Amid a scorching summer, a vacation to Shimla is exactly what you need. Shimla is regarded as the ideal destination for travellers seeking a pleasant environment. It is not just a hill station with several tourist attractions, but it is also the home of various adventure sports. This is an excellent location for your budget travel. We have curated a Shimla itinerary for 6 days on budget travel. As a backpacker, you’re bound to fall in love with Shimla’s vast range of activities and magnificent appeal.
Weather In Shimla
Shimla’s weather is mostly pleasant throughout the year. Summers may bring warmth, with temperatures ranging from 10° C to 28° C. Because the snow mostly melts by March, summer in Shimla isn’t entirely white.
July and August are monsoon months, and while the natural beauty is at its peak, it is not an ideal time to come due to landslides and other hazards. Hence, it is best to plan an itinerary for Shimla depending on what you want to explore, snow, green lush valleys or scenic attractions.
Best Time To Visit Shimla
Shimla is located in the lovely state of Himachal Pradesh. Summers are ideal for visiting Shimla to get away from the buzz of the city and also that Shimla has a pleasant temperature. As a result, the months of ‘March to June’ are recommended for the visit. However, if you want to enjoy the snowfall and participate in some winter sports, the other half of the year is the greatest time to visit.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Treks In North India
It should also be noted that the months of July and August may have severe rain and should thus be avoided.
The offseason, which is March or November, is the best month to visit Shimla on a budget. The prices are cheaper and the crowd is lesser. But your itinerary for Shimla also depends on the things you want to explore.
How To Reach Shimla?
By Air
The nearest airport is Jubarhati. It is around 23 kilometres from the town and is one of the greatest ways to go to Shimla. Shimla is readily accessible by cab from Chandigarh and Delhi airports.
Prices range from INR 1500 to INR 5000 or more depending on the season.
By Rail
Shimla is linked by a narrow-gauge line to Kalka, which is linked to major Indian towns. Trains run frequently from New Delhi and Chandigarh to Kalka Railway Station. Shimla route by train is the cheapest way to reach.
Rail Fare: INR 200 – 1100
By Road
Shimla is connected to major cities in North India by many bus services, notably Himachal Road Corporation. The route from Delhi has many options which are both budget-friendly and convenient. Buses are included in all budgets for overnight travel. A few of them are nice, with air conditioning and views of mountains in the morning.
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You may also drive yourself. Having your road trip allows you to take in the sights at your leisure.
- Chandigarh to Shimla – 117 km
- Dehradun to Shimla – 230 km
- Delhi to Shimla – 350 km
Bus Fare:
HRTC – Non AC seater cost around INR 550
Cab Fare:
Cab are costly as they cost around INR 4500 onwards
Best Way To Reach Shimla As A Budget Traveller
The best and cheapest route to Shimla is through Delhi. Both the rail and the bus from Delhi are inexpensive choices that provide views of gorgeous landscapes and highways.
Where To Stay In Shimla ?
As a budget backpacker, it is very important to cut your rates on accommodation and eating. One of the best ways to save on expenses is either couch surfing or staying in hostels. Here are a few cheap options to make your itinerary for Shimla more affordable and your experience budget travel.
- Abuzz OC | Hostel – INR 400 onwards
- Shimla Homes | Hostel – INR 432 Onwards
- Thira Shimla | Hostel – INR 540 onwards
- The city escape camping | Tent – INR 599 onwards
- Nirvana Lodge | Homestay – INR 600 onwards
- Firadaus | Homestay – INR 800 onwards
- Hill View Cottage | Homestays – INR 700 onwards
How To Travel Around Shimla?
It is preferable to enjoy it on foot, but the decent and convenient option would be taking the bike for rent when travelling to Kufri or places which are far.
Cost of Rental Bikes – INR 400 onwards
Things To Do In Shimla
- Shop in Mall Road
- Visit Christ Church
- See Magnificent view from jakhu Hills
- Explore Shimla State Museum
- A walk to Viceregal Lodge
- Visitng Rothney Castle
- Ride the Toy Train
- Walk on The Ridge
- Take a walk Amidst pine forest
- Johnnie’s Wax museum
- Chadwick Waterfall
- Himachal State Museum
- Kali Bari Temle
- Visit Chadwick Falls
Day–Wise Shimla Itinerary For 6 Days
Day 0 – Getting To Shimla
The finest and most picturesque way to go to Shimla from Delhi is by vehicle. It provides a gorgeous perspective and the opportunity to remain and enjoy yourself at places that make you feel happy.
Walking is one of the finest ways to discover new places. So, as soon as you get to Shimla, take a short stroll through the main market on Mall Road, where you can eat delicious noodles.
Day 1
Plan your day with the Ridge over a nice cup of tea in the morning. The very first day of the itinerary of Shimla is the ‘stroll day’. Because of its prominent position and the fact that vehicles are completely prohibited, The Ridge attracts the most people in Shimla.
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Taking photos in the streets in front of the Neo-Catholic Style Christ Church is a must if you visit Shimla.
The beautiful architecture of the old church amazes visitors. The Ridge has the atmosphere of a fair, with horse rides and ice cream stalls attracting both children and adults. Next on the Shimla itinerary is a trip around the Church, a visit to the Hawa Ghar, and admiring the IIAS building.
- Cost: None
- Distance from Mall road: 260m
To make this stroll feel more luxurious you can walk to Cafe Sol -– only 5 minutes from Christ Church for lip-smacking dishes.
After that, take a trip to Bantony Castle to see the colonial-era maharaja palace with sprawling grounds.
- Cost: None
- Distance from The Ridge: 550m
Tasting the Oberoi Cecil Hotel’s European and Asian cuisine gets you set for the next journey to the Kali Bari temple. Kali Bari Temple, located 1km from the Old Shimla Bus Stand, is a Bengali hut-style temple devoted to Kali. Evening aarti is amongst the blissful things you can do.
- Timing: 6 am to 7 pm
- Cost: None
- Distance from Bantony Castle: 400m
Day 2
The Kalka-Shimla toy railway is well-known across India. Have you ever wished to book a seat on a train for an exciting rail ride? Start your second day by getting up early and going directly to Shimla Railway Station or booking tickets online. The train leaves at 10:30 AM and returns no later than 5:00 PM. The train travel takes the entire day, but it is worth it.
- Timing: 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost: 400 onwards for one way
Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Lachung
To end your day on a wonderful and brilliant note, return to Mall Road, but this time to watch the night market. Enjoy a pleasant evening stroll while shopping for woollens, handicrafts, and wooden antiques.
Day 3
Jakhoo is Shimla’s highest hill, towering over the Ridge. Shimla is a true walker’s paradise. There are several intriguing walking paths to choose from, such as the hike to Jakhoo temple or a simple car ride. This beautiful highland Hindu temple features a large sculpture of Lord Hanuman and a swarm of wild monkeys.
Viewing areas and seats overlook the city from Jakhoo Hill, which is surrounded by lush green mountains.
- Distance from Mall Road: 2km
- Timing: 8 am to 6 pm
- Cost: None
You may continue your journey by visiting Johnnie’s Wax Museum and the Shimla Heritage Museum. Both are equally captivating and intriguing.
- Timing: 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost :
- Wax Museum – INR 250
- Shimla Museum – INR 50 onwards
Day 4
Begin the day with a heavy breakfast before departing for a new destination, Kufri. Kufri is 14 kilometres away from Shimla. It is a place known for skiing. You may also visit Chail, which is 45 kilometres from Shimla and is known for its architectural elegance.
- Cost :
- Bus Fare – INR 300 onwards
- Cab Fare – INR 2500 onwards (shared)
End the day by returning to Shimla to camp under the sky and experience what it is to spend a night in the mountains.
Day 5
Prepare to stroll to Viceregal Lodge, popularly known as Rashtrapati Niwas, after waking up to a spectacular vista and a local breakfast. Located about 3 kilometres from the Old Shimla Bus Stand, the location envelops you with tranquilly and serenity in the morning.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm every day (except Mondays).
The next stop is the ancient Victorian mansion, which is now the Himachal State Museum. One will find everything in a Victorian estate, including art and antiques like archaic tools, is on the list.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm every day ( except Mondays)
- Cost: INR 50 onwards
Also Read: Top 10 Backpacking Destinations In Himachal Pradesh
Travel from tradition and art to magnificent nature by visiting Chadwick Fall, which is open 24 hours a day but best visited before dark to see the true splendour of sunset.
Day 6
The time has come to return to work, away from the serenity of Shimla. Depending on your departure arrangements, you might try to cover Naldehra.
An early morning trip to Naldehra, India’s most popular Bollywood location, is a green region 25 kilometres from Shimla.
Sounds like a plan?
Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Shimla are listed below.
When is Shimla going to be open to the public?
Shimla is a year-round tourist destination that changes hues according to the season. Shimla will be covered in a heavy blanket of snow from June through September, but the months of January and February will be a stark contrast.
Is it worth it to travel to Shimla?
Shimla, India’s capital, is definitely worth a visit. It’s not just for nature enthusiasts who will enjoy a visit to this medieval hill town, but also those who are interested in history and architecture.
Shimla has snow in the winter, but when can you expect it?
Between late December and early February, it snows in Shimla.
If you’re thinking about going to Shimla, we hope the provided information on the Shimla itinerary was helpful.
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