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A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary: Manali, Shimla, Rishikesh

Friday, December 22 - Arrival in Manali

Welcome to Manali! Start your trip by checking into a family-friendly hotel. In the morning, head to the iconic Hadimba Devi Temple, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful cedar forests. Spend the afternoon exploring the Mall Road, indulging in local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Beas River and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

  • Hadimba Devi Temple: Entry is free. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Mall Road: Estimated cost for food and shopping: INR 500-1000 per person. Approximate time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Walk along the Beas River: Free activity. Enjoy at your own pace.
Saturday, December 23 - Snow Fun in Manali

Get ready for a day of snow-filled adventures! Head to Solang Valley, a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and snow activities. Enjoy thrilling rides on the cable car and try your hand at snow activities like sledging and skiing. Spend the afternoon building snowmen and having a friendly snowball fight. In the evening, warm up with some hot chocolate at a nearby café.

  • Solang Valley: Estimated cost for cable car rides and activities: INR 1500-2000 per person. Approximate time spent: 4-6 hours.
  • Hot chocolate at a café: Estimated cost: INR 200-400 per person. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
Sunday, December 24 - Scenic Drive to Shimla

Leave Manali behind and embark on a scenic drive to Shimla, the "Queen of Hills." Enjoy picturesque views on the way. Upon arrival, check into a family-friendly hotel. In the morning, visit the famous Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Take a stroll on the iconic Mall Road in the afternoon and indulge in shopping and local delicacies. In the evening, explore the Viceregal Lodge, a beautiful colonial-era building.

  • Jakhu Temple: Entry is free. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Mall Road: Estimated cost for food and shopping: INR 500-1000 per person. Approximate time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Viceregal Lodge: Entry fee is INR 30 per person. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
Monday, December 25 - Christmas Celebration in Shimla

Experience the festive spirit of Christmas in Shimla. Attend the Midnight Mass at Christ Church, a beautiful colonial-era church. In the morning, take a toy train ride on the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Railway, enjoying breathtaking views. Explore the Shimla Heritage Museum in the afternoon, and in the evening, stroll through the serene Annandale Ground.

  • Christ Church (Midnight Mass): Entry is free. Check the church website for timings.
  • Kalka-Shimla Railway: Estimated cost for toy train ride: INR 500-800 per person. Approximate time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Shimla Heritage Museum: Entry fee is INR 10-20 per person. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Annandale Ground: Free entry. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Tuesday, December 26 - Arrival in Rishikesh

Leave the hills behind and travel to the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Check into a family-friendly hotel upon arrival. In the morning, visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspended bridge over the Ganges River. Explore the famous Beatles Ashram in the afternoon, where the Beatles stayed in 1968. Witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening by the riverbank.

  • Lakshman Jhula: Free entry. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Beatles Ashram: Entry fee is INR 150 per person. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Ganga Aarti: Free event. Check timings and location for the ceremony.
Wednesday, December 27 - Adventure in Rishikesh

Get ready for adventure in Rishikesh! Indulge in thrilling activities like white-water rafting, ziplining, and cliff jumping in the morning. Afterward, visit the peaceful Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, situated amidst the mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the local markets and trying delicious street food. In the evening, relax by the riverbank and enjoy the soothing atmosphere.

  • Adventure Activities: Prices vary. Check with local adventure providers for options and costs. Approximate time spent: 4-6 hours.
  • Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Entry is free. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Local markets and street food: Estimated cost: INR 500-1000 per person. Approximate time spent: 2-3 hours.
Thursday, December 28 - Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh

Embrace the spirituality of Rishikesh by participating in yoga and meditation activities. Begin the day with a calming yoga session at one of the renowned ashrams. Explore the serene Triveni Ghat and take part in the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. End your day with a peaceful meditation session along the riverbank.

  • Yoga session at an ashram: Prices depend on the ashram. Approximate time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Triveni Ghat: Free entry. Approximate time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Ganga Aarti: Free event. Check timings and location for the ceremony.
  • Meditation along the riverbank: Free activity. Enjoy at your own pace.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When exploring Manali, don't miss a visit to the picturesque village of Vashisht, famous for its natural hot springs. In Shimla, take a short hike to the scenic Summer Hill and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. In Rishikesh, venture off the beaten path to the Beatles Café and experience a relaxing ambiance with stunning river views.

For hotel and flight prices, check out kayak.com.

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