There are some journeys that you take, and some that take you. My train ride from Nagpur to Manali was one of those rare ones—it didn’t just change my location, it changed something inside me. It started with the orange glow of Nagpur and ended in the quiet white snow of Manali. But what happened in between—that’s where the story lives.
The Itch to Escape
It was late September. Nagpur was still warm, the air sticky, and my heart restless. I felt like I needed a break—not just from work or people—but from myself. You know that feeling when you just want to disappear into the mountains? I had it. Stronger than ever.
So I booked my tickets. Nagpur to Chandigarh by train. From there, a road trip to Manali. I didn’t plan much. I just wanted to sit by a train window, plug in my music, and let the journey take over.
The Train Journey Begins – 3rd AC, A Window, and My Thoughts
I boarded the train from Nagpur Junction—Train No. 22685 – Yesvantpur–Chandigarh Sampark Kranti Express. It runs twice a week and is one of the most comfortable options for this route. I had chosen a 3rd AC compartment. Not too fancy, not too basic. Just enough comfort to keep me warm and just enough space to feel like home for the next 24 hours.
As the train started moving, I felt something loosen inside me. The honk, the slow crawl, the city lights fading—everything felt like life was pressing a reset button.
Scenes That Stay With You
The landscapes kept changing like slides in a memory projector. Dry lands, green fields, small sleepy towns, chaiwalas at stations, kids waving as the train passed—little things that tug at your heart in ways you can’t explain.
I still remember the early morning view somewhere near Mathura—the soft golden light falling on misty fields. It looked like a painting. And for the first time in weeks, I smiled. A real smile. No reason. Just peace.
Food, Conversations, and the Joy of Doing Nothing
The train food was simple but tasty—rice, dal, sabzi. I had carried a few snacks, of course. I sipped hot tea at every major station. I chatted with a retired uncle who had once trekked in Himachal. I listened to an old playlist that somehow sounded new in that moment.
There’s something magical about trains. You don’t do much, but you feel a lot.
From Chandigarh to Manali – Roads That Lead to Silence
After nearly 27 hours, I reached Chandigarh. From there, I took a shared cab to Manali. The road trip was another kind of beautiful. As the roads climbed higher, my thoughts got quieter. The chill in the air, the sight of tall pine trees, the Beas River flowing alongside—it felt like the mountains were whispering, “You’re safe now.”
Manali – Where My Soul Took a Deep Breath
When I finally reached Manali, it was early morning. The air smelled of pine and peace. The snow-capped mountains in the distance, the wooden houses, the silence—it hit me in the heart. I checked into a small homestay in Old Manali, far from the tourist noise.
That evening, I sat by the river, wrapped in a shawl, sipping hot lemon tea. And I cried a little. Not from sadness, but from relief. Like I had arrived where I truly belonged.
When Should You Take This Journey?
If you’re planning this train journey, I’d say September to November is the best time. The weather is pleasant, there’s less crowd in Manali, and you get to enjoy the autumn beauty turning slowly into winter. Trains are less packed too, and you get the calm you’re looking for.
Avoid peak winters unless you love extreme cold and snow. And summers are beautiful but crowded.
Final Words – Not Just a Journey, But a Return to Myself
I went from Nagpur’s heat to Manali’s snow, but more importantly, from being lost to feeling whole. This wasn’t just a train journey. It was a soul journey. One that healed me in quiet, unspoken ways.
If your heart feels tired, take that train. Sit by the window. Let the tracks carry your thoughts. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a little magic waiting for you at the end.
