A Week in Shimla, Manali, Kullu, and Kasauli: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
Sunday, February 11: Journey from Bangalore to Shimla
Start your journey by taking a flight from Bangalore to Shimla. Check flight prices and book your tickets on Kayak. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the Mall Road, a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the mountains.
Mall Road: Free, Time spent: Half-day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Sol. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options including pancakes, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. On average, a meal here costs about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, head to Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar, a restaurant known for its vibrant ambiance and delectable North Indian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like butter chicken and biryani, with an average cost of INR 600 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Restaurant at The Oberoi Cecil for a fine dining experience. Indulge in a range of international and Indian dishes, with an average cost of INR 1,500 per person.
Monday, February 12: Shimla Exploration
In the morning, visit the Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and enjoy panoramic views of Shimla from the hilltop. Afterward, head to the Viceregal Lodge, a historic building that once served as the summer residence of the British viceroys. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll in the serene Glen Forest, surrounded by tall pine trees and a tranquil ambiance.
Jakhu Temple: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Viceregal Lodge: INR 20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Glen Forest: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, February 13: Kufri Excursion
Embark on a day trip to Kufri, a small hill station near Shimla. Start your day with a visit to the Himalayan Nature Park, where you can encounter various species of flora and fauna. Proceed to the Indira Tourist Park, offering horse and yak rides, as well as scenic viewpoints. Finally, indulge in some adventure by trying skiing or tobogganing at the Kufri Fun World.
Himalayan Nature Park: INR 20 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Indira Tourist Park: INR 10 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Kufri Fun World: INR 350 per person (skiing/tobogganing), Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Simla Times, a charming café known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try out the vegetarian thali at Baljees Regency, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of North Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, visit Eighteen 71 Cookhouse & Bar, a stylish restaurant known for its fusion menu and cozy ambience. Average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
Wednesday, February 14: Journey to Manali via Kullu
Leave Shimla and travel to Manali, stopping at Kullu on the way. In Kullu, explore the stunning Raghunath Temple and take a peaceful stroll along the Beas River. Continue your journey to Manali and check into your hotel. Spend the evening leisurely walking through the vibrant streets of Old Manali and enjoy the local cuisine.
Raghunath Temple: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Beas River: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Martina's Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Martina's Cafe, known for their freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
Chopsticks: For lunch, head to Chopsticks, a popular restaurant in Manali, known for its delectable Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Johnson's Cafe & Hotel: Enjoy a memorable dinner at Johnson's Cafe & Hotel, offering a cozy ambience and a diverse menu of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
Thursday, February 15: Manali Adventure
Start your day with a visit to the Solang Valley, known for its adventure activities such as paragliding, zorbing, and skiing (subject to availability of snow). Capture breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and indulge in thrilling experiences. In the afternoon, explore the Hadimba Devi Temple, a unique and ancient wooden structure surrounded by lush greenery.
Solang Valley: Varies based on activity chosen, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Hadimba Devi Temple: INR 50 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Friday, February 16: Excursion to Rohtang Pass
Embark on a day trip to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass located at an elevation of 3,980 meters. Witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas, enjoy snow-based activities, and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape. Please note that Rohtang Pass may be closed during February due to heavy snowfall. Check the current status before planning your visit.
Rohtang Pass: INR 550 per person for tourist vehicles, Time spent: Full day
Saturday, February 17: Kasauli Exploration
Leave Manali and journey to Kasauli, a quaint hill station known for its serenity and natural beauty. Visit the Kasauli Brewery, the oldest distillery in Himachal Pradesh, and learn about the process of making whiskey. Spend the evening strolling along the Lower Mall Road and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of this charming town.
Kasauli Brewery: Free (Guided tour charges extra), Time spent: 1-2 hours
Lower Mall Road: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Hangout Cafe: A cozy breakfast spot with a wide variety of options, including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Casa Bella Vista: Located amidst beautiful surroundings, this restaurant offers delicious Italian dishes and stunning views of the mountains. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Rudra Cafe: A popular dinner destination, Rudra Cafe serves mouthwatering Indian and Chinese cuisine. Don't miss their famous butter chicken and fried rice. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
One hidden gem in Shimla is the Annadale ground, where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst lush greenery with stunning views of the Himalayas. In Manali, take a short hike to the Jogini Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by scenic beauty. Lastly, don't miss the Gilbert Trail in Kasauli, a serene walking trail that offers breathtaking views of the valley.