Day 1 - Local Market visit
Upon reaching Shimla, check in and relax at the hotel for a while. It’s a good idea to look for a hotel near Mall Road.
- Hotel White - Tarrif Rs. 2400 for double occupency. This place is called Lakkar Bazaar.
- Hotel Victory is also a good option near the Mall Road.(Rs. 2000)
In the evening you can roam around the Mall Road and indulge in some shopping. A beautiful collection of handcrafted goodies will surely make your heart happy. There are many cafes and restaurants for dinner here. One of the famous ones is Cafe Shimla Times. It generally has live music playing in the evenings by local bands.
- If you’re an avid reader, do check out the various book shops here.
Shimla Mall Road
Overnight stay in Shimla.
Day 2 - Local sightseeing in & around Shimla
Breakfast at Mall Road;
- Sita Ram & Sons – a 70-year-old shop – famous for its Chole Bhature (called as Channa & Lucchi here ). Luchhi in simple terms is a softer and lighter version of our beloved bhatura!
Jakhu temple – Shri Hanuman temple –Lord Hanuman stopped on Jakhu Hill while going to collect the Sanjivani Buti. It is accessible by car.
- The ropeway is also available – Rs. 500 per person (Timings : 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM). The aarti timings are 7.00 AM every morning. It has a majestic 108-foot-tall idol of the deity. Since it is situated high up on a hill it also offers amazing views of the Shivalik ranges.
Jakhu Temple
Viceregal Lodge & Indian Institute Of Advanced Study- This is a historical place. It used to be the hub of all political activities before Independence. The architecture of this building is splendid (Timings – 10 am–5:30 pm).
- Army Heritage Museum – You will see Army & Navy Uniforms & guns and canons in this museum.
Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
Lunch options in and around Mall Road;
- Guptajee Vaishno Bhojnalaya – Pure veg restaurant. Food is simple and has a homely taste.
- Himachali Rasoi: Known for its traditional thali.
- New Plaza Restaurant – Famous for Mutton Rahra & Butter Chicken.
Towards the evening, you can visit any of the following locations on the Mall Road
- The Ridge – Beautiful, open space with a two-side view of Shimla. During the evening the view of Shimla city is mesmerising from the viewpoint. One of the scenes of "3 idots" movie was shot here.
- Christ Church - 2nd Oldest Church in North India, Built it in 1857. In the evening the illumination of the church makes it so beautiful. Located on the ridge.
- Scandal Point – Believed to be the spot from where the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala eloped with the daughter of a British Viceroy. It is located at the meeting point of Mall road & Ridge Road. There are numerous cafes & restaurants available.
Christchurch at Ridge Road, Shimla
Local Market – This 3-part marketplace - divided into Upper Market, Middle & Lower Market – sells winter clothes, trinkets, souvenirs, and street food.
- Evening Snacks or Dinner Options;
- Trishool Bakers: Famous bakery on Mall road.
- Indian Coffee House: In the evening you can try some snacks along with coffee.
- Wake and Bake cafe- cozy place to hangout with great options for Italian food. It has rooftop sitting which offers a very beautiful view.
- Honey Hut cafe-Famous for its cheesecake.
- Kalyan Dhaba: Famous food joint among locals, serves homely food.
Overnight Stay at Shimla.
Day 3 - Shimla - Kufri - Narkanda - 80 Km
Breakfast option at Mall Road;
Prem Chat Shop (An old shop before Independence) –Popular for Chole Bhature.
Green Valley –On the way to Kufri you will get to experience this valley filled with deodar trees. It is really beautiful and has now become a pit stop. You get a 180-degree view of the valley from this point. You will also find telescopes alongside the highway with which you can get a closer look. You can click pictures and enjoy maggi with a cup of chai here.
Kufri –Scenic views are awesome. Activities in Kufri – Extreme Adventure – Flying Fox/ Horse Ride/Yak Ride.
- Kufri Fun World– it has numerous fun activities like a shooting range, ropeway and snow activities in winter. Since you have to travel to Narkanda, you need to restrict your time at Kufri.
- You will love to halt at Fagu for half an hour to see the hills – 6 km from Kufri , this place is serene , untouched and peaceful.
Beautiful Scenic View at Kufri
Travel to Narkanda (Kufri to Narkanda 50km)- 1hour 45 min travelling time.
- Reach Narkanda. Relax at the Hotel.
- Wild Himalaya Glamping Camp is a good option if you wish to get the experience of camping in the hills.(Approx.1200 for 2 people)
Narkanda also has a mall road, with limited options for food, You can have dinner at a hotel.
- Here is an option located at Mall road Negi Dhaba (The New Himalayan Dhaba) – Old and famous Dhaba of Narkanda, serves both veg and nonveg food.
Overnight Stay at Narkanda – hotel/guest house/homestay options available. One can at Hatu homestay (Rs 2000).
Day 4 - Local sightseeing in Narkanda
Wake up early in the morning, enjoy the sunrise at Hatu peak – a height of 11,000 ft – 8 km from Narkanda. Enjoy a breathtaking view.
• Visit Hatu Temple –Maa Kali’s temple, made of wood, is located atop the Hatu peak.
Hatu Temple, Narkanda
Visit Tanni Jubbar lake (9km from Narkanda). It is a man-made lake surrounded by greenery. Ideal for picnics and nature lovers. You can spend about 1 to 2 hours here. It is located beside a temple dedicated to Naag Devta.
Lunch Options;
- Tethys Ski Resort: Great location and nice food (both veg and nonveg). I enjoyed traditional non veg food here. (Chicken Siddu and Mutton Krida are really good)
- Hotel Hatu – Chaa Meat / Chicken Himachali Dahi Wala
Return to Shimla and spend your quality evening around the Mall Road.
Overnight stay at Shimla and then head back to your home location next day or you can end your trip here.