Offers

Shimla -Manali(8 Nights)

Chandigarh, Shimla, Manali, Chandigarh

for Family Traveller, Honeymooner

Holiday Overview

View of River Beas
Temple on Mall Road
Wooden Bridge
View from Solang
Rohtang Pass in Summer
Christ Church Shimla
View from Shimla
Jakhu Temple
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (Photo Courtesy: Aman Gupta)

Shimla - Manali is a very popular itinerary for Himachal Pradesh where guests combine two popular destinations of Himachal Pradesh i.e. Shimla (6000+ ft asl) and Manali (6500+ ft asl) with Chandigarh as the access point.

Route

Shimla(3) - Manali(4) - Chandigarh(1)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Chandigarh - Shimla. Visit Mall area
  • Day-2 Excursion around Shimla
  • Day-3 Local sightseeing around Shimla
  • Day-4 Shimla - Manali
  • Day-5 Rohtang Excursion. Solang Valley Adventure.
  • Day-6 Manikaran or Jana Waterfalls Excursion
  • Day-7 White Water Rafting or simply enjoy views
  • Day-8 Manali - Chandigarh
  • Day-9 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Chandigarh - Pinjore Garden (22.00 kms)

Manali - Hadimba Temple (0.50 kms), Vashisht Hot Springs (2.00 kms), Manu Temple (3.00 kms), Arjun Gufa (5.00 kms), Solang Valley Ropeway ride (15.00 kms), Skiing in Solang Valley (15.00 kms), Atal Tunnel (28.00 kms), Jana Waterfall (30.00 kms), Rohtang Pass (40.00 kms), Manikaran Sahib (80.00 kms)

Shimla - Christ Church Shimla (0.50 kms), Mall Road Shimla (0.50 kms), Himachal State Museum (1.00 kms), Kali Bari Temple (1.00 kms), Viceregal Lodge Shimla (3.00 kms), Lakkar Bazar (3.50 kms), Jakhoo Temple (4.00 kms), Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (6.00 kms), Taradevi Temple Walk (6.00 kms), Himalayan Nature Park Kufri (18.00 kms), Naldehra Golf Course (22.00 kms), Rafting at Tattapani (41.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Chandigarh Departure - Chandigarh
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

An additional day or two in Chandigarh would allow guests to visit Gardens, Museums, temples and Gurdwaras in and around Chandigarh.

Distances
  • Chandigarh to Shimla -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Shimla to Manali -260 kms (7.5 hrs)
  • Manali to Chandigarh -292 kms (8 hrs)
Route

Chandigarh - Shimla(3) - Manali(4) - Chandigarh(1)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Chandigarh - Shimla. Visit Mall area Arrive at Chandigarh and proceed to Shimla (120 kms - 3 hours). Enroute visit Pinjore Gardens, time permitting. Afternoon / Evening visit to the Mall area. Sightseeing around Mall area comprise Christ Church, Vice Regal Lodge and Indian Institute of Advanced studies.

Day-2 Excursion around Shimla Day excursion to places around Shimla such as Golf Course at Naldehra (20 kms), High altitude Zoo at Kufri (20 kms) and Chail Palace at Chail (50 kms). Return by late evening.

Day-3 Local sightseeing around Shimla Proceed for local sightseeing in and around Shimla such as The ridge to walk along the Mall, Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhoo HIll, St. Michael's Cathedral, State Museum, Kali bari Temple, Hanuman Temple. Return by late evening. Guests interested in walking may opt for Taradevi Temple walk. Experiential traveller may opt for a heritage walk from Mall to Vice regal lodge. Adventure oriented guests may opt for Rafting at Tattapani. Naturalists, Trekkers, Painters and Bird watchers may head for Summer Hill, a wooded area 5 kms west of Shimla, excellent for views, trekking and bird watching.

Day-4 Shimla - Manali Proceed to Manali (6500+ ft asl, 260 kms - 7.5 hrs) via Mandi. Time permitting, visit to local sightseeing options such as Hadimba Temple, Vashisht hot water springs, Manu Temple and Arjun Gufa.

Day-5 Rohtang Excursion. Solang Valley Adventure. Half-day excursion to Rohtang Pass (42 kms - 12000+ ft asl). Rohtang pass is one area where one may get snow in Summer. Guests enjoy snow experience (Rohtang Pass need permits as limited number of vehicles are allowed for a visit). Altenratively you may plan an excursion to Lahaul area across the renowned Atal Tunnel. On the way back visit Solang Valley, hub of adventure sports in Manali such as Paragliding, Zorbing etc. Solang Valley turns into a Ski resort in Winter.

Day-6 Manikaran or Jana Waterfalls Excursion  Day excursion to Kullu Valley and Manikaran hotwater springs / Manikaran Sahib Gurdwara (80+ kms one way from Manali) or visit Jana waterfalls, a perennial waterfall at 40 kms from Manali (Jana waterfall is perennial and it is recommended to also have lunch at one of the Dhabas around here).

Day-7 White Water Rafting or simply enjoy views Adventure oriented guests may opt for a White water rafting session in Winter. Guests arriving in Manali with a purpose of relaxing may just opt to do nothing and enjoy Himalayan views.

Day-8 Manali - Chandigarh Proceed to Chandigarh (292 kms - 8 hours). Arrive by evening.

Day-9 Departure Depart for onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Chandigarh :

  • Pinjore Garden - The Pinjore Gardens also known as the Yadavindra Gardens, has terraced gardens, which feature the Rajasthani Mughal style Shish Mahal, the Rang Mahal, the cubical Jal Mahal and a series of fountains and waterfalls. The gardens are illuminated at night.

Manali :

  • Hadimba Temple -

    1533 Hadimba Temple, also known as Dhoongri Temple, is an ancient temple situated in Manali.

  • Vashisht Hot Springs - Vashisht is a small village on the banks of Beas River, the village is famous for its hot springs and temples.

  • Manu Temple - Manu temple at Manali is believed to be the only temple in India of Sage Manu (Manu Rishi).

  • Arjun Gufa - Arjun Gufa is situated near Prini village and is around 5 km from Manali. The cave lies on the left bank of Beas River. Legend has it that Arjuna (central character of the Mahabharata mythology) prayed here.

  • Solang Valley Ropeway ride - 15 kms from Manali town centre is Sollang nullah, a hub for a range of adventure activities all round the year (Skiing in Winter and Paragliding / Zorbing etc. in Summer). Ropeway here is popular for some stunning views of the area.

  • Skiing in Solang Valley - Solang Valley, 15 kms from Manali town is home to skiing in Winter. Ski lifts have been setup in 2011 for organised skiing.

  • Atal Tunnel - Atal Tunnel is a tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass on the Leh-Manali Highway. It is historic as it cuts down the distance between Manali to Leh by 50 kms and makes Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh accessible all round the year. Atal Tunnel is the longest high altitude tunnel of its kind in the world and has become a major touirst attraction eversince its opened and therefore must visit for all travellers.

  • Jana Waterfall - 40 kms from Manali, off Naggar road is village Jana. The waterfall is perennial and one also enjoys local cuisine served by Dhabas around here.

  • Rohtang Pass - 40 kms from Manali is Rohtang Pass, one that takes guests into Lahaul and Spiti valley. Rohtang Pass is open June - Sept. However tourists travel upto base of the Pass till Kothi (16 kms) and a bit beyond to enjoy snow experience that includes a bit of sliding and fun playing with snow. This area is extremely touristy in high season and often seas heavy traffic jams.

  • Manikaran Sahib - Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is commemorates the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to this area. It is a major Pilgrim centre for Sikh pilgrims arriving from all over from North India.

Shimla :

  • Christ Church Shimla - Christ Church, Shimla, is one of the oldest church in North India. Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in Shimla. Christ Church is situated on The Ridge and is one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla. The Pipe-Organ of Christ Church is one of the biggest in the Indian subcontinent and was erected in September 1899.

  • Mall Road Shimla - Mall Road is a city centre area with a walking street with shops around. Mall road is closed for vehicular traffic. About 1 km long street, at one end of the Mall is The Clarkes hotel and the other end is the ridge and Christ Church. Mall Road in Shimla is perhaps the most happening of Mall Roads in all Hill stations in India and therefore a popular hang out place for a large number of regular getaway seekers from neighboring plains and for tourists to Shimla. Mall Road is accessible from Circular road via a lift. Mall road is extremely touristy and often gets crowded in evenings and therefore must be avoided by those who seek peace and tranquility.

  • Himachal State Museum - Himachal State Museum has a rich display of the cultural, artistic and archaeological heritage of Himachal Pradesh. The various galleries in here include Pre-Historic Gallery, Wood-Carving Gallery Archaeology Gallery, Wall Painting Gallery, Coin Gallery, Pahari Painting Gallery, etc.

  • Kali Bari Temple - Kali Bari temple is a popular devi temple in Shimla at one end of the mall road.

  • Viceregal Lodge Shimla - A Historic monument at 3 kms from Shimla Mall area where India-Pakistan Partition talks were held. A guided tour can be arranged that details architecture and history. There is also a manicured garden and a cafeterial attached.

  • Lakkar Bazar - Lakkar Bazaar is known for wooden toys made by a small group of Sikh carpenters who settled there a century ago from Hoshiarpur. Purchase of Wooden walking sticks is popular with tourists.

  • Jakhoo Temple - A Popular Lord Hanuman Temple a few kms away from Shimla and from where one gets views of the Shimla town. On a notorious side, bordering on a mini-experience is a set of mischievious monkeys that reside here and seem to pounce on anything loose (Can even by a handbag or a purse).

  • Indian Institute of Advanced Studies - Institute of Advanced studies, an impressive colonial era building, takes one back in time. Its one of the historic places where India - Pakistan Partition pact was sealed. A guided tour is available of the area. It can also be a short walk from the Mall or just a hop away from whats popularly considered city centre.

  • Taradevi Temple Walk - Taradevi walk can be arroached from a point 6 kms Short of Shimla coming in from Shoghi. It's a 4 km walk taking upto the temple on the hilltop passing through narrow pathways, forests and offers excellent views of the area around.

  • Himalayan Nature Park Kufri - Situated about 18 km from Shimla, at over 2,600 metres altitude, the Himalayan Nature Park is located amidst 90 hectares of temperate vegetation that forms natural habitat for many a wild animals of the Western Himalaya. Animals in the Nature Park include Leopard, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Bharal, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard Cat, Sambhar, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Monal, White Crested Kaleej and Cheer pheasant.

  • Naldehra Golf Course - The Naldehra Golf Club, located in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh in North India, some 22 km from Shimla, constitutes a course perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters. It is a par 68, 18-hole course with 16 greens and 18 tees and has a design reminiscent of Scottish links courses. It is possible to play on the course by paying a daily green fee. Equipment and Caddies are available on hire as well. The area is surrounded by Thick forest and presents a very soothing backdrop for Golf. The course is closed from 15th December to end February.

  • Rafting at Tattapani - The powerhouse at Chabba which is 18 kms from Naldehra provides a starting point for the 11 km river rafting stretch to Tattapani. Season is during April to June

Destination Overview

Shimla - Shimla being the famous holiday resort that used to enjoy the status of being the summer capital of the British Raj, is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, Shimla is crowded and overdeveloped over the years and has completely lost its heritage feel.

Manali - Manali (7000 ft) is a major hill station and a preferred Ex-Chandigarh weekend Getaway and a destination for Honeymooners, adventure lovers.

Chandigarh - Chandigarh is a major business centre and hub for Software, IT and ITES companies. Chandigarh is a tourist destination being a transit point for guests on Delhi - Manali route and an access point to visit neighboring hills of Himachal Pradesh and hill station of Shimla.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageChandigarhNo ImageChandigarh
Prefered Departure : No ImageChandigarhNo ImageChandigarh
Distances
  • Chandigarh to Shimla -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Shimla to Manali -260 kms (7.5 hrs)
  • Manali to Chandigarh -292 kms (8 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

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Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email hp-05@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: Shimla -Manali.

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Summer in Manali

Manali (6000+ ft asl) is the most visited getaway and premier holiday destination in Himachal more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Chandigarh to Shimla -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Shimla to Manali -260 kms (7.5 hrs)
  • Manali to Chandigarh -292 kms (8 hrs)

Expert Speak

This is a very popular and time tested honeymooner itinerary. Shimla over the years has become extremely crowded and space crunched. Areas around Shimla such as Mashobra, Shoghi, Kufri and Naldehra are recommended for a better stay and destination experience.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.