Planning to have an amazing summer detour this year? Looking for some great and affordable options? Then surely you have to visit the Himachal Pradesh – Shimla and Manali.
Nestled in the amazingly beautiful Himalayas and some of the most amazing scenic locations around, it is your must visit place if you want to experience what heaven looks like.
The summer season is the best time to visit Shimla. You will be able to enjoy the amazing kind of tourist attractions while the weather being absolutely enjoyable with the right kinds of moments to enjoy.
How to reach
The nearest place to visit Shimla is from Delhi. The options are by train, by bus or by car which one would you prefer. There is a train from Delhi which gets down at the Ambala Cantonment and from there onwards you can reach Shimla.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Shimla is during the winter and the summer season. March to June is the perfect season to visit and also the perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. The temperature is normally between 15 to 30 degrees at this time.
We first take a look at Shimla-
Some of the must see locations of Shimla-
Mall Road-
One of the main streets of Shimla and also one of the busiest hubs in entire Shimla, the colonial buildings add a different charm altogether. It also has a lot of cafes, restaurants and many different hangout centres where you will be able to enjoy and relax in the vibe of the mountains.
Rothney Caste-
Home of the British civil servant, Hume, this place is a fine display of Gothic and beautiful architecture. Intricate wood carvings adorn this place and are a sure visit if you like and old places to relax and enjoy.
The Ridge-
One of the famous places next to the Mall road, this is also frequented by tourists and is the hub of all the cultural activities in Shimla. It is also a famous shopping centre in Shimla and is situated next to the Mall road. This is one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
The Summer Hill-
It is one of the best suburbs of Shimla and a part of the seven hills clusters. It is most famous for photography, scenery and most important serenity and dwell in the relaxed atmosphere.
Kufri-
A small hill station located at around 15 km from Shimla, it is a location filled with snow and lot of scenic views. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shimla.
Chadwick Falls-
This one is surely you should not miss. Located around at a distance of 7 km from the summer hill, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls you must have ever seen and one of the most frequently visited by tourists. It also has a lot of religious significance to it owing to its proximity to many shrines.
The Himachal State museum-
Do you like to visit everything old and quaint and gather all the information? Then you should definitely visit the Himachal State Museum. It has some of the rich archaeological artefacts and rare treasures of India which you can definitely see.
Some of the other places to visit in Shimla are-
Indira Tourist park
St. Mary’s Church
Dhilon Pond
Jakhoo Hill
Shimla State Museum
Annadale
Wild Flower Hall
Manali
Next in line with the Queen of the Hill stations, is Manali. One of the most preferred place for honeymoon it is the next honeymoon destination of India.
How to reach Manali-
The nearest airport from Manali is Bhuntar. So you can take the option of air travel if you want to reach Manali fast. The starting point is from Delhi.
From Delhi also there are trains connecting to Manali. However the preferred option is by bus if you want to enjoy the scenic locations in and around Manali. However the roads are quite widening and you will have to keep up with the twisty roads which can prove quite hectic and create a travel sickness.
The best time to visit Manali-
October to February is probably the best time to visit Manali and if you prefer cold then January is the month to visit it. If you can brave the tough colds and prefer being comfortable in the woollies then you surely can enjoy the snow around.
Fancy planning a honeymoon in Manali? Well it is surely a good idea.
Some of the must visit places in Manali are-
Solang Valley-
A rare treat for one’s eyes, this one is surely a stunner. A picturesque location situated between the Beas Kund and the Solang village, is simply known for its awe-inspiring views. You can indulge in various kinds of activities such as skiing, parachuting and gliding. The distance from Manali is from 13 km.
Jogni Waterfalls-
Trek to one of the most striking places on earth and the most beautiful places also. Located around 3 kms from the main market of Manali, you will pass through beautiful and pristine orchards, pine forests and spruce trees.
Bhigru Lake-
Known as the Lake of Gods it is also a majestic and elaborate water body which is at a distance of around 40 km from Manali. The crystal blue ponds are simply a stunner along with the numerous glaciers the vicinity has.
Hampta Pass-
The Hampta Pass trek is one of the most popular treks. Situated between two beautiful valleys, it is a must on the enthusiastic trekkers. It is good for beginners and is a low difficulty trek. Get ready to witness the quaint and beautiful meadows and the picturesque surroundings. If you are planning to do a honeymoon in Shimla , then surely this is also a best place to visit. It sure will be packed with a lot of adventure and you will enjoy it to the fullest.
Planning for that ultimate Himachal trip-
If you want to plan for the mountain sojourn, then it is indeed a good idea. However plan it well in advance so that you get the best deals and are able to plan all the outdoor activities so that you can make the most of it.