Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most popular hill stations, offering a perfect blend of colonial charm, breathtaking landscapes, and an abundance of activities. Whether you’re looking to unwind amidst nature, explore historical sites, or embark on adventure sports, Shimla caters to all kinds of travelers. But the question often arises, “How many days are enough for a Shimla tour?”
While it’s possible to get a taste of Shimla in a day or two, to truly enjoy the experience, explore the surrounding areas, and soak in the beauty of this hill station, you’ll need at least 3 to 5 days. In this guide, we’ll break down an ideal itinerary based on the number of days you have, along with suggestions on must-visit attractions, activities, and tips for making the most of your Shimla vacation.
1. One Day in Shimla: A Whirlwind Tour
If you’re short on time and can only dedicate a single day to Shimla, it’s still possible to visit some of the most iconic spots. A one-day tour will primarily focus on the central attractions and a little bit of sightseeing. Here’s how you can make the most of your day:
Morning: Explore Mall Road and The Ridge
Start your day with a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, Shimla’s bustling main street, where you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Ridge is a large open space that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Stop by Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in North India, with its beautiful stained-glass windows and neo-Gothic architecture.
Tip: Make sure to grab breakfast at one of the local eateries on Mall Road, where you can savor Himachali dishes or simply enjoy a cup of tea with a view.
Midday: Visit Jakhoo Temple
Next, head to Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla, home to the famous Jakhoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is a short drive from The Ridge, or if you’re up for it, you can trek up the hill. The temple offers a serene setting and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Beware of the mischievous monkeys, though!
Afternoon: The Viceregal Lodge and Indian Institute of Advanced Study
After lunch, visit the Viceregal Lodge, an iconic British-era building that once served as the summer residence of the Viceroy of India. Today, it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The architecture, sprawling gardens, and historical significance of this site make it a must-visit.
Evening: Sunset at Scandal Point
Before you wrap up your day, make sure to visit Scandal Point on The Ridge, a famous viewpoint where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset. This spot offers great views of the surrounding valleys and hills, providing a perfect end to your one-day whirlwind tour of Shimla.
2. Two Days in Shimla: Adding Adventure and Relaxation
If you have two days to spend in Shimla, you can explore the city’s key attractions more thoroughly and also venture into the nearby hill stations or take part in some adventure activities. Here’s a two-day itinerary:
Day 1: Sightseeing and City Exploration
Follow the one-day itinerary mentioned above for your first day in Shimla, covering Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, and the Viceregal Lodge.
Day 2: Kufri and Adventure Sports
- Morning: Kufri Excursion
Start your second day with a trip to Kufri, a popular hill station located about 16 km from Shimla. Kufri is known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like skiing and tobogganing in the winter months. In summer, it’s perfect for horse riding and hiking. Don’t miss a visit to the Kufri Fun World, an amusement park located at one of the highest points in Kufri, offering fantastic views.
- Afternoon: Visit Mashobra
On your way back from Kufri, stop by Mashobra, another serene village surrounded by apple orchards and dense forests. It’s a great spot to relax, take in the fresh mountain air, and explore nature trails. Mashobra is less commercialized than Shimla, making it perfect for those looking for tranquility.
- Evening: Back to Shimla
Return to Shimla in the evening and enjoy a quiet dinner at one of the cozy restaurants on Mall Road. You can also take a peaceful walk around The Ridge before calling it a day.
3. Three Days in Shimla: The Perfect Balance of Adventure and Leisure
Three days in Shimla allows for a perfect balance of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation. With this extra day, you can take things a bit slower and add a few more offbeat experiences to your itinerary.
Day 1: City Highlights and Historical Exploration
Spend your first day exploring the core attractions of Shimla—Mall Road, The Ridge, Christ Church, and the Viceregal Lodge, as mentioned in the one-day itinerary. You can take more time to delve into each site and perhaps indulge in a heritage walk to learn about Shimla’s rich colonial history.
Day 2: Kufri, Mashobra, and Nature Walks
Day two will be dedicated to your Kufri and Mashobra adventure. After enjoying the adventure sports and picturesque surroundings in Kufri, spend some time in Mashobra for nature walks or a picnic amidst apple orchards.
Day 3: Naldehra and Tattapani
- Morning: Naldehra Golf Course
On your third day, head to Naldehra, about 22 km from Shimla, famous for its lush green golf course, which is one of the oldest and most scenic in India. The landscape here is stunning, with cedar forests and rolling hills surrounding the area. You can enjoy a peaceful walk or even try your hand at golf.
- Afternoon: Relax in Tattapani
After visiting Naldehra, make your way to Tattapani, located about 50 km from Shimla. Tattapani is known for its natural hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties. Take a dip in the hot water to relax your muscles and enjoy the tranquil setting by the Sutlej River.
4. Four to Five Days in Shimla: A Comprehensive Experience
If you have four to five days to spend in Shimla, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this hill station. This duration allows you to explore beyond the main tourist spots and indulge in more offbeat and local experiences.
Day 1 and 2: Exploring Shimla and Surroundings
Follow the three-day itinerary for the first two days, covering the main attractions in Shimla, Kufri, Mashobra, Naldehra, and Tattapani.
Day 3: Chail Excursion
On your third day, plan a visit to Chail, located about 45 km from Shimla. Chail is a serene hill station, known for the Chail Palace and the highest cricket ground in the world. The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is also a great spot for nature lovers, offering the chance to spot Himalayan animals like leopards and barking deer. Chail’s peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect day trip for those looking to escape the more crowded areas.
Day 4: Trekking or Adventure Sports
Spend your fourth day indulging in some trekking or adventure sports. You can trek to Chadwick Falls, a scenic waterfall located about 7 km from Shimla. Another option is the Shali Tibba Trek, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. For adrenaline seekers, Shimla offers paragliding, river rafting, and mountain biking opportunities in and around the region.
Day 5: Local Markets and Cultural Experiences
On your final day, spend some time exploring Shimla’s local markets and handicraft stores. Lakkar Bazaar is famous for its wooden souvenirs, woolen clothes, and local crafts. If you’re interested in Himachali culture, visit the Gaiety Theatre or attend a local cultural show to get a glimpse of the region’s traditional music and dance.
5. How to Choose the Right Duration for Your Shimla Tour
When deciding how many days to spend in Shimla, consider the following factors:
- Your Travel Goals: If you’re just looking for a short getaway to relax, a 2-3 day trip would suffice. However, if you want to explore nearby areas, indulge in adventure sports, and take day trips, 4-5 days would be ideal.
- The Season: The time of year you visit also plays a role. Winter travelers looking to experience snow might want to allocate extra days to explore Kufri, Mashobra, and other snow-filled spots. In summer, you might focus more on sightseeing and trekking.
- Travel Companions: If you’re traveling with family, especially children or elderly members, it’s a good idea to spread out your activities over a few days to avoid rushing from one attraction to another.
Conclusion
To fully experience the charm of Shimla, a 3 to 5-day tour is ideal. Whether you want to explore the city’s colonial heritage, enjoy adventure sports in Kufri, or simply relax in the serenity of Mashobra or Naldehra, the additional time allows for a well-rounded trip. However, even if you only have a day or two, Shimla’s core attractions can still be enjoyed in a short and fulfilling visit.
No matter how long you stay, Shimla’s beautiful