Start your trip by arriving in Shimla and checking into your hotel. In the morning, take a stroll on Mall Road, the main street of Shimla, lined with shops and eateries. In the afternoon, visit the Viceregal Lodge, an architectural marvel that once served as the summer residence of British viceroys. In the evening, head to Scandal Point, a popular gathering spot with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The Wake & Bake Cafe is a charming breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast here for an average cost of about Rs. 200 per person.
For a tasty lunch, head to Indian Coffee House, a popular restaurant serving a variety of Indian dishes. Enjoy a fulfilling meal here for an average cost of about Rs. 300 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Café Sol, a trendy restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Indulge in a delectable dinner here for an average cost of about Rs. 700 per person.
Sunday, January 21: Kufri Excursion
Embark on a day trip to Kufri, a scenic hill station located near Shimla. Start your morning with a visit to Kufri Fun World, an amusement park offering various thrilling rides and activities. In the afternoon, explore the Himalayan Nature Park, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy a pony ride or go hiking to Mahasu Peak for stunning views. In the evening, return to Shimla and spend some leisure time at The Ridge, a popular public space.
Kufri Fun World: Estimated cost - INR 350 (entrance fee + rides), Time spent - 3-4 hours
The Ridge: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Garden Cafe: A charming breakfast spot with a cozy garden setting, serving fresh and delicious continental and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Snow Flake Restaurant: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at this family-friendly restaurant offering a wide variety of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Indian Rasoi: Indulge in a delightful dinner at this popular restaurant known for its authentic Indian cuisine. With a warm and inviting ambiance, it offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Monday, January 22: Journey to Manali
Check out from your hotel in Shimla and embark on a picturesque drive to Manali. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains and valleys along the way. Upon reaching Manali, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can explore the local markets or relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Travel from Shimla to Manali: Estimated cost - INR 2,000 (private taxi), Time spent - 8-9 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Manali is Cafe 1947, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious breakfast options. It offers a wide range of dishes including pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Johnson's Cafe, a charming restaurant nestled amidst nature. They serve a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Italian. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, try The Corner House, a trendy restaurant with a rooftop seating area that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. They serve a mix of Indian and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, January 23: Manali Sightseeing
Start your day by visiting the Hadimba Devi Temple, a beautiful wooden temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. Explore the serene Vashisht Village and its hot springs in the afternoon. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Manali Nature Park and later, witness the breathtaking sunset at Solang Valley. In the evening, head back to Manali and indulge in local cuisine at one of the cozy restaurants.
For breakfast, head to Johnson's Cafe, a cozy eatery known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try out the famous Cafe 1947, a popular spot offering a wide range of mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Mount View Restaurant, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the Himalayas along with delectable North Indian and Chinese cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about 600 INR per person.
Wednesday, January 24: Rohtang Pass Adventure
Embark on an exciting day trip to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities. Enjoy thrilling snow activities like skiing and snowboarding (subject to availability) or simply soak in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Rahala Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Return to Manali in the evening and have a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Embark on a day trip to Manikaran, a holy place known for its hot springs and revered Gurudwara. Explore the beautiful surroundings and take a dip in the hot springs believed to have therapeutic properties. Visit the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara and learn about its significance. In the afternoon, savor a delicious langar (community meal) offered at the Gurudwara. Return to Manali in the evening and spend some time shopping for local handicrafts.
Gurudwara and Hot Springs: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Friday, January 26: Departure from Manali
Check out from your hotel in Manali and bid farewell to this beautiful hill station. Depending on your departure time, you can spend the morning exploring the Old Manali area, known for its charming wooden houses and famous cafes. Depart from Manali with cherished memories of your family-friendly trip to Shimla and Manali.
Old Manali: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Naggar Castle near Manali, a historic castle with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another hidden gem is the Jakhoo Temple in Shimla, located on Jakhoo Hill, offering panoramic vistas of the city. Locals also love exploring the Tibetan Market in Manali, known for its handicrafts and Tibetan artifacts.