7-Day Family Vacation in Himachal Pradesh: Exploring Shimla, Manali, and Offbeat Gems

Day 1: Arrival and Shimla Exploration

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Flight from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh

Take an early morning flight from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh (approx. 2.5 hours).
INR 4000 approx, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Drive Chandigarh to Shimla

A scenic 3.5-4 hour drive to Shimla, enjoying the lower Himalayan foothills.
INR 2000 approx (taxi), 4 hours

3:30PM

Check-in at Budget Stay in Shimla: Hotel Rohit Palace

Comfortable, budget-friendly hotel located close to Mall Road, ideal for families.
INR 1500 per night, Overnight stay

5:00PM

Mall Road Walk and Evening Leisure

Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, explore shops and cafes, and enjoy the sunset over the hills.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Wake & Chill Café

A cozy café serving delicious Himachali and continental dishes, perfect for family dining.
INR 500 per person approx, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Shimla Sightseeing

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Sol

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with options like eggs, pancakes, and local Himachali specialities.
INR 300 per person approx, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jakhoo Temple

A must-visit hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman with panoramic views of Shimla. Opens at 9 AM.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Shimla State Museum

Explore Himachali culture, arts, and heritage through fascinating exhibits. Open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
INR 20 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ashiana & Goofa

Famous for traditional Himachali cuisine overlooking scenic views.
INR 400 per person approx, 1 hour

3:00PM

Christ Church and Viceregal Lodge

Visit iconic colonial architecture sites and explore surrounding gardens. Open 10 AM - 5 PM.
Entry free for Christ Church, INR 30 for Viceregal Lodge, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Unwind and enjoy hotel amenities or stroll around nearby market.
Free, Evening

8:00PM

Dinner at Sher-e-Punjab

Popular restaurant for North Indian cuisine with family-friendly ambiance.
INR 500 per person approx, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Shimla to Manali by Road

Manali, Himachal Pradesh on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast to start the road journey.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive Shimla to Manali

A breathtaking 7-8 hour drive via NH205 and NH3 with stops en route for refreshments and photography.
INR 3500 approx (taxi), 8 hours

4:00PM

Check-in Budget Stay: Hotel Greenfields, Manali

Budget-friendly hotel located near Mall Road, perfect for families.
INR 1800 per night, Overnight stay

5:30PM

Relax and Evening Walk

Explore Mall Road Manali, shop local handicrafts and enjoy street food snacks.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Johnson’s Café

Well-known café offering multi-cuisine dishes with mountain views.
INR 600 per person approx, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Manali Local & Adventure

Manali, Himachal Pradesh on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy fresh coffee, bakery items, and a cozy ambiance by the river.
INR 350 per person approx, 1 hour

9:30AM

Solang Valley Adventure

Try paragliding, zorbing, or enjoy ropeway to get stunning views. Open 9 AM – 5 PM.
Paragliding approx INR 1800 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lazy Dog

Popular for tasty Indian and continental food with warm ambiance.
INR 450 per person approx, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Hadimba Temple & Peace Garden

A serene ancient temple surrounded by cedar forests and gardens. Open all day.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Vashisht Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot sulphur springs believed to have therapeutic benefits. Open 8 AM – 7 PM.
INR 50 entry fee, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Café Evergreen

Family-friendly café offering wholesome meals and snacks.
INR 400 per person approx, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Offbeat Day Trip to Naggar

Naggar, Himachal Pradesh on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before heading to Naggar.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Naggar (approx 1 hour from Manali)

Visit the quaint Naggar Castle and Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery showcasing Himalayan art.
Entry fees approx INR 30, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Castle Café, Naggar

Enjoy peaceful lunch with views of the Kullu valley and traditional Himachali flavors.
INR 450 per person approx, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Local Villages and Apple Orchards

Walk through scenic orchards and experience local village life — a perfect family nature outing.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Manali

Relax at hotel and prepare for next day's journey.
Taxi fare included previously, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Café 1965

Enjoy casual dining with diverse menu including Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan dishes.
INR 500 per person approx, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Manali to Tirthan Valley (Offbeat)

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Check-out

Have breakfast and get ready for a fresh offbeat nature experience.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Tirthan Valley (approx 4 hours)

Travel to serene Tirthan Valley, famous for its natural beauty and trout fishing.
Taxi approx INR 2500, 4 hours

12:30PM

Check-in to River Side Camps or Budget Homestay

Affordable, family-friendly accommodation by river, great for relaxation.
INR 1200 per night, Overnight stay

1:30PM

Lunch at Homestay or Local Eatery

Enjoy fresh Himachali home-cooked food.
INR 300 per person approx, 1 hour

3:00PM

Nature Walk & Trout Fishing

Try traditional trout fishing or enjoy a family nature walk along the river banks.
Fishing permit approx INR 100, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Stay

Simple, nutritious local food for a cozy family meal.
Included in stay, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Punjab on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast & Checkout

Prepare for journey back to Chandigarh for onward flight.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive Tirthan Valley to Chandigarh

Approx 6-7 hour drive back to Chandigarh airport with stops for refreshments.
Taxi approx INR 3500, 7 hours

3:30PM

Check-in at Budget Hotel near Chandigarh Airport: Hotel City Heart

Convenient stay near airport for early morning flight.
INR 1500 per night, Overnight stay

7:00PM

Dinner at Black Lotus

Enjoy fine Chinese cuisine within walking distance of hotel.
INR 600 per person approx, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure

Chandigarh to Ahmedabad on April 27, 2025

6:00AM

Flight Chandigarh to Ahmedabad

Take an early morning flight back to Ahmedabad, concluding the trip.
INR 4000 approx, 2.5 hours
View Hotel Availability