- Smooth highway driving
- Numerous restaurants and fuel stations
Route B: Via Swarghat, Nalagarh & Baddi
Best For:
Travelers heading toward New Chandigarh or the Baddi industrial region.
Route:
Naina Devi → Swarghat → Nalagarh → Baddi → Siswan → New Chandigarh → Chandigarh
Distance:
Approx. 115 km
Travel Time:
2.5 – 3 Hours
Road Conditions:
- Good mountain roads initially
- Industrial traffic around Baddi
- Scenic Siswan forest stretch
Verdict:
A scenic alternative that avoids parts of the Kurali-Kharar corridor.
Route C: Via Anandpur Sahib & New Chandigarh
Best For:
Travelers wishing to avoid Kharar congestion.
Route:
Naina Devi → Anandpur Sahib → Nurpur Bedi → Siswan → New Chandigarh → Chandigarh
Distance:
Approx. 110 km
Travel Time:
2.5 Hours
Verdict:
Offers a quieter and greener approach into Chandigarh through New Chandigarh.
Route D: Via Kiratpur Sahib & Morinda
Best For:
Local travelers heading toward eastern sectors of Chandigarh.
Route:
Naina Devi → Kiratpur Sahib → Ropar → Morinda → Kurali → Chandigarh
Distance:
Approx. 108 km
Travel Time:
2.5 Hours
Verdict:
Useful when traffic builds up on the main NH-205 corridor.
🗺️ Naina Devi to Chandigarh Road Route Comparison
| Route Name | Key Waypoints | Approx Distance | Estimated Time | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route A: Via Kiratpur Sahib (Recommended) | Kiratpur Sahib → Ropar → Kharar | 100–107 km | 2–2.5 hrs | Fastest and most direct route |
| Route B: Via Baddi & Siswan | Swarghat → Nalagarh → Baddi | ~115 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Scenic alternative via New Chandigarh |
| Route C: Via New Chandigarh | Anandpur Sahib → Siswan | ~110 km | ~2.5 hrs | Less congestion and greener surroundings |
| Route D: Via Morinda | Ropar → Morinda → Kurali | ~108 km | ~2.5 hrs | Alternative during highway congestion |
🚆 Traveling by Train
Railway Connectivity
Naina Devi does not have a railway station. The nearest major station is:
Anandpur Sahib Railway Station
Distance from Naina Devi
Approximately 18–20 km
Travel Time to Station
30–40 minutes by taxi
Popular Train Options
Travelers can board trains from Anandpur Sahib to Chandigarh, including:
- Vande Bharat Express
- Jan Shatabdi Express
- Other regional passenger and express trains
IRCTC Train: https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search
Train Journey Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Station Transfer | 30–40 mins |
| Train Journey | 1 hr 15 mins – 1 hr 30 mins |
| Total Travel Time | 2–2.5 hrs |
| Estimated Cost | ₹150–₹1,000+ |
Verdict
An excellent option for avoiding traffic, especially during weekends and festival periods.
🚌 Traveling by Bus
Bus services provide affordable and reliable connectivity between Naina Devi and Chandigarh.
Option 1: Direct Buses
Available from:
- Naina Devi Bus Stand
- Nearby local transport hubs
Travel Time
Approximately 3 hours
Option 2: Transit via Anandpur Sahib or Kiratpur Sahib
Step 1
Take a local bus or shared taxi to:
- Anandpur Sahib
- Kiratpur Sahib
Step 2
Board:
- HRTC buses – https://online.hrtchp.com/
- Punjab Roadways buses – https://www.pepsuonline.com/
- CTU buses – https://ctuonline.chd.gov.in/
- Private AC coaches
Destination:
ISBT Sector 43
Bus Travel Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Time | 3–3.5 hrs |
| Estimated Cost | ₹200–₹600 |
| Comfort Level | Moderate |
Best For
- Budget travelers
- Pilgrims
- Solo travelers
✈️ Traveling by Air
Is Flying Recommended?
No.
The nearest airport is:
Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport
Since Chandigarh is already the destination and only a few hours away by road, air travel is not practical.
📊 Naina Devi to Chandigarh Travel Options Comparison
| Travel Mode | Strategy | Travel Time | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Car / SUV | Via Kiratpur Sahib & Ropar | 2–2.5 hrs | Fuel & tolls | Families and groups |
| Private Taxi | Direct road transfer | 2–2.5 hrs | ₹1,900–₹3,655 | Comfortable point-to-point travel |
| Train Combo | Taxi to Anandpur Sahib + Train | 2–2.5 hrs | ₹150–₹1,000+ | Traffic-free and comfortable travel |
| Direct Bus | Naina Devi to Chandigarh | ~3 hrs | ₹200–₹600 | Budget-friendly travel |
| Bus Transit | Via Anandpur Sahib/Kiratpur Sahib | 3–3.5 hrs | ₹200–₹600 | Flexible public transport option |
Final Verdict
For most travelers, the Naina Devi → Kiratpur Sahib → Ropar → Kharar → Chandigarh route remains the best choice. It offers the shortest travel time, excellent highway infrastructure, and smooth connectivity into Chandigarh.
Best Travel Options at a Glance
- Best Overall Route: Via Kiratpur Sahib & Ropar
- Most Scenic Route: Via Baddi & Siswan
- Fastest Public Transport: Anandpur Sahib Train Connection
- Best Budget Option: State Bus Services
- Best Family Travel Option: Private Car or Taxi
Whether you’re returning from a pilgrimage to Shri Naina Devi Ji or planning a short trip to Chandigarh, you’ll find multiple comfortable and convenient travel options to suit every budget and travel style.