4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary from Delhi to Shimla in May 2023
Day 1: Explore the Capital of India - Delhi
Start your journey from Delhi, which is 350 km from Shimla and takes about 7 hours to reach.
Begin your day with a visit to India Gate, a war memorial that honors the soldiers who died in the First World War. Next, head to the Lotus Temple, a beautiful temple shaped like a lotus flower that is open to people of all religions. Afterward, visit the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest minaret in India, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens. End your day by exploring the Red Fort, a historic fort that once served as the residence of Mughal Emperors.
Day 2: Discover the Beauty of Chandigarh
Start your day early and drive 110 km from Delhi to Chandigarh, which takes about 3 hours to reach.
Begin your day by visiting the Rock Garden, a sculpture garden created by Nek Chand using recycled materials. Next, head to Sukhna Lake, a man-made lake that offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. In the evening, visit the Pinjore Gardens, a historic Mughal garden that is illuminated at night.
Day 3: Reach the Queen of Hills - Shimla
Drive from Chandigarh to Shimla, which is 110 km away and takes about 4 hours to reach.
Begin your day by visiting the Jakhu Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman that offers a panoramic view of Shimla. Next, explore the Viceregal Lodge, a historic building that served as the summer residence of the British Viceroy of India. In the evening, take a stroll at the Mall Road, a bustling street that is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Day 4: Retreat to Nature in Kufri
Drive 16 km from Shimla to Kufri, which takes about 45 minutes to reach.
Begin your day by visiting the Himalayan Nature Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is home to various species such as snow leopards, musk deer, and barking deer. Next, go on a horse ride and trek to Mahasu Peak, which is the highest peak in Kufri and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. In the evening, visit the Kufri Fun World, an amusement park that offers various rides and activities for all ages.
Time and Costs Estimates
India Gate (1-2 hours, Free)
Lotus Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
Qutub Minar (1-2 hours, INR 250 per person)
Red Fort (1-2 hours, INR 500 per person)
Rock Garden (1-2 hours, INR 30 per person)
Sukhna Lake (1-2 hours, Free)
Pinjore Gardens (1-2 hours, INR 20 per person)
Jakhu Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
Viceregal Lodge (1-2 hours, INR 20 per person)
Mall Road (1-2 hours, Free)
Himalayan Nature Park (2-3 hours, INR 30 per person)
Mahasu Peak (3-4 hours, INR 500 per person for horse ride and trek)
Kufri Fun World (2-3 hours, INR 500 per person for unlimited rides)