Exploring Shimla and Manali: A 5-Day Train Trip Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration in Shimla

Shimla, India

9:00AM

Visit the Ridge

Begin your day by exploring the Ridge, a large open space in the heart of Shimla offering panoramic views of the mountains.
Walk or take a taxi from your hotel to the Ridge. It's a short 10-minute ride.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Himachali Rasoi

Enjoy authentic Himachali cuisine at Himachali Rasoi, known for its traditional dishes like Sidu and Chana Madra.
Walk to the restaurant located nearby.
20 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Jakhu Temple

Visit Jakhu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on Jakhu Hill offering stunning views of Shimla.
Take a short taxi ride to Jakhu Temple from the Ridge.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Mall Road

Spend the evening shopping at Mall Road, known for its shops selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and woolen items.
Walk from Jakhu Temple to Mall Road, it's a 15-minute walk.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Baljees Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Baljees Restaurant, a popular spot for its variety of Indian and international dishes.
Walk to Baljees Restaurant from Mall Road.
25 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Shimla

Shimla, India

9:00AM

Visit Christ Church

Start your day at the iconic Christ Church, known for its neo-Gothic architecture and serene atmosphere.
Take a short walk from your hotel or the Ridge to Christ Church.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Annandale

Head to Annandale, a picturesque ground offering activities like golf, picnics, and nature walks.
Take a taxi to Annandale from Christ Church.
10 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hide Out Cafe

Enjoy a cozy lunch at Hide Out Cafe, known for its delicious sandwiches and coffee.
Walk to Hide Out Cafe from Annandale.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kufri

Explore the scenic beauty of Kufri, a small hill station near Shimla known for its trekking and skiing options.
Take a taxi to Kufri, it's a 30-minute ride.
20 USD, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cecil Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at Cecil Restaurant, offering a blend of local and international cuisines.
Take a taxi or walk from Kufri to Cecil Restaurant.
30 USD, 2 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Train Journey to Manali

Shimla to Manali, India

8:00AM

Take the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train to Manali

Embark on a picturesque train journey from Shimla to Manali, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayas along the way.
Head to the Shimla Railway Station to board the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. The journey takes approximately 8 hours.
50 USD, 8 hours
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Day 4: Relaxation in Manali

Manali, India

10:00AM

Visit Hadimba Devi Temple

Start your day by exploring the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, a wooden temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba.
Take a short walk or taxi ride from your hotel to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Johnson's Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Johnson's Cafe, offering a cozy ambiance and delicious continental food.
Walk to Johnson's Cafe from the temple.
25 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Old Manali

Stroll through the charming lanes of Old Manali, known for its hippie culture, cafes, and vibrant markets.
Walk from Johnson's Cafe to Old Manali, it's a 15-minute walk.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax by the Beas River

Unwind by the Beas River, soaking in the serene atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the Beas River.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Plage

Indulge in a delightful dinner at La Plage, a French restaurant known for its beachy vibe and scrumptious seafood.
Walk to La Plage from the Beas River.
35 USD, 2 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Manali

Manali, India

9:00AM

Visit Solang Valley

Embark on an adventure at Solang Valley, known for its thrilling activities like paragliding, skiing, and zorbing.
Take a taxi to Solang Valley from your hotel, it's a 30-minute ride.
50 USD, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe 1947

Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Cafe 1947, a popular spot offering a mix of Indian and Continental cuisines.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from Solang Valley to Cafe 1947.
30 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Naggar Castle

Visit the historic Naggar Castle, showcasing traditional Himachali architecture and offering panoramic views of the valley.
Take a taxi to Naggar Castle from Cafe 1947, it's a 1-hour ride.
15 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Shopping at Manu Market

Spend your evening shopping at Manu Market, a bustling market famous for its souvenirs, woolens, and handicrafts.
Walk from Naggar Castle to Manu Market, it's a 10-minute walk.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Casa Bella Vista

End your trip with a special dinner at Casa Bella Vista, known for its romantic ambiance and delectable Italian cuisine.
Walk to Casa Bella Vista from Manu Market.
40 USD, 2 hours
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