Situated in the heart of Dalhousie, Cafe Dalhousie is a cozy breakfast spot offering a variety of traditional Himachali dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
For lunch, head over to Punjabi Rasoi, a popular restaurant known for its delicious North Indian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like butter chicken and naan. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Silver Oaks, a fine-dining restaurant in Dalhousie offering a range of Indian and European dishes. Experience the elegant ambiance and savor dishes like grilled fish and pasta. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Restaurants
Jimmy's Italian Kitchen: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Jimmy's Italian Kitchen, known for its scrumptious pancakes and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Illiterati: For lunch, head to Illiterati, a cozy cafe with a peaceful ambiance. They serve a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Italian, and Tibetan. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
Norling Restaurant: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Norling Restaurant, offering an extensive menu of Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Don't miss their mouth-watering momos! The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast in Dharamshala, head to Moonpeak Espresso. This cozy café offers a wide variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch spot, try Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant. They serve a range of Japanese dishes including sushi, ramen, and bento boxes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
For a satisfying dinner, visit Norling Restaurant. This Tibetan restaurant offers a selection of mouthwatering dishes like momos, thukpa, and bhutanese curry. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
Restaurants
Namgyal Café: A cozy café located in McLeod Ganj, offering a variety of breakfast options including Tibetan bread and butter tea. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Illiterati: A popular book café in McLeod Ganj, known for its delicious vegetarian lunch options and a vibrant atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Carpe Diem: A rooftop restaurant in Bhagsunag, famous for its panoramic views and mouthwatering dinner dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Illiterati Books & Coffee in McLeod Ganj. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of breakfast options, including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Savor delicious Tibetan cuisine for lunch at Tibet Kitchen. This restaurant is known for its authentic Tibetan flavors and charming ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Nick's Italian Kitchen. This Italian restaurant offers a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, and tasty desserts. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Arrival in Shimla
Start your family adventure in the picturesque hill station of Shimla. In the morning, take a leisurely walk along Mall Road, exploring the charming shops and cafes. Afterward, visit the Viceregal Lodge, a magnificent colonial-era building with beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, head to Kufri, a nearby hill station known for its panoramic views and adventure activities like horse riding and tobogganing. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful stroll at the serene Chadwick Falls.
Mall Road: Free, 2-3 hours
Viceregal Lodge: INR 50 per person, 1-2 hours
Kufri: INR 300 per person, 4-5 hours
Chadwick Falls: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Shimla is Café Sol, offering a variety of continental and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar, a cozy restaurant serving delicious North Indian and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Indulge in authentic Himachali cuisine for dinner at Baljee's, a family-friendly restaurant known for its warm ambiance and traditional flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 1: Manali Exploration
Embark on a scenic drive to Manali, a famous hill station nestled in the mountains. In the morning, visit the Hidimba Devi Temple, an ancient temple surrounded by lush forests. Explore the nearby Van Vihar National Park, perfect for leisurely walks and boating. In the afternoon, head to Solang Valley for thrilling activities like paragliding and zorbing. End the day with a visit to the serene Jogini Falls.
Hidimba Devi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Van Vihar National Park: INR 20 per person, 1-2 hours
Solang Valley: INR 500 per person (activities extra), 4-5 hours
Jogini Falls: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Lazy Dog Cafe: A cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Casa Bella Vista: This charming restaurant offers a variety of lunch dishes, including pastas, pizzas, and salads, all made with fresh local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Johnson's Cafe: Indulge in a delightful dinner at this popular restaurant known for its mouth-watering Indian and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday, October 2: Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
Head towards Dharamshala, a spiritual town famous for its Tibetan culture and stunning landscapes. In the morning, visit the Namgyal Monastery in McLeod Ganj, the residence of the Dalai Lama. Explore the vibrant streets lined with Tibetan shops and cafes. In the afternoon, take a peaceful walk at the Dal Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. Visit the beautiful Bhagsunag Waterfall and end the day with a visit to the enchanting Dalai Lama Temple.
Namgyal Monastery: Free, 2-3 hours
Dal Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Bhagsunag Waterfall: Free, 1-2 hours
Dalai Lama Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, October 3: Dalhousie & Khajjiar
Explore the scenic beauty of Dalhousie and Khajjiar, also known as the "Mini Switzerland of India." In the morning, visit the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna. Take a short trek to the Panchpula waterfalls and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. In the afternoon, head to Khajjiar and indulge in various activities like horse riding and zorbing. Take in the breathtaking views of the Khajjiar Lake and meadows. End the day with a visit to the ancient Khajji Nag Temple.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 250 per person, 2-3 hours
Panchpula Waterfalls: Free, 1-2 hours
Khajjiar: Free, 3-4 hours
Khajji Nag Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Himachal, make sure to visit the hidden gems and local favorites. In Shimla, don't miss the scenic Glen Forests and the beautiful Kamna Devi Temple. In Manali, take a detour to the quaint village of Vashisht and experience the hot water springs. In Dharamshala, explore the serene Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving Tibetan art and culture. Lastly, in Dalhousie, soak in the tranquility of Satdhara Falls and explore the charming streets of Subhash Chowk.
For finding suitable hotels and flight prices, you can check here.