A Family Friendly Adventure in Kullu, Manali, and Shimla
Friday January 19: Arrival in Kullu
Welcome to Kullu, a picturesque valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In the morning, explore the charming town of Kullu and visit the Raghunath Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Beas River and enjoy the scenic beauty. As the evening sets in, indulge in some local shopping at the vibrant Kullu Market to buy traditional handicrafts and woolen items.
Raghunath Temple: Entry is free, approximately 1 hour
Beas River Walk: Free, approximately 2 hours
Kullu Market: Budget-friendly, time varies based on personal preference
Saturday January 20: Exploring Manali
Today, venture to the beautiful hill station of Manali. In the morning, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, surrounded by tall deodar trees, and marvel at its unique architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Solang Valley for thrilling adventure activities like paragliding and skiing (weather permitting). As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Hadimba Devi Temple: Entry is free, approximately 1 hour
Solang Valley: Activity costs vary, approximately 4-5 hours
Mall Road: Budget-friendly, time varies based on personal preference
Restaurants
Café Johnson: A cozy breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
Mountview Restaurant: Enjoy a hearty lunch at this restaurant with stunning views of the mountains. Try their famous Himachali thali for a taste of local cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Gusto Italiano: For dinner, indulge in authentic Italian dishes at this charming restaurant. Don't miss their wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Sunday January 21: Rohtang Pass Excursion
Embark on an exciting day trip to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass located at an elevation of 3,978 meters. In the morning, drive through the scenic countryside to reach Rohtang Pass and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. In the afternoon, engage in snow activities like snowboarding and building snowmen. As the evening descends, return to Manali and relax at your hotel.
Rohtang Pass: Entry fee is approximately INR 550 per person, approximately 6-7 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Lazy Dog Café, known for its cozy ambiance and hearty meals. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Johnson's Café, offering a range of dishes including Indian, Italian, and Continental cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
End your day with a delectable dinner at IL Forno, a popular Italian restaurant serving authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Monday January 22: Journey to Shimla
Leave Manali in the morning and embark on a picturesque journey to Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Upon arrival, visit the famous Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the temple's hilltop location. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Mall Road, known for its shops, cafes, and colonial architecture. As the evening sets in, take a peaceful walk at the Ridge, a popular gathering spot.
Jakhu Temple: Entry is free, approximately 1-2 hours
Mall Road: Budget-friendly, time varies based on personal preference
The Ridge: Free, approximately 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Sol. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Al Bake. This popular restaurant serves mouthwatering Mediterranean and Indian dishes such as falafel, shawarma, and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar. Known for its elegant ambiance and delectable North Indian cuisine, this restaurant offers a range of dishes from tandoori grills to rich curries. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday January 23: Shimla Sightseeing
Discover more of Shimla's attractions today. In the morning, visit the beautiful Viceregal Lodge, formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India, and explore its stunning architecture and well-maintained gardens. In the afternoon, take a scenic toy train ride on the Shimla-Kalka Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoying the breathtaking views. As the evening approaches, spend some quality time with your family at the serene Annandale.
Viceregal Lodge: Entry fee is approximately INR 30 per person, approximately 2-3 hours
Shimla-Kalka Railway: Train fare varies based on distance, approximately 3 hours
Annandale: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Sol. This cozy café offers a variety of options ranging from traditional Indian dishes to continental breakfast delights. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar. This restaurant serves an array of mouthwatering multi-cuisine dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at The Devicos. Known for its warm ambiance and excellent food, this restaurant offers a wide range of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 900 INR per person.
Wednesday January 24: Exploring Shimla's Surroundings
Embark on a day trip to nearby attractions from Shimla. In the morning, visit Kufri, a small hill station known for its panoramic views and adventure activities like horse riding. In the afternoon, explore the historical town of Chail and visit the Chail Palace, surrounded by lush greenery. As the evening sets in, return to Shimla and enjoy a leisurely walk at the beautiful Chadwick Falls.
Kufri: Entry fee for attractions varies, approximately 3-4 hours
Chail Palace: Entry fee is approximately INR 100 per person, approximately 2-3 hours
Chadwick Falls: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
Thursday January 25: Departure from Shimla
On the final day of your trip, bid farewell to the beautiful hill stations. In the morning, visit the famous Christ Church, known for its neo-Gothic architecture, and spend some peaceful moments. In the afternoon, explore the Lower Bazaar and indulge in some last-minute shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs. Finally, depart from Shimla with beautiful memories of your family-friendly adventure.
Christ Church: Entry is free, approximately 1 hour
Lower Bazaar: Budget-friendly, time varies based on personal preference
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring the region, don't miss the opportunity to visit Naggar Castle in Kullu. This ancient castle offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and houses a museum showcasing traditional Himachali art and crafts. Another hidden gem is the Tattapani Hot Springs near Shimla, where you can relax in natural hot water springs amidst picturesque scenery. These off-the-beaten-path attractions provide a unique and authentic experience for families.