Arrive in the stunning hill station of Shimla and delight in the serenity of the Northern Himalayas. Take a stroll around the Mall Road, dotted with vintage shops and savory food stalls. Pause by the Ridge to get a taste of the city's cultural heritage and observe a beautiful sunset against the snow-capped peaks.
Embark on a short trip up north to Kufri, a mesmerizing winter zone, and Indira Tourist Park. Indulge in a unique Yak Ride or Pony Ride, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. On the way back, stop by Chail, a quaint hill station dotted with charming cottages and deodar forests.
Head westward to Solan and drop by the Jatoli Shiv Temple and the Pandava Cave, two significant sites for Hindu mythology. Spend the day in Mashobra, soaking in the transcendent beauty of nature by the Wildflower Hall and the Reserve Forest Sanctuary, home to fascinating bird species.
Escape to the ultimate honeymoon mecca, Manali, where the Beas River and the Pir Panjal range join hands to form paradise. Explore the Pagoda-style Hadimba Devi Temple, admire the natural wonders of the Rohtang Pass, and relish the delicious local cuisine at renowned cafes such as Johnson's Bar and Restaurant.
Enter the Land of the Dalai Lama and explore the spiritual haven of Dharamshala, where you'll be left spellbound by the stunning natural vistas and serene monasteries. Head over to McLeod Ganj, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and visit the magnificent Namgyal Monastery and the Tsuglagkhang Complex.
Wake up early and hop on a flight from Gaggal Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and then embark on a five-hour journey to the city of the iconic Taj Mahal - Agra. Visit the monument at dusk for an unforgettable spectacle and spend the night in a luxury hotel to remember the day forever.
Return to the bustling capital city of Delhi and take in the extravagance of the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do some final retail therapy at the renowned Chandni Chowk market or explore the city's modern avenues, such as Connaught Place and Hauz Khas Village.
To fully experience the itinerary, hiring a reliable private cab and a driver would be the most convenient option. The estimated cost would range from INR 6,000 to INR 9,000 per day. Alternatively, taking a train or a bus would be more cost-effective but less comfortable and timely.
If you have extra time, consider visiting Kangra, Bharatpur, or Jaipur for their ornate forts and palaces. On the other hand, if you have a shorter trip, you can skip Agra and head directly to Delhi, or modify the recommended itinerary accordingly.
Major airports in India include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, and Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore. The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV), roughly 12 miles away, but it has limited connectivity. Alternatively, you can fly to Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), 60 miles away, and take a taxi, bus, or train to Shimla.