Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Pune to Manali: Relaxed 9-Day Northbound Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 171 travelers

Day 1: Start Northbound

Pune, India on April 11, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Vaishali Restaurant

Popular Pune breakfast spot for dosas, idli and strong filter coffee — a reliable fuel stop before a long drive. (Open c.07:00–14:00).
INR300, 45m

8:30AM

Depart Pune for Surat

Head north-west on NH48 towards Surat; expect highway driving with petrol and rest stops en route.
INR0, 7h30m

4:00PM

Hotel check-in, Surat

Check into a comfortable hotel (suggest The Grand Bhagwati or similar) to freshen up after the drive.
INR4500, 1h

5:00PM

Visit Surat Castle (Old Fort)

A compact historical fort giving a quick cultural snapshot of Surat; generally open to visitors in the late afternoon (approx. 09:00–18:00).
INR50, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation or local seafood restaurant

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat grill buffet or sample Surat's coastal-influenced cuisine; many restaurants operate 19:00–23:00.
INR1000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Pune

Day 2: To Udaipur

Surat → Udaipur, India on April 12, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Simple hotel breakfast to start an early, long driving day; order light and pack water/snacks for the road.
INR400, 45m

8:30AM

Drive Surat to Udaipur

Scenic long-distance stretch across Gujarat into southern Rajasthan; expect several stops — travel time ~8–9 hours depending on traffic.
INR0, 8h30m

5:30PM

Hotel check-in, Udaipur

Settle in at a lakeside hotel for views over Lake Pichola and to rest after the road journey.
INR6000, 1h

6:30PM

Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola

A short evening boat trip gives gorgeous views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir; most boats run until c.18:30–19:00.
INR400, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at Ambrai / Tribute Restaurant

Dine lakeside with classic Rajasthani and continental dishes; restaurants are typically open through the evening (19:00–23:00).
INR1500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Surat → Udaipur

Day 3: Udaipur Sights

Udaipur, India on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with lake views to prepare for a full day exploring the city.
INR500, 1h

9:30AM

City Palace visit

Large palace complex with museums and terraces overlooking Lake Pichola; open approx. 09:30–17:30 and worth 2 hours for history and views.
INR150, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Millets of Mewar / Local café

Healthy and local cuisine option near the lakeside; many places open midday from 12:00.
INR800, 1h

1:30PM

Saheliyon ki Bari & Fateh Sagar

A peaceful garden and nearby lake promenade — Saheliyon ki Bari is typically open 09:00–19:00 and is a pleasant afternoon stroll.
INR50, 1h

3:00PM

Bagore Ki Haveli (museum)

Explore the haveli museum in the late afternoon; museum open daytime, with a cultural puppet/folk dance show later in the evening (usually c.19:00–20:00).
INR100, 1h

7:00PM

Evening cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli

Optional one-hour folk-dance and puppet show that highlights Rajasthani culture — book tickets in advance as shows typically start around 19:00–19:30.
INR200, 1h

8:30PM

Dinner at Ambrai / Udaipur lakeside restaurants

Finish the day with an atmospheric lakeside meal — most establishments are open late enough for post-show dining.
INR1600, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Udaipur

Day 4: Drive to Jaipur

Udaipur → Jaipur, India on April 14, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast and depart for Jaipur

Start early for the drive to Jaipur to arrive with time for afternoon sightseeing; plan fuel and comfort breaks en route.
INR500, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Udaipur to Jaipur

A long but scenic stretch across Rajasthan; expect around 6–7 hours driving depending on stops.
INR0, 7h

3:00PM

Hotel check-in, Jaipur

Check into a centrally located hotel to make the most of late-afternoon sightseeing.
INR5000, 1h

4:15PM

City Palace and Jantar Mantar (exterior)

Visit the City Palace complex (open c.09:00–17:00) and view Jantar Mantar from outside if timing is tight; aim to arrive before closing hours.
INR500, 1h30m

6:00PM

Hawa Mahal (external viewing and photos)

Iconic pink façade best enjoyed at golden hour from the street level; the small museum has limited hours, so street-view is reliable at any hour.
INR50, 30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB)

Well-known for Rajasthani thalis and sweets; open evenings and ideal for sampling local cuisine.
INR800, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Udaipur → Jaipur

Day 5: Jaipur Highlights

Jaipur, India on April 15, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast before a full day exploring Jaipur's major forts and markets.
INR400, 45m

9:00AM

Amer Fort (Amber Fort)

Magnificent hilltop fort with courtyards and views; open roughly 08:00–17:00 — arrive early to avoid the crowds and heat.
INR600, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at 1135 AD or nearby restaurant

Dine inside the Amer Fort complex or at a nearby trusted restaurant for a regal meal; most places open from midday.
INR1200, 1h

2:00PM

Jantar Mantar and City Palace interiors

Return to explore the astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar (09:00–16:30) and the museums within City Palace if not covered previously.
INR700, 1h30m

4:00PM

Shopping at Johari and Bapu Bazaar

Browse jewellery, textiles and handicrafts in the old bazaars — great for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
INR0, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner and cultural evening at Chokhi Dhani (optional)

Experience a Rajasthani village theme-restaurant with folk performances and traditional food; open evenings but book in advance.
INR1000, 2h
Find Hotels in Jaipur

Day 6: Road to Delhi

Jaipur → Delhi, India on April 16, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and check-out

Early breakfast and depart Jaipur to reach Delhi with time for an afternoon walk around central sights.
INR400, 45m

8:00AM

Drive Jaipur to Delhi

Major highway run (NH48) — expect about 5–6 hours depending on traffic; stop for refreshments en route.
INR0, 5h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Karim's or Paranthe Wali Gali (Old Delhi)

Taste iconic Delhi flavours — Karim's for Mughlai or Paranthe Wali Gali for stuffed parathas; most eateries open from late morning.
INR800, 1h

3:30PM

Red Fort (exterior and quick visit)

Historic Mughal fortress (approx. timings 09:30–16:30); an exterior walk and short museum visit are good for an afternoon stop.
INR500, 1h

5:00PM

India Gate and ceremonial boulevard

Open public spaces ideal for a relaxed stroll or photos at dusk; accessible at any hour and free to visit.
INR0, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at Bukhara (ITC Maurya) or local favourite

If you prefer a signature dining experience, pre-book at Bukhara; otherwise select a highly-rated North Indian restaurant nearby.
INR2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Jaipur → Delhi

Day 7: Delhi to Chandigarh

Delhi → Chandigarh, India on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to prepare for a half-day of Delhi sightseeing followed by a drive to Chandigarh.
INR400, 45m

9:00AM

Qutub Minar visit

UNESCO World Heritage minaret and surrounding monuments; site timings generally c.07:00–17:00 and is quieter in the morning.
INR600, 1h30m

11:00AM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place)

Reliable South-Indian chain serving dosas and thalis; good mid-day stop before departing north.
INR700, 1h

12:30PM

Drive Delhi to Chandigarh

Scenic highway drive north-east; allow c.4–5 hours depending on traffic to arrive by evening.
INR0, 4h30m

5:30PM

Check-in and freshen up, Chandigarh

Settle into a comfortable hotel centrally located near Sector 17 or the Capitol Complex.
INR4500, 1h

6:30PM

Visit Rock Garden (timing dependent)

Famous Nek Chand sculpture garden — generally open 09:00–19:00, so aim to visit before closing for pleasant evening light.
INR50, 1h

8:30PM

Dinner at Whistling Duck or a local Punjabi restaurant

Contemporary bistro or hearty Punjabi meal in Chandigarh's lively evening dining scene.
INR1200, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Delhi → Chandigarh

Day 8: Into the Hills

Chandigarh → Kullu (Bhuntar), India on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and depart

Early start for the long, scenic mountain drive toward Kullu/Bhuntar — stop for tea and photos along the route.
INR400, 45m

8:00AM

Drive Chandigarh to Kullu (Bhuntar)

Mountain highway driving through hills — expect approximately 7–9 hours depending on road conditions and stops; plan petrol and rest stops.
INR0, 8h

4:30PM

Check-in, Kullu (Bhuntar)

Arrive at a riverside hotel in Kullu or near Bhuntar airport, relax and acclimatise to the hill altitude.
INR4000, 1h

5:30PM

Stroll Mall Road and visit Raghunath Temple

A gentle evening walk along Kullu Mall Road and a visit to the local temple for a taste of valley life; most areas are accessible in the evening.
INR0, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at local dhaba or hotel restaurant

Try local Himachali dishes or simple North Indian favourites; dinner service typically runs until late evening in hotels.
INR800, 1h
Find Hotels in Chandigarh → Kullu (Bhuntar)

Day 9: Manali Arrival & Explore

Kullu → Manali, India on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast and short drive to Manali

Eat early and take the short scenic drive (approx. 1–1.5 hours) to Manali; roads can be narrow, so drive carefully.
INR400, 1h

9:30AM

Hadimba Devi Temple

Woodland temple set in cedar forest famous for its pagoda-style architecture; generally open early morning until the evening (06:00–20:00).
INR50, 1h

11:00AM

Explore Old Manali cafés and shops

Charming village lanes full of cafés, bakeries and boutique shops — a great place for a relaxed late-morning wander.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Johnson's Cafe or Café 1947

Popular café serving continental and Indian dishes with riverside views; open through lunch (recommended to book at busy times).
INR900, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Solang Valley (or Rohtang pass if open and permitted)

Solang Valley offers adventure activities (paragliding, ropeways) and great mountain vistas; cable car and activities typically operate c.09:00–17:00, season dependent. Rohtang requires permit and is weather/season dependent.
INR1000, 2h

5:30PM

Mall Road stroll and sunset at River Beas banks

Evening walk for souvenir shopping and a relaxed view of the Beas at sunset; open public space and easy to time for golden hour.
INR0, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Il Forno / Casa Bella Vista

Finish your trip with a comfortable dinner serving Italian/continental or Indian fare in Manali's relaxed evening setting.
INR1200, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kullu → Manali
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Pune to Manali

Best Manali Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Pune to Manali Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go