Delhi to Srinagar – Snowfall, Scenic Beauty, and Kashmir on a Budget
Are you dreaming of witnessing the enchanting snowfall and exploring the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir, but you’re on a tight budget? Well, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with a detailed travel guide that will show you how to travel from Delhi to Srinagar at a cost of only ₹460! Let’s embark on this affordable journey through scenic routes, all while keeping your wallet happy.
Step 1: Train from Delhi to Udhampur
First, your adventure begins at New Delhi Railway Station, where you’ll board a general train ticket to Udhampur.
- Train Name: 12445 Uttar S Kranti Express
- Departure: 8:50 PM from New Delhi
- Arrival: 7:30 AM at Udhampur (Martyred Captain Tushar Mahajan Station, MCTM)
- Cost: ₹210 (general ticket)
This train provides a comfortable overnight journey, making it a perfect opportunity to rest before reaching Udhampur the following morning. As soon as you exit the station, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing scenery of the region!
Step 2: Udhampur (MCTM) to Banihal
Once you arrive at Udhampur, the adventure continues. There are several affordable ways to get to Banihal:
- Mini Bus from MCTM to Jakheni Chowk:
- Cost: ₹30 (within 10 minutes)
- Bus from Jakheni Chowk to Banihal:
- Cost: ₹180 (approximately 2.5 hours)
- Estimated Arrival at Banihal: 12:30 PM
At this point, you’re already on your way to Banihal, where the stunning snow-covered valleys await you!
Step 3: Banihal to Srinagar
From Banihal, the journey to Srinagar gets even more scenic and affordable.
- General Train Ticket from Banihal to Srinagar:
- Cost: ₹20
- Travel Time: 2 hours
As you travel along this route, you’ll pass through snow-covered valleys and experience snowfall along the way—truly a winter wonderland! Along the journey, you will also pass through a remarkable tunnel, which adds to the excitement. After emerging from the tunnel, the surrounding snow-covered peaks will leave you in awe.
Estimated Arrival in Srinagar: 3:30 PM
Step 4: Srinagar – Dal Gate
Finally, once you reach Srinagar, you’re just a short ride away from the heart of the city. From the train station, it’s only a 10-minute ride to Dal Gate, a major landmark in Srinagar.
- Mini Bus from Railway Station to Dal Gate:
- Cost: ₹20
- Duration: 10 minutes
Total Estimated Cost Breakdown
Here’s a summary of your budget for the entire journey:
- Train from New Delhi to Udhampur: ₹210
- Mini Bus from MCTM to Jakheni Chowk: ₹30
- Bus from Jakheni Chowk to Banihal: ₹180
- Train from Banihal to Srinagar: ₹20
- Mini Bus from Railway Station to Dal Gate: ₹20
Total Budget for the Entire Journey: ₹460
That’s right! You can explore the snowy landscapes of Kashmir for just ₹460.
Bonus Travel Tips for Budget Travelers
- Bargain for Taxi Rides: If you’d prefer a more direct route or need a taxi for part of your journey (for instance, from Udhampur to Srinagar), always try to negotiate the price. Taxis usually cost around ₹1000, but with some bargaining, you may be able to get a better rate.
- Weather Prep: Kashmir can be extremely cold in winter, so make sure to pack warm clothes. Layering is essential, especially when you’re traveling through snow-covered valleys.
- Local Delicacies: Once you arrive in Srinagar, don’t miss the chance to indulge in some delicious local cuisine. Treat yourself to Kahwa (a traditional Kashmiri tea), Rogan Josh, and other specialties that will make your trip even more memorable.
Conclusion:
This budget-friendly journey from Delhi to Srinagar offers a perfect way to explore Kashmir without breaking the bank. Additionally, you’ll get to experience the region’s mesmerizing landscapes and, of course, its famous snowfall. Whether you are a budget traveler, a solo explorer, or someone looking for a winter escape, this route has it all: snow, adventure, and a pocket-friendly price tag.
So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for a journey of a lifetime!
Are you dreaming of witnessing the enchanting snowfall and exploring the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir, but you’re on a tight budget? Well, I’ve got you covered with a detailed travel guide to get from Delhi to Srinagar at a cost of only 460 rupees! Let’s embark on this affordable journey through scenic routes, all while keeping your wallet happy.
Step 1: Train from Delhi to Udhampur
The first leg of the journey begins from New Delhi Railway Station, where you’ll board a general train ticket to Udhampur.
- Train Name: 12445 Uttar S Kranti Express
- Departure: 8:50 PM from New Delhi
- Arrival: 7:30 AM at Udhampur (Martyred Captain Tushar Mahajan Station, MCTM)
- Cost: ₹210 (general ticket)
This train provides a comfortable overnight journey, offering a great way to rest before reaching Udhampur the next morning. The scenic views begin as soon as you exit the station!
Step 2: Udhampur (MCTM) to Banihal
Upon reaching Udhampur, the adventure is far from over. From MCTM Udhampur station, there are budget-friendly options to reach Banihal:
- Mini Bus from MCTM to Jakheni Chowk:
- Cost: ₹30 (within 10 minutes)
- Bus from Jakheni Chowk to Banihal:
- Cost: ₹180 (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Estimated Arrival at Banihal: 12:30 PM
Step 3: Banihal to Srinagar
From Banihal, the road to Srinagar becomes more scenic and even more affordable.
- General Train Ticket from Banihal to Srinagar:
- Cost: ₹20
- Travel Time: 2 hours
On this route, you’ll pass through snow-covered valleys and witness the snowfall as you make your way to Srinagar. It’s truly a winter wonderland! You’ll also pass through a tunnel that’s an engineering marvel, and once you emerge, the views will leave you in awe.
Estimated Arrival in Srinagar: 3:30 PM
Step 4: Srinagar – Dal Gate
Once you reach Srinagar, the journey is almost complete. From the train station, it’s a short 10-minute ride to the famous Dal Gate, the heart of Srinagar.
- Mini Bus from Railway Station to Dal Gate:
- Cost: ₹20
- Duration: 10 minutes
Total Estimated Cost Breakdown
- Train from New Delhi to Udhampur: ₹210
- Mini Bus from MCTM to Jakheni Chowk: ₹30
- Bus from Jakheni Chowk to Banihal: ₹180
- Train from Banihal to Srinagar: ₹20
- Mini Bus from Railway Station to Dal Gate: ₹20
Total Budget for the Entire Journey: ₹460
That’s right! You can explore the snowy landscapes of Kashmir for just ₹460.
Bonus Travel Tips for Budget Travelers
- Bargain for Taxi Rides: If you prefer a more direct route or want to take a taxi for part of your journey (for example, from Udhampur to Srinagar), you can always negotiate the price. A taxi from Udhampur to Srinagar usually costs around ₹1000, but you might get a better rate if you negotiate well.
- Weather Prep: Kashmir in winter is cold, so make sure to pack warm clothes. Layering is key, especially when you travel through snow-covered valleys.
- Local Delicacies: Once you reach Srinagar, don’t miss the chance to enjoy some local food like Kahwa (Kashmiri tea), Rogan Josh, and other delicacies that will make your trip even more special.
Conclusion:
This budget-friendly journey from Delhi to Srinagar offers not only an affordable way to reach Kashmir but also an opportunity to enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes of the region, especially the snowfall that makes this place so famous. Whether you are a budget traveler, a solo explorer, or someone just looking for a winter escape, this route has it all: snow, adventure, and a pocket-friendly price tag.
So, pack your bags, book your train tickets, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
