Pune to Shimla and Manali via Kalka Toy Train with Kullu and Manikaran Day Trips

Day 1: Travel and Arrival Shimla

Shimla, India on April 20, 2025

6:00am

Travel from Pune to Kalka

Start early morning from Pune to Kalka by train or flight+train combination for a smooth connection to the Kalka to Shimla Toy Train.
Varies, 10h0m

4:00pm

Kalka to Shimla Toy Train Ride

Ride the heritage narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla toy train offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills. The train takes approximately 5-6 hours.
INR 400-800, 5h0m

9:00pm

Check-in and Dinner

Check-in at hotel in Shimla and enjoy dinner at Café Simla Times, known for its warm ambiance and Himalayan-inspired cuisine.
INR 400-700, 1h0m

Day 2: Shimla Exploration

Shimla, India on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Café

Start the day with freshly baked goods and coffee at Wake & Bake Café, popular for organic and healthy options.
INR 300, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore The Mall Road and Ridge

Enjoy a leisurely stroll on Mall Road and visit the Ridge area to see colonial architecture and local shops. This area is vibrant and perfect for photography.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Himachali Rasoi

Taste authentic Himachali cuisine like Siddu and Chha Gosht at this cozy restaurant on Mall Road.
INR 400-600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Trip to Kullu and Manikaran

Take a day trip to Kullu and the hot springs and Gurudwara Manikaran, famed for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance. Plan about 6-7 hours round trip by private taxi or shared cab.
INR 2500 (taxi round trip approx.), 7h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Sol

Relax and enjoy light continental and Indian dishes with a cozy ambiance near your hotel.
INR 300-600, 1h0m

Day 3: Shimla to Manali

Shimla to Manali, India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departure; many hotels offer traditional Indian and continental options.
Included in stay or INR 300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Shimla to Manali

Travel by road from Shimla to Manali, approximately 7 hours with beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains and valleys.
INR 2000-3000 (private taxi approx.), 7h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check-in to your hotel in Manali and relax after the long journey.
Varies, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening walk at Mall Road Manali

Enjoy a casual walk along Mall Road, shop local handicrafts and try street food like corn and momos.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Café

Famous for continental and Indian dishes, especially trout and Tibetan cuisine, this cafe offers a lively ambience.
INR 600-900, 1h0m

Day 4: Manali Full Day

Manali, India on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Lazy Dog

Enjoy a variety of breakfast options with good coffee and relaxing mountain views.
INR 300, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass

Spend the morning visiting Solang Valley for adventure activities and proceed to Rohtang Pass for stunning snow-capped landscapes (Rohtang Pass access may require permits).
Entry fees approx. INR 500; Taxi approx. INR 4000 round trip, 6h0m

3:30pm

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Explore this ancient and uniquely designed temple surrounded by cedar forests, a quiet spiritual spot in Manali.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shopping and Snacks at Mall Road

Return to Mall Road for souvenir shopping and try local snacks like Siddu and thukpa.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Dine by the riverside at this charming café offering Italian and continental dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
INR 700-1000, 1h0m

Day 5: Manali to Chandigarh

Manali to Chandigarh, India on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to prepare for the road journey ahead.
Included or INR 300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Manali to Chandigarh

Head back by road to Chandigarh (approx. 8 hours) through scenic routes. Consider stops for refreshments and photo ops.
INR 3000-4000 (taxi fare approx.), 8h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Dinner in Chandigarh

Check into your hotel and have dinner at Pal Dhaba, renowned for its authentic Punjabi cuisine and lively atmosphere.
INR 400-700, 1h0m

Day 6: Chandigarh to Jaipur

Chandigarh to Jaipur, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House Chandigarh

Enjoy a simple and classic breakfast including South Indian favorites in this historic café.
INR 150-300, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Chandigarh to Jaipur

Fly or take a train for a 1 to 2-hour flight or approximately 8-10 hours by train/bus to Jaipur, depending on your preference for speed or budget.
Varies, 8h-10h

5:00pm

Arrival and Check-in

Check into your hotel in Jaipur and relax after your journey.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB)

Enjoy traditional Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine in the heart of Jaipur’s old city at this iconic restaurant.
INR 400-700, 1h0m