7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Amritsar
Saturday, December 2: Exploring Shimla
Start your trip by exploring the beautiful hill station of Shimla. In the morning, visit the famous Ridge, a large open space that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road, lined with shops and cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Jakhu Temple, located atop Jakhu Hill, and admire the giant Hanuman statue. End your day with a visit to the Shimla State Museum to learn about the region's history and culture.
The Ridge: Free, 2 hours
Mall Road: Variable, 3 hours
Jakhu Temple: Free, 1 hour
Shimla State Museum: INR 10 (approx. $0.13), 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Devicos, a cozy cafe known for its delicious omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Cafe Sol, a vibrant restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Italian, and Indian. Don't miss their famous wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Baljees, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Indian dishes like butter chicken and biryani. The elegant ambience and warm hospitality make it a great choice for a memorable dinner. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Sunday, December 3: Adventure in Kullu
Embark on an adventurous day in Kullu. Start your morning with a visit to the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a thrilling white water rafting trip on the Beas River in the afternoon. End the day by exploring the colorful markets of Kullu, where you can find traditional handicrafts and local delicacies.
Great Himalayan National Park: INR 50 (approx. $0.66), 4 hours
White Water Rafting: INR 1500-2000 (approx. $20-27), 3 hours
Kullu Market: Variable, 2 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for their wide variety of options including pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Café Delight: For lunch, head to Café Delight, a cozy restaurant offering a range of sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. Don't miss their signature chicken Caesar salad. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Flavors of India: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Flavors of India, a popular restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine. Try their aromatic biryani or delicious tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Monday, December 4: Scenic Beauty of Manali
Discover the scenic beauty of Manali on this day. Start your morning with a visit to the Hadimba Devi Temple, surrounded by dense cedar forests. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Manali Nature Park in the afternoon, where you can spot various species of birds and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. End your day with a visit to the Solang Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing.
A popular breakfast spot in Manali is Johnson's Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Lazy Dog Lounge, which offers a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Italian. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner at Cafe 1947, a cozy restaurant known for its live music and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Exploring Amritsar
Experience the rich culture and history of Amritsar. Start your morning by visiting the iconic Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Explore the Jallianwala Bagh in the afternoon, a memorial ground that commemorates the tragic massacre of 1919. Witness the Wagah Border Ceremony in the evening, a patriotic display of border closing ceremony between India and Pakistan.
Golden Temple: Free, 3 hours
Jallianwala Bagh: Free, 1 hour
Wagah Border Ceremony: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kesar Da Dhaba, a famous food joint in Amritsar known for its delicious North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Beera Chicken House, a local favorite known for its flavorful and spicy Punjabi chicken dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the traditional Amritsari cuisine at Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner, renowned for its mouthwatering fish and chicken preparations. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Shopping and Sightseeing in Shimla
Return to Shimla for a day of shopping and sightseeing. Spend the morning exploring the bustling Lower Bazaar, known for its vibrant shops selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the Viceregal Lodge, a British era architectural marvel surrounded by beautiful gardens. End your day with a visit to the Scandal Point, a popular meeting place offering panoramic views of the mountains.
Lower Bazaar: Variable, 3 hours
Viceregal Lodge: INR 20 (approx. $0.26), 2 hours
Scandal Point: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Head to Cafe Sol for a delicious breakfast with a view. This popular cafe offers a variety of breakfast options and the average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Sita Ram & Sons for lunch. Known for their mouthwatering Chole Bhature and Rajma Chawal, the average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Eighteen 71 Cookhouse & Drinks for dinner. This restaurant offers a range of global cuisines and the average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Thursday, December 7: Adventure Activities in Manali
Get your adrenaline pumping with adventure activities in Manali. Start your morning by visiting the Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 13,050 feet, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Engage in snow activities like skiing and snowboarding in the afternoon. End your day with a visit to the Tibetan Monastery, where you can experience the serenity and spirituality.
Rohtang Pass: INR 550 (approx. $7.38), 4 hours
Snow Activities: Variable, 3 hours
Tibetan Monastery: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe 1947, a cozy cafe offering a variety of delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, try out Johnson's Bar and Restaurant, known for its delectable Indian and Continental cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 600 per person.
For dinner, visit The Lazy Dog Lounge, a trendy restaurant serving a range of international dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 800 per person.
Friday, December 8: Return to Shimla and Departure
Return to Shimla for your departure. Spend your morning exploring the beautiful Himalayan Bird Park, where you can spot various species of birds. Take a leisurely walk along the Annandale, a scenic flat ground offering panoramic views. Depart from Shimla with unforgettable memories.
A popular breakfast spot in Shimla is Café Sol. They offer a variety of breakfast dishes such as pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Sita Ram & Sons, a famous restaurant known for its delicious Chole Bhature. This place serves mouth-watering North Indian vegetarian food at affordable prices. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For dinner, try out Devicos Restaurant & Bar in Shimla. They offer a diverse menu including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Off the beaten path, consider visiting Mashobra, a serene hill station near Shimla, known for its apple orchards and beautiful nature trails. Another local favorite is Naggar, a quaint village near Manali, famous for its ancient Naggar Castle and art galleries showcasing local traditional art.