Family-Friendly 5-Day Manali and Shimla Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Manali
    Arrive at Bhuntar Airport and head to your hotel in Old Manali. Start the day with a visit to the Hidimba Devi Temple, a historic wooden temple dedicated to Hidimba, wife of Bhima. Spend the evening exploring the Mall Road, full of shops, cafes and street food.
    12 minutes (2.5 km) from Bhuntar Airport

    This culturally rich temple with towering deodar forest makes for a perfect start to your trip. To immerse yourself in the local culture, go for a stroll in the Old Manali Village. The place is dotted with traditional houses, local eateries and has a vibrant night-life, perfect for millennials.

  2. Day 2: Manali
    Get ready for a day of adventure as you visit the Solang Valley and Gulaba. Try zorbing, paragliding or skiing in Solang, and head to Gulaba for some picturesque views of snow-capped peaks and scenic beauty.
    54 minutes (15.8 km) from Old Manali

    The adventurous activities are best suited for teenagers and adults. You can visit the Solang Valley any time during the year, but winter is the best season for skiing. Gulaba is a great place to relax and takes in the beautiful views or take a scenic drive and enjoy the local apple orchids.

  3. Day 3: Shimla
    Head to Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj. Take a ride on the historic Shimla-Kalka Toy Train and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains and lush green valleys. Visit Scandal point, Mall Road and Ridge Road, the heart of the city.
    4.5hours (250 km) from Manali

    The train ride is a must-do! The uphill zigzag narrow-gauge rail track is an engineering marvel and a UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The Mall Road and Ridge Road offer a range of restaurants, cafes, shops, antiques and unique local souvenirs.

  4. Day 4: Shimla
    Spend the day exploring the highest cricket ground in the world at the Chail Cricket Stadium, which is surrounded by dense forests and stunning views. Visit Kufri Fun World for adventure activities like go-karting, bungee jumping, wall-climbing and many more.
    1 hour 39 minutes (45.1 km) from Shimla

    The Chail Cricket Stadium offers a breathtaking view of the Shivalik Range. Kufri Fun World is an amusement park with adventure sports activities, perfect for families with children.

  5. Day 5: Shimla & Departure
    Wind up the trip with a visit to the famous Jakhoo Hill and the Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and standing at 8000ft. Depart from Shimla home-bound.
    18 minutes (4.2 km) from Chail Cricket Stadium

    The Jakhoo Hill is one of the famous landmarks in Shimla with panoramic views, especially during sunset and sunrise. Make sure to visit the Jakhoo Temple and offer prayers at the ancient shrine, surrounded by cheeky monkeys.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hidimba Devi Temple (2 hours, free entry)
  • Solang Valley and Gulaba (5-6 hours, INR 1200 per person per activity)
  • Shimla-Kalka Toy Train (5-6 hours, INR 500 per person)
  • Chail Cricket Stadium and Kufri Fun World (4-5 hours, INR 1000 per person for Kufri Fun World activities)
  • Jakhoo Hill and Jakhoo Temple (3 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 2700

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit Rewalsar Lake in Mandi and get a chance to explore the gilded temple. If you are short on time, you can skip Kufri Fun World and spend more time in the Mall Road in Shimla. If you're not an adventure junkie, avoid visiting Solang Valley and skip Gulaba.

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