Shimla on a Shoestring Budget - 3 Day Itinerary (June 2023)

1. Day 1: The Ridge
   10 minutes (1.2 miles) from Shimla Bus Stand

   In the morning, take a leisurely stroll along The Ridge, a large open space in the heart of the city. Enjoy the cool breeze and admire the stunning view of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit the Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in North India. Don't miss the beautiful stained glass windows and the fresco on the ceiling. In the evening, head to Scandal Point, a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sunset over the mountains.

2. Day 2: Jakhu Hill and Viceregal Lodge
   20 minutes (2.4 miles) from The Ridge

   Start your morning with a hike up to Jakhu Hill, the highest peak in Shimla. The trek is moderate and will take about an hour. At the top, you'll be greeted by a giant statue of Hanuman and a breathtaking view of the city. After lunch, take a visit to Viceregal Lodge, a grand colonial building that used to be the residence of the British Viceroy of India. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the building and its architecture. In the evening, head back to The Ridge for some shopping and street food.

3. Day 3: Kalka-Shimla Railway and Chadwick Falls
   30 minutes (6.1 miles) from Jakhu Hill

   Take an early morning train from Shimla Railway Station to Kalka on the Kalka-Shimla Railway. The train journey takes about 5 hours and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the scenic route and breathtaking views of the mountains. Once you're back in Shimla, have lunch and then head to Chadwick Falls, a beautiful waterfall located in a dense forest. The trek is moderate and will take about an hour each way. Take a dip in the cool water and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature. In the evening, head back to The Ridge for some souvenir shopping.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on visiting the Shimla State Museum, which showcases the city's art, culture and history. If you have an extra day, take a day trip to Chail, a small hill station located about 45 minutes from Shimla. You can also visit the nearby town of Mashobra, which is known for its apple orchards and beautiful views.

To save money and maximize your fun, consider staying in a budget hotel or hostel and travelling by local buses or shared taxis. Don't forget to try local street food, such as chaat, chole bhature and momos, which are delicious and affordable.

Time and Costs Estimates

• The Ridge (2 hours, free)
• Christ Church (1 hour, free)
• Scandal Point (1 hour, free)
• Jakhu Hill (3 hours, free)
• Viceregal Lodge (2 hours, ₹20 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners)
• Shopping and Street Food (2 hours, ₹200)
• Kalka-Shimla Railway (5 hours, ₹260 for Ordinary Class, ₹695 for First Class)
• Chadwick Falls (3 hours, free)
• Souvenir Shopping (1 hour, ₹100)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹1,225 for Indians, ₹1,770 for foreigners

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.