Romantic Himachal Adventure: Kolkata‑to‑Shimla, Manali & Kullu (Mar 11‑19 2026)

Viewed by 81 travelers
Shimla (arrival)

Day 1: Kolkata → Delhi flight, night train to Kalka, toy‑train arrival in Shimla

Morning:

Catch an early flight from Kolkata to Delhi and enjoy a quick transfer to the city’s railway terminal. Use a prepaid taxi to reach Kalka Railway Station where you will board the overnight express train.

Afternoon:

Settle into your sleeper cabin for a comfortable journey across the plains. Take the opportunity to enjoy the onboard meal service and stretch during the scenic approach to the foothills.

Evening:

Arrive at Kalka and transfer to the historic Kalka‑Shimla toy train. After a 4‑hour ride through pine‑filled valleys, check into your Shimla hotel and unwind with a warm cup of Himachali tea.

Book a Hotel
Shimla

Day 2: Discover Shimla’s colonial charm

Morning:

Start with a stroll along The Ridge, soaking in panoramic views of the town. Visit the iconic Christ Church, a neo‑Gothic landmark with stained‑glass windows.

Afternoon:

Explore the grand Viceregal Lodge (now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study) and learn about its British‑era history. Enjoy lunch at a heritage café on Mall Road.

Evening:

Leisurely walk down Mall Road, browse local boutiques, and dine at a rooftop restaurant offering sunset views over the hills.

Book a Hotel
Shimla

Day 3: Explore nearby hill towns and scenic vistas

Morning:

Take a short drive to Kufri for horse‑riding and a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Capture photos at the bustling Kufri market.

Afternoon:

Proceed to Chail to see the former summer palace of the Maharaja and the serene Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, perfect for birdwatching.

Evening:

Return to Shimla and visit Jakhoo Temple, perched on a hilltop and home to playful monkeys, before enjoying a relaxed dinner at a local dhaba.

Book a Hotel
Manali

Day 4: Journey from Shimla to Manali by road

Morning:

Depart early from Shimla, cruising through winding roads past the Atal Tunnel and verdant valleys. Stop briefly at Kullu for a quick snack and photo of the Beas River.

Afternoon:

Continue the scenic drive to Manali, passing pine forests and terraced fields. Check into your Manali resort and freshen up.

Evening:

Take a gentle walk along the Beas River promenade, enjoy street food, and watch the sunset over the snow‑capped peaks.

Book a Hotel
Manali

Day 5: Manali town walk and riverside relaxation

Morning:

Begin with a visit to Hadimba Devi Temple, nestled in a cedar forest, followed by the nearby Manu Temple dedicated to the legendary sage.

Afternoon:

Relax in the therapeutic Vashisht Hot Springs, soaking in natural geothermal pools while admiring mountain vistas.

Evening:

Stroll along Mall Road, shop for woollen shawls, and dine at a riverside café serving Himachali delicacies.

Book a Hotel
Manali

Day 6: Adventure activities in Manali’s surrounding valleys

Morning:

Head to Solang Valley for paragliding, zorbing, and a rope‑way ride, with spectacular views of the snow‑capped Himalayas.

Afternoon:

If Rohtang Pass is open, take a guided excursion to the high‑altitude plateau for photo‑ops; alternatively, enjoy a thrilling Beas River rafting session.

Evening:

Return to Manali, unwind with a traditional Himachali thali dinner, and perhaps attend a folk‑dance performance at a local cultural centre.

Book a Hotel
Kullu

Day 7: Short transfer to Kullu – gateway to the valley

Morning:

Drive the 30‑km stretch from Manali to Kullu, crossing the scenic Beas River bridges.

Afternoon:

Explore Kullu’s bustling market, visit the historic Raghunath Temple, and sample the famous Kullu trout at a riverside eatery.

Evening:

Relax in a heritage guesthouse, enjoy a bonfire, and listen to live Himachali folk music.

Book a Hotel
Kullu

Day 8: Kullu cultural sites and nature trails

Morning:

Hike to Bijli Mahadev Temple, perched on a cliff with a stunning lightning‑shaped trident and sweeping valley views.

Afternoon:

Descend to Naggar Castle, the former residence of Raja Sidhpur Singh, and explore its art gallery showcasing local painters.

Evening:

Shop for hand‑woven Kullu shawls at the market, and optionally attend a cultural showcase featuring traditional dance and music.

Book a Hotel
En route (Kalka → Kolkata)

Day 9: Return journey – Shimla to Kalka train, onward to Kolkata

Morning:

Check out of Kullu and drive back to Shimla for the historic Kalka‑Shimla narrow‑gauge train ride, enjoying the final mountain vistas.

Afternoon:

Arrive at Kalka, board a fast train to Delhi, and transfer to Delhi Airport for an evening flight back to Kolkata.

Evening:

Land in Kolkata, reflect on the romantic Himachal adventure, and head home with lasting memories.

Book a Hotel

Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Kolkata Airport Transfer$30
Delhi Airport Transfer$30
Kalka Railway Station (Night Train Boarding)$20
Kalka‑Shimla Toy Train (Arrival)$25
The Ridge (Shimla)Free
Christ Church (Shimla)Free
Mall Road (Shimla)Free
Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study)$5
Kufri$10
Chail Palace$5
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary$5
Jakhoo TempleFree
Naldehra Golf Course ViewpointFree
Atal Tunnel TransitFree
Hadimba Devi TempleFree
Manu TempleFree
Vashisht Hot Springs$8
Beas River Riverside WalkFree
Solang Valley Activities$15
Rohtang Pass (Permit & View)$10
Beas River Rafting$30
Kullu Market WalkFree
Raghunath Temple (Kullu)Free
Bijli Mahadev TempleFree
Naggar Castle$5
Kullu Shawl MarketVariable
Great Himalayan National Park ViewpointFree
Kalka‑Shimla Train (Return)$25
Delhi Railway Station Transfer$10
Flight Delhi‑Kolkata$80
Estimated Total (per person)$450-550
0