Shimla Tour: An Enchanting Escape to the “Queen of Hills”
Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, is a picturesque hill station in Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its colonial architecture, lush landscapes, and pleasant climate. A tour to Shimla promises a blend of historical exploration, natural beauty, and leisurely strolls.
Highlights
- The Ridge: A large open space in the heart of Shimla, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a hub for cultural activities.
- Mall Road: The bustling main street, perfect for shopping, dining, and experiencing the local vibe, lined with colonial-era buildings.
- hrist Church: A majestic neo-Gothic church on The Ridge, known for its stunning stained-glass windows and historical significance.
- Heritage Walks: Explore Shimla's colonial past through its architecture and historical landmarks.
- Ropeway Rides: Enjoy aerial views of Shimla on the Jakhoo Ropeway.
An amazing 3-day, 2-night trip to Shimla from Delhi awaits you! Here's a detailed itinerary, considering travel time and optimizing your experience.
Mode of Transport from Delhi to Shimla (Choose One):
- Overnight Bus (Recommended for Budget & Time Efficiency): Plenty of comfortable AC Volvo/HRTC buses depart from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate or Majnu Ka Tilla) in the evening and reach Shimla early morning. Takes approx. 8-10 hours.
- Train + Toy Train (Scenic, but longer): Take an early morning train from Delhi to Kalka (e.g., Kalka Shatabdi Express). From Kalka, board the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train to Shimla. This is a highly scenic journey but takes longer (Delhi to Kalka: ~4 hrs, Kalka to Shimla: ~5-6 hrs).
- Private Car/Taxi: Approximately 7-8 hours drive, offering flexibility but is more expensive.
- Flight + Taxi/Bus: Fly from Delhi to Shimla (Jubbarhatti Airport) if available, then take a taxi/bus. Or fly to Chandigarh and then take a taxi/bus to Shimla. This is the fastest but generally most expensive option and flights to Shimla can be unreliable due to weather.
This itinerary assumes an overnight bus journey to arrive in Shimla by morning on Day 1.
Day 01 :
Day 1: Arrival in Shimla & Colonial Charm
Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Arrive at Shimla ISBT Tutikandi.
- Take a taxi to your pre-booked hotel. Check-in (early check-in subject to availability, otherwise you can leave your luggage).
- Freshen up and have breakfast at your hotel or a local eatery.
Late Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM):
- Take the Shimla Lift from Cart Road to Mall Road (saves a steep climb).
- Begin your exploration at The Ridge, the large open space offering panoramic views of the mountains.
- Visit the iconic Christ Church, a beautiful Gothic-style church.
- Stroll along Mall Road, soaking in the colonial atmosphere.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM):
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants on Mall Road.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Walk to Scandal Point and listen to local legends.
- Explore Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, a stunning Victorian theatre.
- Head to Lakkar Bazaar, famous for wooden crafts and souvenirs.
Evening (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM):
- Take the Jakhoo Ropeway to Jakhoo Temple, Shimla's highest point, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views (be cautious of monkeys!).
Dinner (8:30 PM onwards):
- Enjoy dinner on Mall Road or at your hotel
Day 02 :
Day 2: Historical Grandeur & Nature's Embrace
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
- After breakfast, hire a local taxi for sightseeing.
- Visit Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study), the magnificent former summer residence of the British Viceroy. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and explore the sprawling lawns.
- Explore the adjacent Botanical Gardens.
Lunch (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM):
- Have lunch at a restaurant near Viceregal Lodge or drive back towards the city center for options.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Proceed to Chadwick Falls, a serene waterfall nestled amidst dense forests (best experienced post-monsoon, but a peaceful spot year-round).
- Visit Summer Hill, a quiet residential area offering lovely walks and scenic views, historically linked with Mahatma Gandhi.
Evening (6:30 PM onwards):
- Enjoy some leisure time. You can revisit Mall Road for last-minute souvenir shopping or relax at a café.
- Consider trying some local Himachali street food or a more elaborate dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 03 :
Day 3: Kufri Excursion & Departure
- Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
- After an early breakfast and check-out from your hotel (you can leave your luggage at the reception).
- Hire a taxi for a half-day excursion to Kufri (approx. 16 km from Shimla).
- Activities in Kufri:
- Horse Riding: Ride up to Mahasu Peak for panoramic views.
- Himalayan Nature Park: See local Himalayan fauna.
- Kufri Fun World/Adventure Park: Enjoy some rides or activities (seasonal, might include snow activities in winter).
- Lunch (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM):
- Have lunch in Kufri or on your way back to Shimla.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Return to Shimla. Collect your luggage from the hotel.
- Depending on your departure time, you can spend some final moments on Mall Road or relax at a café.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards):
- Head to Shimla ISBT Tutikandi for your overnight bus back to Delhi.
- Alternatively, if you chose the train option, take a taxi to Kalka to board your train to Delhi.
Important Notes:
- Booking: Book your bus/train tickets and hotel in Shimla well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before packing. Shimla can be cool even in summer evenings.
- Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests, pace, and the weather.
- Walking: Be prepared for a lot of walking, especially on Mall Road and The Ridge, as vehicles are restricted in these areas.
Enjoy your trip to the beautiful hills of Shimla!
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
- food
