🏞️ Complete Travel Guide to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

 

📍 Location: Himachal Pradesh, ~340 km from Delhi

🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to June (ideal for summer vacations)

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🚗 How to Reach Shimla from Delhi

🚌 By Road (Car/Bus):

• Distance: ~340 km

• Time: 7–8 hours by car

• Route: Delhi → Chandigarh → Solan → Shimla

• Regular Volvo buses (HRTC, private) available from ISBT Kashmere Gate

🚆 By Train:

• Delhi to Kalka: Shatabdi or Himalayan Queen

• Kalka to Shimla: Take the Shimla Toy Train (UNESCO heritage)

  • Highly recommended for families with kids!

✈️ By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla (limited flights)

• Alternative: Fly to Chandigarh (120 km), then taxi or bus

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🌄 Top Places to Visit in Shimla

1. The Ridge

• Open promenade with views of mountains

• Surrounded by colonial buildings & Christ Church

2. Mall Road

• Lively shopping street with cafes and toy shops

• Ideal for evening strolls and ice cream!

3. Jakhoo Temple

• Located on Jakhoo Hill, has a huge Hanuman statue

• Take a cable car or hike up

4. Kufri

• 16 km from Shimla, known for pony rides, snow (in winter), and a small amusement park

5. Indian Institute of Advanced Study

• British-era architecture and lush lawns

• Great for history lovers

6. Tara Devi Temple

• Scenic hilltop temple offering panoramic views

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🏨 Family-Friendly Budget Hotels in Shimla

✅ Hotel Shingar

• Price: ₹2,500–₹3,500/night

• Central location, near Mall Road

✅ Snow Valley Resorts

• Price: ₹3,000–₹4,500/night

• Mountain views, family rooms

✅ Honeymoon Inn Shimla (Mid-range)

• Price: ₹4,000–₹5,000/night

• Kids’ playroom, beautiful valley view

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🍽️ What to Eat in Shimla

• Chana Madra, Tudkiya Bhat (Himachali dishes)

• Steaming momos & thukpa

• Apple-based desserts (Shimla apples are famous!)

• Don’t miss café culture: waffles, hot chocolate, and coffee

Recommended Restaurants:

• Café Simla Times – music, rooftop, and pizza

• Wake & Bake Café – artsy and popular with kids

• Himachali Rasoi – authentic local food

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🛋️ Sample Itinerary: 2 Nights / 3 Days

Day 1:

• Arrive & check-in

• Visit The Ridge, Christ Church, Mall Road

• Dinner at Café Simla Times

Day 2:

• Morning trip to Kufri (pony ride, fun park)

• Afternoon: Jakhoo Temple by ropeway

• Relaxed evening shopping at Lakkar Bazaar

Day 3:

• Visit Indian Institute of Advanced Study

• Optional: Tara Devi Temple

• Return to Delhi by train or car

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💸 Estimated Budget (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

Expense	Amount (INR)
Hotel (2N)	₹5,000–₹7,000
Travel (Train/Bus/Fuel)	₹3,500–₹5,000
Food	₹2,000–₹3,000
Entry & Activities	₹1,000–1,500
Miscellaneous	₹1,000

Total: ₹12,500 – ₹17,500

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✅ Travel Tips

• Book toy train tickets (Kalka to Shimla) in advance on IRCTC

• Pack layers – evenings are cool even in summer

• Avoid heavy luggage if walking along steep roads

• Mobile signal is decent, but patchy in Kufri and Tara Devi

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🌟 Why Visit Shimla?

Shimla is a charming blend of colonial heritage, mountain vibes, fun family spots, and local Himachali culture. A perfect hill station retreat just a road trip away from Delhi!

 

 

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Disclaimer

This travel plan is a general guide created for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data as of April 2025. Prices for accommodation, food, fuel, and entry tickets may vary depending on season, availability, and inflation. Travelers are advised to double-check all bookings, routes, weather conditions, and COVID-19 (if applicable) guidelines before the trip.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we do not take responsibility for any unexpected closures, changes in schedules, or inaccuracies in third-party services such as hotel accommodations, restaurants, or sightseeing spots.

Travel at your own risk and discretion. Always prioritize safety, especially while driving through hilly terrain and with children. Please respect local customs, wildlife, and the environment during your visit.