7-Day Honeymoon Itinerary in Shimla Manali

Thursday, August 31: Arrival in Shimla

Start your honeymoon by arriving in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In the morning, take a romantic walk along the famous Mall Road, lined with shops and colonial buildings. Afternoon, visit the scenic Jakhoo Hill to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. In the evening, explore the Ridge, a spacious open space with a Christ Church and charming cafes.

• Mall Road: Free, 2 hours
• Jakhoo Hill: Free, 2 hours
• The Ridge: Free, 1 hour

Friday, September 1: Shimla Exploration

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, which was once the summer residence of the British viceroys. In the afternoon, take a scenic toy train ride on the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Railway, passing through picturesque landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful walk through Annandale, a lush meadow.

• Viceregal Lodge: INR 20 (entrance fee), 2 hours
• Kalka-Shimla Toy Train: INR 270 (approximate ticket price), 5 hours
• Annandale: Free, 1 hour

Saturday, September 2: Journey to Manali

Today, embark on a scenic drive from Shimla to Manali. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and stop at Kullu Valley, renowned for its picturesque beauty and handicrafts. Visit the Naggar Castle, an ancient fort with captivating architecture. Continue the journey to Manali and check into your hotel.

• Kullu Valley: Free, 2 hours
• Naggar Castle: INR 30 (entrance fee), 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to the popular Johnson's Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
• For lunch, try Casa Bella Vista, a charming restaurant with stunning views of the mountains. They offer a variety of cuisines including Italian and Indian. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
• For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at The Corner House, a restaurant that specializes in North Indian and Chinese cuisine. The elegant ambiance and delectable dishes make it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.

Sunday, September 3: Exploring Manali

Start your day by visiting the famous Hadimba Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. Enjoy a peaceful walk in the nearby Van Vihar National Park. In the afternoon, drive up to Solang Valley, known for its stunning views and adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant markets of Manali.

• Hadimba Devi Temple: Free (donations accepted), 1 hour
• Van Vihar National Park: INR 10 (entrance fee), 1 hour
• Solang Valley: INR 500 (paragliding), 3 hours

Monday, September 4: Rohtang Pass Expedition

Embark on an exciting trip to Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 13,050 feet. Enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and indulge in snow activities like skiing and snowboarding (subject to availability). In the afternoon, visit the nearby Rahala Falls. Return to Manali in the evening for a romantic dinner.

• Rohtang Pass: INR 550 (permit fee), 6 hours
• Rahala Falls: Free, 1 hour

Tuesday, September 5: Serene Manikaran

Take a day trip to the enchanting village of Manikaran, famous for its hot springs and beautiful Gurudwara. Take a dip in the hot springs and savor a delicious langar (community meal) at the Gurudwara. Explore the ancient temples and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Return to Manali in the evening.

• Manikaran Gurudwara: Free (donations accepted), 4 hours
• Manikaran Hot Springs: Free, 2 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Departure

After a memorable honeymoon in Shimla Manali, it's time to bid farewell. Check out from your hotel and depart for your onward journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a romantic experience off the beaten path, visit the serene village of Mashobra near Shimla. Explore the beautiful Craignano Nature Park and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Another hidden gem is the charming village of Naggar near Manali, known for its ancient temples and stunning views of the Kullu Valley.