7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Delhi, Shimla, Manali, and Nainital in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Delhi
    45 minutes (15 miles) from Indira Gandhi International Airport

    Visit the Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tall minaret made of red sandstone and marble. Explore the Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun.

  2. Day 2: Shimla
    7 hours (245 miles) from Delhi

    Take a scenic toy train ride through the Himalayas from Kalka to Shimla. Explore the Mall Road and Ridge, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Don't miss the Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

  3. Day 3: Manali
    7 hours (160 miles) from Shimla

    Go for a scenic drive to Rohtang Pass, with breath-taking views of the Himalayas. Visit the Hadimba Temple, a wooden temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi. Enjoy river rafting or paragliding in Solang Valley.

  4. Day 4: Manali
    50 minutes(14 miles) from Kullu Manali Airport

    Get ready for some adventure with ziplining, rock climbing, and rappelling in Manali. Visit the Manu Temple, dedicated to sage Manu, considered the father of mankind in Hindu mythology.

  5. Day 5: Nainital
    14 hours (459 miles) from Manali

    Take a scenic drive to Nainital, a charming hill station surrounded by mountains. Explore Naini Lake, a peaceful spot for boating. Visit the Eco Cave Gardens, with interconnected caves and a musical waterfall.

  6. Day 6: Nainital
    30 minutes (9 miles) from Nainital Lake

    Get closer to wildlife by visiting the Nainital Zoo, housing endangered species like Himalayan black bears and snow leopards. Go for a trek or take a cable car to the Snow Viewpoint for a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.

  7. Day 7: Delhi
    7 hours (239 miles) from Nainital

    End your trip with a visit to the Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its stunning lotus-shaped architecture. Visit the Akshardham Temple, a spiritual and cultural campus showcasing Indian culture, heritage, and spirituality.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Qutub Minar (2 hours, free)
  • Humayun's Tomb (2 hours, INR 610/adult, INR 30/child)
  • Toy Train Ride (5 hours, INR 345-655/adult, INR 180-335/child)
  • Jakhu Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Rohtang Pass (6 hours, INR 550/adult, INR 350/child)
  • Hadimba Temple (1 hour, INR 50/person)
  • Manu Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Naini Lake (2 hours, INR 210/boat)
  • Eco Cave Gardens (1.5 hours, INR 55/adult, INR 25/child)
  • Nainital Zoo (2 hours, INR 50/adult, INR 20/child)
  • Snow Viewpoint (1 hour, INR 170/adult, INR 110/child)
  • Lotus Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Akshardham Temple (4 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,220/adult, INR 1,100/child

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. If you have less time, skip Manali and reduce the trip to 5 days. Keep in mind that the trip involves long drives, so consider taking breaks and carrying light snacks. The best time to visit these places is from March to June and September to December.

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