10-Day Shoestring Budget Rail Trip in Chandigarh

Day 1: Explore Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India

9:00AM

Visit Rock Garden

Start your adventure at the iconic Rock Garden, a unique creation filled with sculptures made from industrial & home wastes.
Travel by local bus or walk from your accommodation.
INR 20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Sukhna Lake Stroll

Afterward, enjoy a serene stroll by Sukhna Lake, perfect for unwinding while taking in the views.
Walk from the Rock Garden; it's a short 20-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Indulge in a budget-friendly lunch at the Indian Coffee House, known for its iconic atmosphere and affordable menu.
Take a local bus or tuk-tuk.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Sector 17 Plaza

Head to Sector 17 Plaza for shopping and to experience local culture.
Walk from the coffee house.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bikanervala

Enjoy an affordable yet delicious meal at Bikanervala, where North Indian cuisine shines.
Take a local bus or walk.
INR 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Panchkula Adventures

Panchkula, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Breakfast Café

Start your day at Breakfast Café, known for its hearty options and coffee.
Travel by local bus to Panchkula.
INR 100, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Pinjore Gardens

Explore the historic Pinjore Gardens, a beautifully landscaped heritage site with fountains and terraced lawns.
Take a local bus from the café.
INR 30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sagar Ratna

Enjoy a vegetarian thali at Sagar Ratna, an economical yet popular restaurant.
Travel by tuk-tuk to the restaurant.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Sukhna Lake Boating

Return to Chandigarh for some boating at Sukhna Lake for a delightful afternoon.
Take a local bus back to Chandigarh.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Oven Fresh

End the day with a budget meal at Oven Fresh, where you can get delicious pizzas and pastries.
Use a local bus or walk.
INR 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Mohali Sightseeing

Mohali, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Raju’s Dhaba

Start with breakfast at Raju’s Dhaba, where you can have tasty parathas.
Travel by local bus to Mohali.
INR 80, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Mohali Cricket Stadium

Visit the iconic Mohali Cricket Stadium, known for hosting international matches.
Use a local bus from the dhaba.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chawla’s

Stop for a lovely lunch at Chawla’s Chicken, famous for its North Indian dishes.
Walk from the stadium.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Gurudwara Amb Sahib

Explore Gurudwara Amb Sahib, a peaceful Sikh temple known for its beautiful architecture and gardens.
Take a local bus to reach the gurudwara.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Dhabha

Enjoy a flavorful meal at a local dhaba, serving meals that won’t break the bank.
Travel back to Mohali Bus Station.
INR 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mall Road

On your way to Shimla, stop for breakfast at one of the many cafes along The Mall Road.
Take an early bus from Chandigarh to Shimla.
INR 150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Mall Road

After settling in, roam Mall Road, visiting local shops and enjoying the beautiful hill station views.
Walk around; it's pedestrian-friendly.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Simla Times

Enjoy lunch with a view at Café Simla Times, famous for its ambiance and food selection.
Walk along Mall Road.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Jakhoo Temple Visit

Visit Jakhoo Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which offers panoramic views of Shimla.
Take a local taxi or walk uphill.
INR 30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Baljees Hotel

For dinner, try Baljees Hotel, a popular eatery in Shimla known for its comforting North Indian fare.
Use a local taxi or walk back.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Solan Exploration

Solan, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chail

On your way to Solan, stop at Chail for a delightful breakfast, enjoying the cool breeze.
Catch a local bus from Shimla.
INR 120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Solan Brewery

Explore the Solan Brewery, the oldest brewery in Asia, offering insight into its history.
Travel by local bus to Solan.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Dhabha

Savor a filling thali at a local dhaba, showcasing the rich culinary tradition of this region.
Walk to a nearby dhaba.
INR 120, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Shoolini Mata Temple

Visit the revered Shoolini Mata Temple, nestled amidst beautiful hills.
Take a local bus to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Sharma’s

Conclude your Solan visit with dinner at Sharma’s, known for its authentic local cuisine.
Travel back to Solan town.
INR 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Beautiful Kasauli

Kasauli, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mall Road, Shimla

Before heading out, enjoy breakfast at a café on Shimla's Mall Road one last time.
Take a bus to Kasauli.
INR 150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Monkey Point

Drive to Monkey Point, the highest point in Kasauli offering stunning views.
Catch a local bus or taxi.
INR 30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kasauli Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy lunch at Kasauli Restaurant, where the ambiance complements the delicious food.
Walk from Monkey Point.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kasauli Church

Visit the historic Christ Church in Kasauli and soak in its charm.
Walk to the church.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The English Tavern

Enjoy dinner at The English Tavern, known for its delicious continental dishes amidst the hill station vibes.
Take a local bus back to Kasaulicentre.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Dharamshala Journey

Dharamshala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Grab breakfast at a local café filled with Tibetan culture before your journey.
Travel from Kasauli to Dharamshala by bus.
INR 150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit McLeod Ganj

Explore McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama's residence and vibrant Tibetan culture.
Take a local taxi to McLeod Ganj.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Namgyal Café

Savor Tibetan dishes at Namgyal Café, known for its momos and thukpa.
Walk from the residence.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex

Dive deeper into Tibetan culture at Tsuglagkhang, the main Buddhist temple here.
Walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Four Seasons Café

Enjoy the warmth of Tibetan hospitality with dinner at this charming café.
Walk back to your accommodation.
INR 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Palampur Charm

Palampur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Kick off your day with breakfast at a cozy café in McLeod Ganj.
Take a bus from Dharamshala to Palampur.
INR 100, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Tea Gardens

Wander through the beautiful tea gardens of Palampur, perfect for a scenic walk.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to the tea gardens.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Tea Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful lunch at The Tea Garden Restaurant with picturesque views.
Walk through the gardens.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Palampur Church

Explore the serene Palampur Church, reflecting the town's colonial heritage.
Grab an auto-rickshaw.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Highway King

Enjoy dinner at Highway King, popular for its North Indian cuisine and reasonable rates.
Travel back to the main market area.
INR 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Visit to Amritsar

Amritsar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a filling breakfast before catching your train to Amritsar.
Take a train from Palampur to Amritsar.
INR 200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Golden Temple

Spend time at the Golden Temple, experiencing its tranquil beauty and spirituality.
Take a local auto-rickshaw from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kesar da Dhaba

Feast on delicious vegetarian fare at Kesar da Dhaba, famous for its authentic Punjabi dishes.
Walk from the temple to the dhaba.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Jallianwala Bagh

Pay a visit to Jallianwala Bagh, a historical garden memorializing a tragic event in Indian history.
Walk nearby from Kesar da Dhaba.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Crystal Restaurant

End your day with a delicious dinner at Crystal Restaurant, known for its great ambiance and food.
Take a local auto-rickshaw back to your accommodation.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a light breakfast at your accommodation before returning to Chandigarh.
Take an early train back to Chandigarh.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last Taste of Sukhna Lake

Spend some final moments at Sukhna Lake, relaxing at the picturesque spot before departure.
Use a local bus to reach the lake.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café JC's

Relish a delicious lunch at Café JC's, known for its diverse menu options and quality.
Travel back to Sector 17 area.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Chandigarh Horticultural Garden

Explore the beautifully landscaped Chandigarh Horticultural Garden for a calming experience.
Take a local bus.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Your Accommodation

Return to your accommodation for a relaxing dinner while reflecting on your journey.
Walk back to your accommodation.
INR 250, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability