7-Day City Experiences Itinerary: Manali, Shimla, Goa

Friday October 20: Manali

Start your trip by exploring the beautiful town of Manali in the morning. Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a serene wooden temple surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, head to the Solang Valley for breathtaking views and adventurous activities like paragliding and zorbing. As the evening sets in, stroll along the Mall Road and indulge in some local shopping.

• Hadimba Devi Temple: INR 20, estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Solang Valley: INR 500 (paragliding), estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Mall Road: Varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Restaurants

• Cafe 1947: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe 1947, known for their excellent pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 300 Rupees per person.
• Johnson's Bar and Restaurant: For lunch, head to Johnson's Bar and Restaurant, where you can savor mouthwatering Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 Rupees per person.
• Natraj Restaurant: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Natraj Restaurant, known for their wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 Rupees per person.

Saturday October 21: Shimla

Embark on a scenic drive to Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Start your morning by visiting the iconic Christ Church, a stunning neo-Gothic structure. In the afternoon, explore the Viceregal Lodge, a colonial-era building with beautiful architecture and gardens. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along the Ridge Road and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

• Christ Church: Free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Viceregal Lodge: INR 30, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Ridge Road: Free, estimated time spent: 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Indian Coffee House which offers a wide range of delicious Indian breakfast options. You can enjoy a hearty meal here for an average cost of about 150 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a great spot for lunch, try Baljeet Vegetarian Restaurant. They serve a variety of vegetarian dishes, including North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese cuisines. You can enjoy a satisfying lunch here for an average cost of about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Sagar Ratna, a popular restaurant known for its authentic South Indian delicacies. They offer a wide selection of dosas, idlis, and uttapams. You can enjoy a scrumptious dinner here for an average cost of about 400 INR per person.

Sunday October 22: Manali

Return to Manali and start your day by visiting the enchanting Rohtang Pass. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers, and breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, explore the Vashisht Village known for its hot water springs and ancient temples. As the evening sets in, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Beas River.

• Rohtang Pass: INR 550, estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Vashisht Village: Free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Beas River: Free, estimated time spent: 1 hour

Monday October 23: Shimla

Head back to Shimla and spend your morning exploring the beautiful Himalayan Nature Park. Get up close with various Himalayan species in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, take a scenic toy train ride from Shimla to Kalka and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the surrounding hills. As the evening approaches, visit the bustling Mall Road for shopping and dining.

• Himalayan Nature Park: INR 30, estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Toy Train Ride: INR 520, estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Mall Road: Varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Tuesday October 24: Goa

Fly to Goa and start your day by exploring the charming Latin Quarter, Fontainhas. Admire the vibrant colonial architecture and narrow winding streets. In the afternoon, relax at the serene Calangute Beach and soak up the sun. As the evening sets in, head to Anjuna Flea Market for shopping, live music, and delicious street food.

• Fontainhas: Free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Calangute Beach: Free, estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Anjuna Flea Market: Varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Alchemia, known for its cozy ambiance and a wide range of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• For lunch, head to Viva Panjim, a charming Goan restaurant that serves traditional Goan dishes like fish curry and prawn balchao. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
• Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Ritz Classic, a popular restaurant known for its delectable Goan and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.

Wednesday October 25: Goa

In the morning, visit the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. In the afternoon, take a cruise along the Mandovi River and enjoy the scenic views. As the evening approaches, experience the vibrant nightlife at Tito's Lane in Baga Beach.

• Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Mandovi River Cruise: INR 500, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Tito's Lane: Varies, estimated time spent: 3 hours

Restaurants

• Anjuna Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Anjuna Cafe, known for its wide variety of healthy options and relaxing atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• Britto's: For a satisfying lunch, head to Britto's, a popular beachfront restaurant that offers an extensive menu of seafood and Goan delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
• Gunpowder: Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Gunpowder, a charming restaurant known for its authentic South Indian cuisine and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.

Thursday October 26: Goa

Explore the spice plantations of Goa in the morning and learn about the various spices and their uses. In the afternoon, visit the Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. As the evening sets in, relax at the peaceful Palolem Beach and witness a mesmerizing sunset.

• Spice Plantation: INR 400, estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Dudhsagar Falls: INR 400, estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Palolem Beach: Free, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Alchemia, known for its delicious sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Vinayak Family Restaurant and indulge in their mouthwatering Goan thali, a traditional meal consisting of rice, curry, fish, and vegetables. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• In the evening, savor a delectable seafood dinner at Martins Corner, a famous restaurant that offers a wide selection of Goan delicacies. Try their signature Goan fish curry and be prepared for a feast of flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Manali, don't miss a visit to the serene Jogini Falls, located amidst lush green forests. In Shimla, take a detour to visit the charming town of Mashobra and experience its tranquility. In Goa, explore the offbeat Divar Island, known for its scenic beauty and old-world charm.