Welcome to Shimla, a place where colonial charm meets the serene embrace of the Himalayas. It is the perfect hill station if you want to experience Culture, History, and Nature in one place and in a very short period. Let’s uncover the magic of Shimla together and unveil a perfect Shimla itinerary to make your journey unforgettable! This Shimla itinerary covers all the must-visit spots along with all essential travel information. It also includes direct booking links to the best hotels and features Trippy’s Tips which are exclusive travel tips and insider hacks that you won’t find anywhere else.
Table of Contents
ABOUT THE DESTINATION
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a charming hill station that blends colonial charm with natural beauty. It is situated at an altitude of 2,276 meters and is often called the “Queen of Hills”. It was the summer capital of the British Raj and it continues to attract tourists with its colonial-era architecture. Shimla is famous because it is a hill station where nature is well complemented by the culture of the place. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
The Mall Road, The Ridge, and the historical Christ Church make this place an interesting destination for both nature lovers and people interested in history. The climate of Shimla is quite pleasant and it provides a perfect atmosphere for casual walks and adventure activities. In Shimla, you can do trekking, skiing, mountain biking, etc which makes it a perfect destination for adventure seekers.
WAYS TO REACH
Now, in this Shimla itinerary, we will guide you on how to reach Shimla through various modes of transportation.
By Road: Shimla is well connected by national highways. So, you can reach Shimla by driving your own car or by hiring a private cab from Delhi and Chandigarh. Shimla is approx 400 km from Delhi and 110 Km from Chandigarh.
By Bus: As Shimla is well connected by road from the major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) offers both deluxe and Volvo bus services from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and even Manali, so you can take a HRTC bus and reach Shimla without any discomfort. It takes 7-10 hours to reach Shimla from Delhi.
By Train: You can reach Shimla by taking a ride on the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey offers a scenic ride through 102 tunnels and breathtaking landscapes. Kalka is a broad gauge railway station in Haryana and is 96 km from Shimla.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV) which is also known as Shimla Airport. It is about 22 km from Shimla and is connected by flights from major cities like Delhi. However, there aren’t many flights and the weather can also cause delays, so we suggest flying to Chandigarh and then taking a cab or bus from there.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Shimla is a destination open throughout the year and the landscape of Shimla changes with every season. So, now in this Shimla itinerary, we will highlight the best time to visit Shimla.
Summer (March – June): Summer is the perfect season to visit Shimla because the average temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C. This season is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Monsoon (July – September): In this season, the beauty of Shimla is enhanced by frequent rains but this season also disrupts travel plans due to landslides. Avoid Monsoon season unless you enjoy off-season tranquility. It is not a peak tourist season, so it is perfect for budget travellers.
Winter (October – February): In peak winter, the temperature can drop to -7°C and you can even experience snowfall. Peak winter is the best time for winter sports and cozy retreats. The peak winter season in Shimla is from December to Mid February.
BEST HOTELS TO STAY
We have curated a list of the best budget, mid-range, and premium hotels in this Shimla itinerary, you can directly book these hotels using the links given below.
BEST SHIMLA ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS
Day 1 of Shimla Itinerary: Explore the Shimla Town
- Start your sightseeing tour of Shimla by visiting Viceregal Lodge, a magnificent building that served as the summer residence of the British Viceroy of India during the colonial era. After India’s independence, it became the summer retreat for the President of India. It is also known as Rashtrapati Niwas and Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. This British-era building offers a glimpse into India’s colonial past.
- After the Viceregal Lodge, visit Jakhu Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is on top of Jakhu Hills, which is one of seven hills on which Shimla is built on. It has a 108 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman which is visible from everywhere in Shimla. You can visit the temple by walking 2 km from Shimla’s The Ridge or by cab which will drop you outside the temple or even by Ropeway.
- After visiting the temple, spend your evening with a leisurely walk along the famous The Ridge and Mall Road. The Ridge is a very large open space situated in the center of the city. It has one of the oldest libraries and the famous Christ Church (one of the oldest churches in North India). Here you will find cafes, shops, colonial-era buildings, and a panoramic view of the city.
Day 2 of Shimla Itinerary: Day Trip to Kufri (Winter) or Mashobra (Summer)
Winter : Trip to Kufri and Chail
- If you are visiting Shimla in Winter, then start your 2nd day by heading toward Kufri, which is just 16 km from Shimla. It is known for its adventurous activities like skiing, snowboarding, and yak riding. You can also explore the Himalayan Nature Park which is home to a large variety of flora and fauna including the majestic Himalayan Monal which is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.
- From Kufri, you can head towards Chail where you can explore the Chail Palace and visit the world’s highest Cricket Ground.
Summer: Trip to Mashobra and Naldehra
- But if you are visiting Shimla in Summer, then we suggest you to visit Mashobra, a very beautiful village situated at an altitude of 7,700 feet. It is surrounded by lush green forests, apple orchards, and breathtaking mountain views. It is only 12 km from Shimla. In Mashobra, you can visit Rashtrapati Niwas Mashobra which is the official summer retreat residence of President of India. You can also visit Talai Temple in Mashobra.
- After Mashobra, you can visit Naldehra Golf Course, which is a scenic golf course surrounded by deodar trees. Here you can play a round of golf at the scenic golf course and if you have time then you can visit the Naldehra Temple.
- Return to Shimla after your day trip to Kufri or Mashobra.
- NOTE: If you are planning a trip for 3 days then you can visit both Kufri and Mashobra on two different days.
TRIPPY’S TIPS
This Shimla itinerary features something that you will not find anywhere else. We are talking about our famous Trippy’s Tips which are exclusive travel hacks and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable!
- Toy Train: You can book tickets for the toy train from Kalka (KLK) to Shimla (SML) 30 days in advance, starting precisely at 8:00 AM on the IRCTC website. Be mindful of the exact time and date, as even a slight delay of a few hours could place you on the waiting list.
- Snowfall: If you are coming to Shimla for snowfall then check the weather on Google before visiting. And avoid bringing your own car in winter as roads will be very slippery.
- Parking: Shimla has a very big problem of parking, so try to stay 4-5 km outside the city center if you are coming in your own car.
- Clothing: Shimla’s weather is unpredictable and temperatures can drop unexpectedly. So, always keep your woolen clothes handy, especially if you’re traveling during the winter or early spring.
- The Ridge: You can also visit The Ridge in the early morning to capture the beautiful sunrise. Use Google to find the exact time of sunrise.
- Jakhu Temple: Beware of monkeys near Jakhu Temple and keep your belongings secure. Avoid carrying food while visiting Jakhu Temple.
- Kufri: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photographs.
- Mashobra: Carry a picnic basket and spend a relaxing afternoon between nature.
- Rashtrapati Niwas Mashobra: It remain closed on Monday and you can book online ticket from https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in/visit/rashtrapati-niwas-mashobra-shimla/vm.
- Food: Don’t miss to taste Himachali dishes like Siddu and Chana Madra at a local eatery.
SUMMARY
We are providing a summary of the entire Shimla itinerary, including details for each day, along with Google Maps links of all the destinations.
Day 1
Day 2
WINTER (Kufri & Chail)
SUMMER (Mashobra & Naldehra)
Note: If you want to visit both Kufri and Mashobra, then you can do it on 2 different days.
This perfect 2-day Shimla itinerary covers all the must-visit spots, from the famous Viceregal Lodge to a day trip to Kufri along with the Direct Links of the Best Hotels, and Trippy’s Tips. If you’re looking for additional information or need a Shimla Itinerary for 3 or more days, feel free to reach out to us at our mail contact@trippyindia.in or fill out the form from this link https://trippyindia.in/contact-us. Simply send us a message with the subject line: “Request for 3-Day Shimla Itinerary” to ensure your request is prioritized. Note: Using the phrase “Shimla Itinerary” in the subject line helps us efficiently filter and respond to your inquiry.