10-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Jalgaon to Shimla via Vaishno Devi Temple

Day 1: Arrival at Jalgaon

Jalgaon, India

10:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local Maharashtrian delicacies such as Sabudana Khichdi and hot tea before embarking on your journey.
INR 500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Ajanta Caves

Take a scenic drive to the famous Ajanta Caves, where breathtaking rock-cut sculptures and frescoes await you.
INR 200, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savour authentic Maharashtrian Thali featuring puri, bhaji, and modak at a nearby restaurant.
INR 800, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Local Park

Wind down your day at the city's local park, playing games or simply enjoying the greenery.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Indulge in a buffet dinner with a variety of dishes, from North Indian to Continental.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 2: Journey to Katra

Katra, India

8:00AM

Breakfast and Depart for Katra

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast before setting off on a 12-hour drive to Katra, the base for Vaishno Devi Temple.
INR 500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch en Route

Enjoy lunch at a popular highway dhaba, sampling North Indian dishes such as dal makhani and tandoori naan.
INR 800, 1 hour

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Katra and settle into your hotel, preparing for the adventures ahead.
INR 4000, 30 minutes

9:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Have a family dinner at a nearby restaurant, perhaps trying out some local Kashmiri cuisine.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 3: Visit Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi, India

5:00AM

Early Morning Trek

Start your trek early to the holy Vaishno Devi Temple, a spiritually rejuvenating experience.
Free, 5 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at the Temple

Have a simple breakfast at a local kiosk after visiting the temple, enjoying prasad and tea.
INR 300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Descend and Rest

Trek back down at a leisurely pace to Katra, where you can rest and freshen up.
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling lunch that rejuvenates your energy post-trek, perhaps featuring more Kashmiri dishes.
INR 800, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Discover Katra's markets, where you can shop for souvenirs and taste local delicacies like jalebi.
INR 500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Savor dinner with family, featuring Northern Indian cuisines like biryani and kebabs.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 4: Travel to Dalhousie

Dalhousie, India

8:00AM

Breakfast and Depart for Dalhousie

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before heading to Dalhousie, approximately a 7-hour drive.
INR 500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch on the Way

Stop for lunch at a local dhaba, enjoying hearty North Indian dishes.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Arrive in Dalhousie and Check-in

Upon arrival in the picturesque hill station, check in to your hotel and freshen up.
INR 4000, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Stroll Around Mall Road

Take a leisurely walk on Mall Road, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stunning views.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Indulge in a warm dinner at your hotel, featuring local Himachali dishes.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 5: Explore Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast and Depart for Dharamshala

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a scenic 2-hour drive to Dharamshala.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit McLeod Ganj

Explore McLeod Ganj, the Tibetan settlement known for its monasteries and streets filled with quaint shops.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Relish Tibetan dishes such as momos and thukpa at one of the popular eateries.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex

Explore the serene Tsuglagkhang, the residence of the Dalai Lama, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Trek to Bhagsunag Waterfall

A family-friendly trek leads you to the Bhagsunag Waterfall, a perfect spot for photos.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, opting for traditional Himachali thali.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 6: Journey to Manali

Manali, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the journey ahead by enjoying a mix of Indian and Continental breakfast options.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Depart for Manali

Begin your 8-hour drive to Manali, passing through stunning mountain landscapes.
Free, 7 hours

5:30PM

Arrive and Check-in

Arrive in Manali, check into your hotel, and relax after a long day of travel.
INR 4000, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Unwind with a lovely dinner featuring hot soups and Indian breads.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 7: Explore Kullu Valley

Kullu, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel; pancakes and Indian chole bhature will offer a hearty start.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kullu Valley

Travel to Kullu Valley, known for its beautiful landscapes and adventure sports; enjoy activities like river rafting or paragliding.
INR 2000 (activity cost), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Refuel with lunch in Kullu, featuring delicious local dishes such as siddu.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Great Himalayan National Park

Explore the scenic national park, perfect for family hikes amidst stunning flora and fauna.
INR 550 (entry fee), 3 hours

6:30PM

Return to Manali and Dinner

Head back to Manali and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, specializing in Himachali cuisine.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 8: Explore Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy yet another impressive breakfast with your family before leaving for Shimla.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Shimla

Embark on the scenic journey to Shimla, which will take approximately 7 hours, enjoying the views along the way.
Free, 7 hours

5:00PM

Arrive and Check-in

Settle into your Shimla hotel and take a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
INR 4000, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Choose from the delightful dinner options available at the hotel restaurant.
INR 1000, 1 hour

Day 9: Visit Solan and Chandigarh

Solan and Chandigarh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day in Shimla with a nice breakfast including porridge, fruit, and scrambled eggs.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Depart for Solan

Drive to Solan for about 2 hours to explore this charming town.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Solan

Visit the Solan Brewery or explore local gardens, soaking in the natural beauty.
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Solan

Dine at a local restaurant, trying out regional delicacies like chana madra.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:30PM

Depart for Chandigarh

Continue your journey towards Chandigarh, which is about 2 hours away.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Rock Garden

Explore the famous Rock Garden in Chandigarh, known for its unique sculptures and art installations.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Chandigarh

Wrap up your day by dining at a popular restaurant that features a mix of Indian and international cuisine.
INR 1200, 1 hour

Day 10: Return to Jalgaon

Jalgaon, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your last day with breakfast and reminisce about the journey you’ve had.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Depart for Jalgaon

Start your return journey to Jalgaon; the drive will take approximately 20 hours, so prepare for a long drive.
Free, 20 hours