Shimla, known as “Queen of Hills” and is a popular hill station of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is a perfect destination for travelers to explore the charm of colonial era, panoramic view of Himalaya, snowy escapes, adventure activities and UNESCO Kalka Shimla train. As the year 2024 ends, it turns Shimla into a winter wonderland which attracts lots of tourists. You can plan your New Year in Shimla by reading our blog post on Shimla – 3 Day Budgeted Itinerary, where we brief the day-wise itinerary, best time to visit, budget cost, where to stay and how to reach Shimla.
Day-Wise Itinerary: Places to Visit in Shimla
Day 1: Explore Kufri & Shimla’s Market
Kufri
Start your trip by exploring a beautiful city Kufri which is only 15kms away from Shimla. You can reach Kufri by Taxi also which cost around Rs.1500/- to Rs.2000/-, it’s good if you have your own vehicle. In winters, Kufri turns into frost paradise and a perfect destination to enjoy snow activities like skiing, horse riding, and yak rides. You can click photographs and capture the scenic views of the town – Kufri. There are few other nearby places in Kufri which can explore while your visit:
- Green Valley: The valley falls enroute to the Kufri and travelers seen standing on the highway to witness the untouched beauty of Green Valley. The Green Valley is a lush green mountain, and the scenic view attracts tourists a lot. You can visit this place while on the way to Kufri and click photographs.
- Himalayan Nature Park: The famous Zoo in Kufri which houses Himalayan species and various other wild animals. The Himalayan Nature Park is open all day except Tuesday. The timings of Kufri Zoo are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and the entry cost is Rs.35/- per head.
Mall Road/ Shimla Market
After exploring Kufri, go back to your hotel at Shimla and explore the famous Mall Road and other famous markets of Shimla. There are three markets in Shimla, the famous Mall Road, where you can buy branded clothes and have a delicious dinner at cafes in Shimla’s Mall Road. The other two markets are Lower Market which is basically used by the locals of Shimla to buy stuff at cheaper prices. The other market is Lakkar Market, which is famous for wooden artifacts, if you want to buy goodies for family and loved ones, this market is best.
Day 2: Exploring Shimla’s Cultural and Scenic Spots
It’s time to gear up for the next day, if you want, you can have breakfast at Mall Road Café before starting the trip.
Jaku Temple
The iconic and famous Jaku temple of Shimla is dedicated to Lord Hanuman Ji and only 2kms away from Mall Road. The temple is situated at the top of Jaku Hill and offers stunning views from the top. At Jaku Temple, you can take blessings of Hanuman Ji which is 108 feet tall. There are three ways to reach Jaku Temple, you can trek for 2kms in steep pathways, choose ropeway to reach temple which cost Rs. 250/- per person and the last way is to go by taxi which costs around Rs.400/- to Rs.500/-.
The Ridge & Christ Church
The Ridge is an open wide road where vehicles are not allowed, so you can freely walk on the path. The place is ideal for an evening walk with a mountain view, the beauty enhances at night as the place lights up with nature. You can enjoy Horse Riding and sunset in the evening.
The Christ Church is located at the Ridge, and this is second oldest church of North India. The architecture of the church is beautiful and known as neo-Gothic architect.
Rashtrapati Niwas & Shimla Wildlife Division
A historical marvel which is situated at vast place and only 3-4kms away from Mall Road. If you want to know the history of this place while visiting, you can hire a guide. Photography and videography are not allowed at Rashtrapati Niwas, and it is open from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
After visiting the Rashtrapati Niwas, go for Shimla Wildlife Division which is just outside the Niwas. If you are a nature lover, then this place is the best to explore.
Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Temple, an old and religious temple dedicated to ‘Star Goddess’ is situated at the height of 7200 feet above sea level. The temple was built by Raja Bhupendra in 1756 and only 12 kms away from Mall Road. The temple is built amid Himalayan Peak and is a must visit place.
Chadwick Waterfall
The waterfall is only 6kms away from Mall Road and is situated amidst the lush green forest. You have to trek for 1km to see the natural beauty of Chadwick Waterfall. The best season to explore this place is either March or the rainy season. This place is not properly maintained by the government, but the beauty is at its peak.
Day 3: Offbeat Destinations Around Shimla
On Day 3rd, you can visit the three places and if there is a constraint of timing you can choose either of them to explore.
Chail
Chail is situated at Solan District which is 40 kms away from Shimla. Chail is an offbeat location; thus, you won’t find a huge number of tourists. Chail offers a peaceful retreat and has scenic views to embrace your soul. You can visit Kalika Tibba Temple situated at the top of the hill and from this point you can embrace the beauty of the whole town and the famous Shivalik range. You can also explore Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and Chail Palace where a famous movie 3 Idiots was shot.
Mashobra
The other off-beat location near to Shimla is Mashobra which is 10kms away from Shimla and only half an hour away. At Mashobra you can explore the famous Reserve Forest Sanctuary and Wildflower Hall.
Naldera
The next gem of Shimla is Naldera which is 23 kms away from Shimla in a drive of 1hour. Naldera is famously known for India’s one of oldest Golf Course which was built by Britishers is situated at the height of 22kms. Naldera has iconic café designed in British Architecture.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
You can enjoy Shimla anytime, but if you want to witness snowfall in Shimla then November to February is the best time to visit. If you want to enjoy summer vacation, then Shimla offers pleasant weather. I would advise not to plan in monsoon to avoid landslides.
Budget Costs for 3 Days Trip to Shimla
The approximate cost of 3 days budgeted trip to Shimla is:
- Transportation: ₹2,000 to ₹4,000
- Accommodation: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per night
- Food: ₹500 to ₹1,000 per day
- Local Transport and Activities: ₹1,500 to ₹2,000
- Total Estimated Cost: ₹10,000 to ₹15,000
Where to Stay in Shimla
You can book hotels in Shimla through Online portal, I would also suggest the following options to stay in Shimla:
- Stay Near Mall Road: If you want ease in stay then Mall Road is the best option. The prices start from Rs. 800/- with basic facilities. For mid-budget hotels the prices are between Rs. 2500/- to Rs.5000/-.
- Shimla Kurfi Highway: If you are travelling by your own vehicle, you can book hotels at Shimla Kurfi Highway to avoid parking issues. The prices may vary depending on the season and hotel view.
How to Reach Shimla
- By Bus: The state-run buses/roadways and volvos are available, so you can choose any way. The charges of HRTC Roadways are Rs. 250/- and Volvo cost is between Rs.300/- to Rs.600/- from Chandigarh. If you are plying from Delhi then Semi Sleeper Volvo Buses are available at the cost of Rs. 1000/- to Rs.1500/-.
- By Train: Book a ticket from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kalka and then take a train from Kalka. You can enjoy a scenic view from Kalka Shimla Toy Train which is UNESCO Heritage too. The ticket cost of Toy Train is Rs.65/- to Rs.800/-. (Rs.65/- for second sitting and Rs. 800/- for 1st sitting). Trains are available in different timings.
- By Flight: There are limited direct flights to Shimla, alternatively, you can choose Chandigarh to fly. Taxi and Buses are readily available from the airport for Shimla.
- By Car: If you are driving from your own vehicle, then take Kalka-Shimla Highway. The distance from Chandigarh is 120 kms which is around 3-5 hours away from Shimla, whereas Delhi is 350kms cover in 7-8 hours.
Final Thought
In this blog post, we have explained a 3-day itinerary that ensures a memorable experience of adventure and relaxation. Embrace the picturesque beauty of Shimla and add this place to the must visit list. Embark on the journey and share your thoughts with me.
Pack your bag and explore unexplored places with Hema………
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