Shimla, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas, is a popular destination for families seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. With its cool weather, lush greenery, colonial architecture, and a range of attractions, Shimla offers a perfect getaway for all age groups. Whether you are planning a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family adventure, choosing the right tour package is crucial for ensuring a memorable holiday. In this guide, we will explore some of the best Shimla tour packages for families, detailing their features, attractions, and what makes them ideal for a family trip.
1. Shimla Family Delight Package
Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Price: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 per person
Best For: Families with young children and first-time visitors.
The Shimla Family Delight package is perfect for families looking for a relaxed vacation. This tour includes visits to key attractions within Shimla, offering a balanced mix of leisure and sightseeing. The itinerary includes:
- Arrival in Shimla: After arriving in Shimla by car or train, you’ll check into a family-friendly hotel.
- Jakhoo Temple: One of the must-visit places for its peaceful surroundings and panoramic views. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and you’ll enjoy a leisurely hike to reach it.
- Mall Road Exploration: Spend your time shopping for souvenirs and indulging in local delicacies at Shimla’s famous Mall Road.
- Kufri Excursion: Kufri, just a short drive from Shimla, is a winter wonderland in the colder months and a picturesque hill station during the rest of the year. The Kufri Fun World amusement park is an exciting place for kids and adults alike.
- Nature Park: Families can enjoy a peaceful walk or a short trek through this beautiful park.
- Adventure Activities: Horse riding, skiing (in winter), and go-karting are popular activities in Kufri.
Why it’s great for families: The Shimla Family Delight Package combines relaxation with light adventure, allowing families to soak in the local culture and enjoy scenic views without any rushed schedules. It’s an easy-going package with just the right mix of activities for families with children of all ages.
2. Shimla Adventure and Nature Tour Package
Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
Price: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 per person
Best For: Active families looking for outdoor adventure.
For families who love adventure, this tour package provides an ideal blend of nature and thrill. Shimla and its surrounding areas are known for their hiking trails, adventure parks, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Shoghi Excursion: The tour kicks off with a visit to Shoghi, a beautiful hamlet known for its serene surroundings. It offers adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and zip-lining. Your family can also enjoy camping under the stars here.
- Tattapani: Famous for its hot springs, Tattapani is a great place for river rafting and family picnics by the Sutlej River. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in river rafting while the rest of the family relaxes by the river.
- Chail Palace: On this tour, you’ll visit Chail, known for its Palace and the world’s highest cricket ground. Chail offers mesmerizing views and an array of scenic picnic spots.
- Naldehra Golf Course: Naldehra is a peaceful and scenic spot, known for its lush green landscapes and its iconic golf course. Families can take a peaceful walk here and enjoy pony rides for kids.
- Forest Walks & Nature Trails: The package includes a visit to local forests where your family can enjoy nature walks. You’ll also get a chance to explore local wildlife and flora.
Why it’s great for families: This package offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. It’s suited for families who enjoy the outdoors and want a mix of sightseeing and engaging physical activities.
3. Shimla Heritage and Cultural Tour Package
Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
Price: ₹20,000 – ₹28,000 per person
Best For: Families interested in history, architecture, and culture.
Shimla is steeped in history and this package focuses on showcasing its colonial heritage, local culture, and architectural wonders. It’s perfect for families who enjoy learning about the local history while exploring Shimla’s beauty.
- Viceregal Lodge: The tour begins with a visit to this grand building, once the summer residence of the British Viceroy of India. Today, it’s known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The building’s architecture is a visual treat, and it also has beautiful gardens that are perfect for a family stroll.
- Christ Church: Shimla’s most iconic church is a marvel of neo-gothic architecture and provides a glimpse into the town’s colonial past.
- Gaiety Theatre: An important cultural hub in Shimla, the Gaiety Theatre is a historic venue where families can attend local plays or musical performances.
- Mall Road & Lakkar Bazaar: This cultural package includes a day to explore the bustling markets of Mall Road and Lakkar Bazaar, where you can buy wooden handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs.
- Shimla State Museum: A visit to the Shimla State Museum is a treat for history lovers. It houses an impressive collection of Himachali art, sculptures, and local crafts.
Why it’s great for families: This package is for families who want to dive into the history and culture of Shimla. It offers educational insights while also allowing for leisurely exploration.
4. Shimla and Manali Combo Family Tour Package
Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Price: ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 per person
Best For: Families seeking an extended vacation covering two popular destinations.
For families who want to cover more ground during their trip, the Shimla and Manali combo package is a great choice. This extended tour gives you the best of both worlds: the tranquility of Shimla and the adventure-filled landscapes of Manali.
- Shimla Highlights: As part of the package, you’ll enjoy sightseeing in Shimla, including visits to Kufri, Jakhoo Temple, Viceregal Lodge, and Mall Road.
- Manali Excursion: After Shimla, you’ll proceed to Manali, where you’ll visit Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, and Solang Valley, known for its adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing (in winter).
- Rohtang Pass: If you’re visiting during the summer, your family can take a trip to the famous Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas. It’s perfect for snow activities, making it a delight for children and adults alike.
- Naggar Castle: This historical castle is an important cultural spot near Manali, offering a peek into the architectural style of the region.
Why it’s great for families: This package is ideal for families who have more time to explore and want a comprehensive experience of both Shimla and Manali. It combines the serene environment of Shimla with the adventurous and scenic beauty of Manali.
5. Shimla Honeymoon and Family Combo Package
Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights
Price: ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 per person
Best For: Families that want a mix of romantic getaways and family activities.
For families that include couples looking for a little romance alongside family fun, this package strikes a perfect balance. It combines visits to some of the most romantic locations in Shimla with family-friendly activities.
- Stay at Luxury Resorts: Enjoy a stay at some of Shimla’s finest luxury resorts that offer special amenities for both couples and families. Many resorts offer kids’ clubs and activities for younger children, while couples can enjoy spa treatments or a quiet dinner at the hotel.
- Scenic Spots: You’ll visit key scenic spots like Kufri, Mashobra, and Naldehra, with opportunities for family picnics and quiet walks for couples.
- Tattapani and River Rafting: Families and couples alike will enjoy the thrill of river rafting at Tattapani and the nearby hot springs for relaxation afterward.
- Adventure Activities: Kufri’s adventure park offers something for all age groups, from children’s rides to more adventurous activities like zip-lining, all within a family-friendly environment.
Why it’s great for families: This package caters to families traveling with both kids and couples, making sure that everyone’s interests are met. It’s designed to allow couples some alone time while offering plenty of family bonding opportunities.
Choosing the Right Shimla Tour Package for Your Family
When deciding on a Shimla tour package, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of your family. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Duration: Shorter packages of 3–4 days are ideal for quick getaways, while longer packages of 5–7 days allow for a more leisurely exploration.
- Interests: Families looking for relaxation may prefer packages focusing on sightseeing and light activities, while adventurous families may enjoy more action-packed itineraries.
- Budget: Choose a package that suits your budget. Most tour operators offer flexible packages, ranging from economy to luxury, ensuring that you can find something within your price range.
- Weather: Consider the season when planning your trip. Shimla offers snow activities in winter, while the summer months are ideal for