Scenic Road Trip from Aligarh to Himachal Pradesh: A 3-Day Nature and Culture Itinerary

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on May 29, 2025

6:00am

Departure from Aligarh

Begin your journey early in the morning to avoid traffic and utilise daylight for the approximately 7-8 hour drive to Shimla.
INR0, 0h30m

7:30am

Breakfast at Highway Dhabha near Karnal

Enjoy a hearty North Indian breakfast of parathas and chai at a roadside dhabha, setting you up for the long drive ahead.
INR150, 0h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Shimla hotel

Arrive in Shimla and check into your hotel to refresh and relax after the drive. Recommended stay: The Oberoi Cecil or similar for comfort and views.
INR3000, 1h

5:00pm

Evening stroll on The Mall Road

Explore The Mall Road’s shops, cafes and colonial architecture, a great introduction to Shimla's charm and vibrant atmosphere.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Simla Times

Dine on delicious Himachali and continental cuisine at one of Shimla’s popular and well-reviewed restaurants on Mall Road.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Explore Shimla

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day at this iconic café, known for its vintage ambiance and simple, satisfying South Indian breakfast options.
INR200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Hike or drive up to Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views of Shimla and surrounding hills. Open 6am to 6pm.
INR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Shimla State Museum

Explore Himachal Pradesh's art and cultural heritage through artefacts, paintings, and sculptures at this well-curated museum. Open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Wake & Bake Café

Enjoy fresh bakery treats, light meals and coffee in this popular café near The Ridge.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

The Ridge and Christ Church visit

Walk along The Ridge, a large open space in the heart of Shimla, and visit the historic Christ Church, known for its stained glass windows.
INR0, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Lakkar Bazaar

Shop for wooden souvenirs, handicrafts and local artefacts in Lakkar Bazaar, about a 10-minute walk from The Ridge.
Depends on purchases, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Himachali Rasoi

Sample traditional Himachali dishes such as Chana Madra and Dham in this warmly decorated restaurant known for authentic local cuisine.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 3: Kufri Day Trip

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a good breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day’s outdoor activities.
Included with hotel, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kufri

Drive 16 km to Kufri, a charming hill station known for its scenic beauty and adventure sports.
INR300 taxi fare approx., 0h45m

10:00am

Hiking and Pony Rides in Kufri

Enjoy short hikes or hire ponies for rides around Kufri, perfect for nature lovers and families. Open all day.
INR200 for pony ride, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Himalayan Café

Dine with a view of the mountains while enjoying delicious café-style meals and snacks.
INR500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kufri Fun World

Spend the afternoon at this amusement park with rides and activities including a mini-zoo. Open 9am to 5pm.
INR100, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Shimla

Head back to Shimla to relax after the day’s adventures.
INR300 taxi fare approx., 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Sol

Enjoy contemporary cuisine and a cosy atmosphere at this well-regarded restaurant in Shimla, perfect for your last night.
INR800, 1h30m