Himachal Pradesh is one of the reputed mountain states in Northern India dotted by several scenic hill stations. Shimla and Manali are important among them and are known as popular summer and holiday destinations. These two places not only provide you with the real feast in natural beauty but also have several numbers of tourist attractions to spend the time in a splendid manner.
Shimla – The beautiful capital city
Shimla, the beautiful capital city of Himachal Pradesh, has something special to serve for all of the tourists. Nestled in the laps of Himalayan foothills, the city enjoys the blessings of nature. With several destinations to provide almost all range of activities to entertain, a visit to Shimla really worth a lot.
Travel to Shimla
It is better to make Delhi as the base of the travel for all means of travel including bus, train, and flight.
Bus to Shimla
There are several buses to run between Delhi and Shimla. You can prefer state buses operated by the state government of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh along with private bus operators to provide good travel services between these two important destinations. Shimla situates at a distance of around 342 km from Delhi and it takes around 6 to 7 hours depending on the weather conditions. If you prefer Shimla Manali tour package provided by a reputed tour operator, then you are made free from the tensions of finding the buses, bus stations, food and accommodation since they take care of everything in the tour as per the terms.
Train to Shimla
There are several trains that run between Delhi and Kalka. There are 5 direct trains to run between Delhi to Kalka and 3 regular trains to take you from Kalka to Shimla. It takes around 4 hours to reach Kalka from Delhi and 5 to 7 hours from Kalka and Shimla. You can also get a toy train from Kalka to Shimla to enjoy an unmatched journey.
Hotel bookings in Shimla
Shimla has the best deal in accommodation for every type of visitors. You can find budget hotels to luxury 5 stars to book your accommodation. Most of the hotels are situated towards the Kali Bari temple and on the side of the Mall road. A decent bargaining brings you the best in accommodation at affordable rates.
Attractions and Activities in Shimla
Some of the important places to visit in Shimla include The Mall Road with an array of eateries and shops, The Ridge; the flat area located above The Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge known for colonial style construction and Jakhu temple dedicated to monkey god Hanuman located at the highest peak of Shimla. The beauty of the place is more than enough to make you get indulged in the spirit of the trip. Nearby attractions to Shimla within 20 km distance include Chadwick Falls, Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi, Kurfi and Mashobra.
Important activities include trekking to Annadale, Wildflower Hall, The Glen and Mashobra, ice skating in Kurfi and skiing and water sports in Tattapani (51 km) and Narkanda (65 km).
Manali – The princess of Hill Stations
Manali is the princess of hill stations. It gives all of the specials of a fantastic hill station for the visitors. Almost all of the visitors to Shimla never miss a visit to Manali. You will get stunning views of mountains and incredible nature on Shimla Manali road even before putting the first step on Manali.
Travel to Manali
There is no need to worry at all about travel, food, and accommodation when you are on the tour package provided by reputed tour operators. Manali lies at a distance of 257 km from Shimla and you can reach the place with 5 to 7 hours of travel. You can book a cab online to be free from the last time tensions and search.
Stay in Manali
Manali provides fantastic options in stay to select from. You can select from budgeted lodges to 5 stars or can prefer homestays to enjoy the night to its maximum in the Himalayan foothills. Hotels are situated on the Mall Road and resort perfect for couples are located on Kulu- Manali Road. Homestays are the most preferred staying options and it is a good idea to make the booking in advance for the same. If you have strong love towards nature, then you can choose hotels and homestays that are away from the bustling Mall Road area.
Eateries and Restaurants in Manali
Hotels are mainly located in Mall Road area and are featured with excellent alignment of eateries and restaurants in Manali. You can find both Indian and continental cuisine and almost all of the restaurants provide satisfactory food and affordable rates. If you love to taste some lick-smacking delights, then make a visit to Old Manali which is the favourite spot of the foreign crowd. There are restaurants with the attached bar if you love to take some drinks to create a good mood in the chilling night.
Attractions in Manali
To be honest, Manali has just a few things to offer in its city. The city acts as the base camp to see the attractions in surrounding areas. MaaSharvari Temple and The Hadimba Temple are the important attractions in Manali. Manali Gompa, Manu Temple, Van Vihar, Tibet Market and Mall Road are other attractions to visit. Tibet Market and Mall Road are the best places to make shopping.
Surroundings of Manali are rich with wonders of nature. Rohtang Pass, located at a height of 3979m, Manali-Keylong road, Dassuar Lake, Beas Kund, the Kalath Hot Water Spring, Jogini Falls, Vashisht Hot Water Springs and Temple, Solang Valley, Nehru Kund, Rahala Waterfalls, Zana Falls, Manikaran, and Naggar Castle are important attraction surroundings in Manali.
Activities in Manali
High snow covered mountains offer excellent opportunities for activities including ice climbing, snowboarding, and skiing. The beautiful adventure valley provides the best option for adventure enthusiasts to engage in paragliding, the gushing Beas River assure wonderful experience for river rafters and the zig-zag trails makes the best for trekking.
Trip of 5 to 6 days helps you to cover almost all of the attractions and to get engaged in amazing activities. Now plan your Shimla Manali tour for the coming vacation or book your seat for budgeted Shimla Manali tour package to get-set-go without the risks of booking travel and accommodation.