Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Shimla

Day 1: City Exploration

Shimla, India

9:00 AM

The Ridge

Start your day at The Ridge, a large open space in the heart of Shimla offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The Ridge is centrally located in Shimla and can be reached by walking from most hotels in the city centre.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Baljees

Enjoy a delicious meal at Baljees, a popular restaurant known for its local Himachali cuisine.
Baljees is located near The Ridge, just a short walk away.
£10 per person, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Jakhoo Temple

Visit Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, and climb to the hilltop for stunning views of Shimla.
Take a taxi or walk to Jakhoo Temple from The Ridge, it's a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping at Mall Road

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts at Mall Road, a bustling shopping street with a variety of shops and cafes.
Mall Road is a short walk from Jakhoo Temple, making it convenient to explore.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Eighteen71 Cookhouse

Indulge in a fusion of Indian and global cuisines at Eighteen71 Cookhouse, a stylish restaurant with a cosy ambiance.
Eighteen71 Cookhouse is located near Mall Road, a 10-minute walk from the shopping area.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature Day

Shimla, India

9:00 AM

Kufri

Embark on a day trip to Kufri, a picturesque hill station known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like horse riding.
Take a shared taxi or hire a private car to Kufri, approximately a 1-hour drive from Shimla.
£20 for taxi, Full day

1:00 PM

Picnic at Mahasu Peak

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Mahasu Peak in Kufri, the highest point in the area offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Mahasu Peak is a short trek from Kufri town, so wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Himalayan Nature Park

Explore the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri, home to various species of flora and fauna native to the region.
The park is located near Mahasu Peak and is easily accessible on foot.
£5 entry fee, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Cafe Sol

Head back to Shimla and dine at Cafe Sol, a vibrant cafe offering a mix of Indian and continental dishes.
Return to Shimla by taxi or shared vehicle, and walk to Cafe Sol from the city centre.
£12 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Shimla, India

9:00 AM

Viceregal Lodge

Visit the Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, a historic building with English Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens.
Take a taxi to Viceregal Lodge, located a short distance from the city centre.
£3 entry fee, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Have lunch at Indian Coffee House, a quaint eatery known for its South Indian delicacies and filter coffee.
Indian Coffee House is a quick taxi ride from Viceregal Lodge in the Mall area.
£8 per person, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Shimla State Museum

Explore the Shimla State Museum to learn about the history and cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh through its exhibits and artefacts.
Walk to the Shimla State Museum from Indian Coffee House, it's located nearby in Chaura Maidan.
£2 entry fee, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Gaiety Theatre

Attend a performance or tour the Gaiety Theatre, an iconic cultural venue in Shimla dating back to the colonial era.
The Gaiety Theatre is a short walk from the museum, making it convenient to visit.
£5 for performance, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Sher-e-Punjab

Enjoy a traditional Punjabi dinner at Sher-e-Punjab, a popular restaurant serving authentic North Indian dishes.
Sher-e-Punjab is located in the Mall area and can be reached by walking from the theatre.
£10 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure Day

Shimla, India

9:00 AM

Adventure Park

Start your day at the Adventure Park in Shimla, where you can enjoy activities like zip-lining, rope courses, and rock climbing.
The Adventure Park is located near Kufri and can be reached by taxi or private car.
£15 for activities, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Devicos Restaurant

Have lunch at Devicos Restaurant, a cosy eatery offering a mix of Indian and Chinese dishes with scenic views.
Devicos Restaurant is a short drive from the Adventure Park, providing a relaxing dining setting.
£10 per person, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary

Explore the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary, a peaceful nature reserve ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
Take a taxi to the sanctuary from the restaurant, it's a short drive away.
£3 entry fee, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Mashobra

Visit Mashobra, a serene town near Shimla known for its apple orchards and scenic beauty, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.
Drive or take a taxi to Mashobra from the sanctuary, it's a 30-minute journey.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cafe Under Tree

Dine at Cafe Under Tree in Mashobra, a charming restaurant offering delicious Himachali cuisine amidst nature.
Relax and enjoy the ambience at Cafe Under Tree, located in the heart of Mashobra.
£12 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Relaxation Day

Shimla, India

9:00 AM

Annandale

Spend the morning at Annandale, a historic playground and picnic spot with lush greenery and views of the valley.
Annandale is a short drive from the city centre, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Brunch at Hide Out Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Hide Out Cafe, a cosy cafe known for its freshly brewed coffee and light bites.
Hide Out Cafe is located near Annandale, providing a relaxed setting for a mid-morning meal.
£8 per person, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Horse Riding at Annadale Ground

Experience horse riding at Annandale Ground, a popular activity for families to enjoy in the scenic surroundings.
Book a horse riding session at the ground and explore the area on horseback.
£10 per person, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Shopping at Lakkar Bazaar

Browse for wooden handicrafts and souvenirs at Lakkar Bazaar, a bustling market famous for its wooden items.
Lakkar Bazaar is a short distance from Annandale, offering a unique shopping experience.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Baljees Regency

Enjoy dinner at Baljees Regency, a family-friendly restaurant with a variety of dishes to suit everyone's tastes.
Baljees Regency is located near Lakkar Bazaar, making it convenient for a post-shopping meal.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Scenic Day

Shimla, India

9:00 AM

Chadwick Falls

Start your day with a visit to Chadwick Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and a serene atmosphere.
Take a taxi to Chadwick Falls from the city centre, it's a short drive to reach this natural wonder.
£2 entry fee, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Brunch at Sagar Ratna

Have brunch at Sagar Ratna, a popular vegetarian restaurant serving a variety of North and South Indian dishes.
Sagar Ratna is located near Chadwick Falls, offering a convenient dining option after sightseeing.
£10 per person, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Mall Road Scenic Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, enjoying the picturesque views of Shimla's colonial architecture and scenic beauty.
Explore Mall Road on foot, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Tara Devi Temple

Visit Tara Devi Temple, a hilltop temple dedicated to the goddess Tara Devi offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Take a taxi to Tara Devi Temple from Mall Road, it's a short drive to reach this spiritual site.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Himachali Rasoi

Indulge in authentic Himachali cuisine at Himachali Rasoi, a local restaurant known for its traditional dishes and warm hospitality.
Himachali Rasoi is located near Tara Devi Temple, providing a cultural dining experience.
£12 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Farewell Day

Shimla, India

9:00 AM

Hike to Summer Hill

Embark on a scenic hike to Summer Hill, a charming hill station with lush greenery and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Start your hike from the city centre towards Summer Hill, following the marked trails for a memorable experience.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Ashiana & Goofa

Enjoy a farewell lunch at Ashiana & Goofa, a rooftop restaurant offering a mix of Indian and Chinese cuisine with stunning views.
Ashiana & Goofa is located near Summer Hill, providing a relaxing setting for a final meal in Shimla.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Himalayan Bird Park

Explore the Himalayan Bird Park, home to various species of birds in a natural setting, perfect for family-friendly activities.
Walk to the Himalayan Bird Park from the restaurant, it's a short distance away in a serene environment.
£3 entry fee, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Shopping at Lower Bazaar

Shop for last-minute souvenirs at Lower Bazaar, a vibrant market offering a variety of local products and handicrafts.
Lower Bazaar is easily accessible from the Bird Park, allowing for a convenient shopping experience.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cecil Restaurant

Conclude your Shimla trip with a farewell dinner at Cecil Restaurant, a historical dining venue with a colonial charm and exquisite cuisine.
Cecil Restaurant is located in the city centre, providing a sophisticated dining experience for your last evening in Shimla.
£20 per person, 2 hours
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