5‑Day Shimla‑Kullu‑Manali Adventure from Chennai

Day 1: Arrival & Shimla Exploration

Morning: Fly from Chennai to Delhi (≈3 h) and transfer to a short domestic flight to Chandigarh, followed by a scenic 4‑hour drive to Shimla. Enjoy the lush hills as you ascend to the hill‑station.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and stroll along Mall Road, sampling local snacks and browsing boutique shops. The lively promenade offers panoramic views of the valley.

Evening: Visit the sacred Jakhu Temple atop Jakhu Hill; the evening light casts a magical glow over the giant Hanuman statue and the surrounding pine forest.

Day 2: Kufri & Viceregal Heritage

Morning: Drive 16 km to Kufri for a gentle trek, horse ride, and optional yak‑sledding amid snow‑capped peaks.

Afternoon: Return to Shimla and explore the historic Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study), admiring its Tudor‑style architecture and museum exhibits.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a quiet walk on Mall Road, tasting Himachali dishes like “siddu” and “chha Gosht”.

Day 3: Journey to Kullu

Morning: Depart Shimla early for a 6‑hour drive to Kullu, crossing the spectacular Rohtang‑Rohru corridor and stopping for photos at the Bijli Mahadev shrine.

Afternoon: After checking in, visit the ornate Raghunath Temple and wander the bustling local market for handcrafted woolen goods.

Evening: Stroll along the banks of the Beas River, soaking in the tranquil ambience and perhaps catching a traditional folk performance.

Day 4: Kullu → Manali – Peaks & Temples

Morning: Transfer to Manali (≈2 h). If weather permits, drive up to Rohtang Pass for breathtaking alpine scenery; otherwise enjoy the nearby Solang Valley for paragliding and zorbing.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient Hadimba Temple set within cedar forests, then visit the serene Manu Temple dedicated to the legendary sage.

Evening: Wander Manali’s vibrant Mall Road, sampling street food and picking up souvenirs before retiring to your hotel.

Day 5: Manali Adventures & Departure

Morning: Return to Solang Valley for adventure sports—skiing, rope‑way rides, or a gentle hike to the glacier viewpoint.

Afternoon: Pack up and begin the 7‑hour drive back to Chandigarh, stopping for a light lunch in Kullu.

Evening: Catch an evening flight from Chandigarh to Delhi and connect to your overnight flight back to Chennai.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mall Road (Shimla) – 2 hrs – ₹300 (shopping & snacks)
• Jakhu Temple – 1.5 hrs – ₹150 (entry & parking)
• Kufri – 4 hrs – ₹800 (horse ride & activities)
• Viceregal Lodge – 2 hrs – ₹200 (museum entry)
• Bijli Mahadev – 1 hr – ₹100 (travel & modest offering)
• Raghunath Temple (Kullu) – 1 hr – ₹50 (entry)
• Rohtang Pass – 3 hrs – ₹1,200 (permit & taxi)
• Solang Valley (Manali) – 3 hrs – ₹1,000 (activities)
• Hadimba Temple – 1 hr – ₹50 (entry)
• Manu Temple – 1 hr – ₹50 (entry)
• Domestic flights (Chennai‑Delhi‑Chandigarh‑Chennai) – 2 days – ₹12,000
• Inter‑city road transport (Shuttle/Taxi) – 5 days – ₹6,500
• Accommodation (4 star, 4 nights) – ₹4,800
• Meals (average ₹500/day) – ₹2,500
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹28,500

Tips

If you wish to extend the journey, add an extra day in Manali to explore the nearby Parvati Valley and the quaint village of Naggar. To shorten the trip, skip Rohtang Pass and spend the morning of Day 4 solely in Solang Valley, which reduces travel time and costs while still offering adventure activities.