6-Day Itinerary for Chandigarh and Shimla in June 2023

1. Day 1: Explore the Rock Garden in Chandigarh
   20 minutes (7.4 km) from Chandigarh International Airport

   In the morning, visit the famous Rock Garden, a sculpture garden made entirely of industrial and urban waste. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Sukhna Lake for boating and a picnic. In the evening, explore Sector 17, the shopping district of Chandigarh, and enjoy the local street food.

2. Day 2: Visit the Pinjore Gardens and Cactus Garden
   50 minutes (22 km) from Rock Garden

   In the morning, head to the beautiful Pinjore Gardens, also known as Yadavindra Gardens, and explore the Mughal-style garden, palaces and fountains. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Cactus Garden, home to over 3,500 varieties of cacti and succulents. In the evening, return to Chandigarh and relax at your hotel.

3. Day 3: Travel to Shimla and visit the Viceregal Lodge
   2 hours 30 minutes (114 km) from Chandigarh

   In the morning, travel to Shimla, the summer capital of British India, and check into your hotel. After lunch, visit the Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, a beautiful colonial-era building that served as the summer residence of the viceroy of India. In the evening, explore the Mall Road, the popular shopping street in Shimla.

4. Day 4: Take a tour of Shimla's heritage buildings
   30 minutes (2.3 km) from Viceregal Lodge

   In the morning, take a guided tour of Shimla's heritage buildings including Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, and Shimla State Museum. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Bird Park and Kufri, a beautiful hill station located 13 miles from Shimla and enjoy skiing, hiking and stunning views. In the evening, return to Shimla and enjoy the local cuisine.

5. Day 5: Explore Chail and Kali Temple
   1 hour 40 minutes (60 km) from Shimla

   In the morning, visit Chail, a beautiful hill station known for its cricket ground, and explore the Chail Palace, built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. In the afternoon, visit the Kali Temple, one of the most famous temples in Shimla, and enjoy the scenic views. In the evening, return to Shimla and enjoy the local nightlife.

6. Day 6: Depart from Shimla
   2 hours 30 minutes (114 km) from Chandigarh International Airport

   In the morning, depart from Shimla and head back to Chandigarh International Airport.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the nearby Solan and Kasauli hill stations for a day trip. You can also take the Kalka-Shimla toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a scenic journey through the hills. To maximize your fun, try the local food and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't forget to carry warm clothes, as evenings can be chilly even in June.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rock Garden (2 hours, INR 40)
• Sukhna Lake (2-3 hours, INR 200)
• Pinjore Gardens (2-3 hours, INR 20-100)
• Cactus Garden (1-2 hours, INR 20-50)
• Viceregal Lodge (2-3 hours, INR 20-50)
• Gaiety Theatre (1 hour, INR 20-50)
• Shimla State Museum (1-2 hours, INR 20-50)
• Himalayan Bird Park (1 hour, INR 10-30)
• Chail Palace (2-3 hours, INR 100-300)
• Kali Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• Kufri (3-4 hours, INR 200-500)
• Total Estimated Costs (INR 700-1,290)