8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Himachal & Vaishno Devi

Day 1: Arrival in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India

10:00AM

Visit Rock Garden

Start your family journey with a visit to the amazing Rock Garden, filled with unique art and sculptures that will amaze both kids and adults.
Drive from Chandigarh Airport to Rock Garden, approx 30 mins.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy a simple yet delicious lunch at Indian Coffee House, an iconic eatery known for its nostalgic ambience.
5-minute drive from Rock Garden.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sukhna Lake

Take a peaceful boat ride at Sukhna Lake and let the children enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
10-minute drive from Indian Coffee House.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check-in to Hotel

Relax at your chosen hotel for the evening to recharge for the journey ahead.
Drive to hotel (choose from Sector 17 area).
INR 3000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

Delight in a family buffet dinner at Barbeque Nation, where everyone can pick their favorites.
10-minute drive from hotel.
INR 2000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Manali

Manali, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting off to Manali.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Manali

Embark on a scenic drive to Manali, enjoying stunning views of the hills and valleys along the way.
Via NH5, approximately 8-9 hours drive.
N/A, 8 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Relax and unwind after the long journey at your hotel in Manali.
Drive to hotel (choose from Mall Road area).
INR 3500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Johnson Lodge

Savor a cozy dinner with local flavors at The Johnson Lodge, popular with families.
5-minute drive from hotel.
INR 1500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore Manali

Manali, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Solang Valley

Head out to Solang Valley for adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing, ensuring fun for the entire family.
Drive 14 km from Manali, about 30 mins.
INR 3000 (for activities), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Heritage Restaurant

Enjoy a warm and inviting lunch with stunning views at The Heritage Restaurant.
Nearby Solang Valley.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Explore the enchanting Hidimba Devi Temple, surrounded by cedar forests.
Drive back to Manali (30 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road for some shopping and local souvenirs.
Walk from Hidimba Temple (10 mins).
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Café 1947

End your day with a family dinner at Café 1947, renowned for its ambiance and Italian cuisine.
Walk back to Mall Road.
INR 1200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel your energy with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Shimla

Travel from Manali to Shimla, enjoying the mesmerizing hilltop views during the drive.
Smooth drive via NH5, approximately 7 hours.
N/A, 7 hours

4:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Arrive in Shimla and check into your hotel to freshen up.
Drive to hotel (choose from The Mall Road area).
INR 3000, 30 mins

5:00PM

Enjoy Walk at The Ridge

Take a leisurely evening walk at The Ridge, soaking in the views of the hills.
Walk from your hotel (10-15 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Oberoi Cecil

Relish a splendid dinner at The Oberoi Cecil, offering a fine dining experience.
5-minute drive from The Ridge.
INR 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day full of exploration.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kufri

Drive to Kufri for fun snow activities, especially enjoyable during winter months.
Drive 16 km from Shimla, about 30 mins.
INR 500 (for activities), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Apple Orchard

Savor a delightful lunch at The Apple Orchard cafe, famous for its organic and fresh ingredients.
Return to Shimla (30 mins).
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Visit Jakhoo Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and enjoy stunning views.
Drive 2 km from city center, about 15 mins.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Shimla Mall

Explore the vibrant Shimla Mall for shopping and local snacks.
Walk from Jakhoo (20 mins).
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Simla Times

End your day with a fun dinner at Cafe Simla Times, offering cozy ambiance and great food.
Walk back to Mall area.
INR 1200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Katra

Katra, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a refreshing breakfast at the hotel to kickstart your journey to Katra.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Katra

Set out for Katra, the base for the famous Vaishno Devi temple, and enjoy the scenic drive.
Drive via NH44, approx 7 hours.
N/A, 7 hours

4:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Arrive in Katra and rest at your hotel as you prepare for the temple visit.
Drive to hotel (choose from town area).
INR 2500, 30 mins

6:00PM

Visit Katra Market

Explore the local market in Katra to buy items for the temple visit.
Walk from your hotel (10 mins).
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dine Divine

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at Dine Divine, known for its variety of dishes.
5-minute walk from the market.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi, India

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at the hotel to fuel your pilgrimage.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

7:00AM

Journey to Vaishno Devi Temple

Put on your comfortable shoes and start your trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple, a spiritual experience for the whole family.
Trek from Katra (approximately 13km), option for pony ride available.
INR 2200 (for pony ride), 3-4 hours

11:00AM

Darshan at Vaishno Devi

Take the blessed opportunity to have darshan at the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple.
On-site at the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Banganga

Enjoy simple vegetarian meals at the local eatery Banganga near the temple.
Walk to nearby eatery.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return trek to Katra

Trek back to Katra, soaking in the spiritual and natural beauty around you.
Trek back (13km).
N/A, 3-4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

End this spiritually fulfilling day with a comforting family dinner back at your Katra hotel.
5-minute drive from Katra market.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor your final breakfast in Katra before heading back.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Chandigarh

Embark on your drive back to Chandigarh, reflecting on your wonderful trip.
Drive via NH44, approximately 10-11 hours.
N/A, 10 hours

7:00PM

Dinner near Chandigarh Airport

Complete your journey with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant near the airport.
Choose a restaurant nearby.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability