Shimla Manali getaway: How to Plan from Kolkata

Shimla and Manali are two of Himachal Pradesh’s most famous hill stations. Here's a guide on how to plan a perfect Shimla Manali getaway from Kolkata. They are dream spots for tourists looking for a quiet retreat.

That meanwhile takes them amidst the serene beauty of the mountains. You may be looking for a relaxing break or a dose of thrill. Further, you may seek a cool escape from the hot plains. In short, Shimla and Manali offer all of that. This guide will help those from Kolkata, looking to plan a trip to these charming towns.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Shimla and Manali

Shimla Manali are year round places. The first step in Kolkata Shimla Manali travel plan is choosing the best visiting time. Each place further offers a unique experience as per the season. The summer months (March to June) bring pleasant weather.

That firstly makes it perfect for sightseeing, nature walks, and outdoor thrills. These months are ideal if you want to escape the summer heat of Kolkata. During that, one can enjoy cooler temperatures in the hills. For those seeking a winter wonderland experience, visit Shimla and Manali between November and February. 

During this time, you can experience snowfall and enjoy winter sports. That are for example skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. However, do keep in mind that the weather can be quite chilly. So, it’s must to pack as per that.

Booking Flights or Trains from Kolkata

The next step is to arrange transport from Kolkata to Shimla and Manali. Firstly, the most easy way to travel is by air, though it involves a stopover. As there are no direct flights to Shimla or Manali from Kolkata. You can book a direct flight to Delhi or Chandigarh. Both of them have well connected airports with major cities for example Kolkata.

From Delhi or Chandigarh, you can take a connecting flight. You can meanwhile opt for road transport to reach Shimla or Manali. If you prefer a scenic road trip, you can take a train from Kolkata to Delhi. From there, you can hire a cab, take a bus, or board a private vehicle.

So that, you can reach Shimla or Manali. The train journey from Kolkata to Delhi takes about 17 to 18 hours. After that, you can catch a bus or a taxi to Shimla (about 7 hours from Delhi). To reach Manali it further takes about 14 hours.

For those with more time and taste for thrill, you can also take an overnight train. That takes you from Kolkata to Kalka. Kalka is the nearest railway station to Shimla. From Kalka, a toy train connects to Shimla. That further offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in India.

Shimla Itinerary A 2-3 Day Stay

Once you reach Shimla, there are plenty of attractions and activities to explore. Start your day with a visit to the famous Mall Road, a bustling street. It is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants having scenic views of the mountains. You can take meanwhile a lazy stroll on the Ridge, that is a spacious area. It further offers stunning views of the town and the nearby hills.

A visit to Kufri, lying about 16 km from Shimla, is a must for adventure lovers. Kufri offers thrills for example skiing, tobogganing, and snowboarding during the winter. For nature lovers, the Himalayan Nature Park and the Fagu village are ideal spots.

There, you can meanwhile enjoy the tranquil beauty of the region. One more great spot is Jakhoo Temple, devoted to Lord Hanuman. It is situated atop Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla. That further offers stunning views of the nearby valleys. You can meanwhile take a trip to the Viceregal Lodge. It had served as the summer home of the British Viceroy during colonial rule.

Manali Itinerary A 3-4 Day Stay

After spending 2 to 3 days in Shimla, you can head to Manali. This journey further takes about 7 to 9 hours by road. It meanwhile depends on traffic and road conditions. Manali is a haven for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. Firstly, begin your trip by visiting the Hadimba Temple. Its a unique temple lying amidst the lush cedar forests.

The temple is devoted to Hadimba, the wife of the Pandava Bhima from the Mahabharata. One more famous spot is the Solang Valley. It offers various thrills for example paragliding, zorbing, and skiing in winter. If you’re looking for a more easy experience, visit the beautiful Old Manali area. That is famous for its quaint cafes, vibrant culture, and river side views. For a day trip, you can visit Rohtang Pass. That is situated about 51 km from Manali.

Open only during the summer months, Rohtang is a famous spot. It is famous for snow sports for example skiing and snowball fights. The stunning views of the snowy peaks make it one of its most famous tourist spots. If you have some extra time, take a trip to the scenic village of Naggar. It is home to ancient temples, art galleries, and a castle.

That stands out further with unique views of the nearby mountains. One more must see is the Vashisht Temple, known for its hot springs. That meanwhile offer a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the region.

Accommodation Where to Stay in Shimla and Manali

Both Shimla and Manali offer a wide range of staying options. They ranges further from budget guest houses to lavish resorts. In Shimla, you can find heritage hotels offering colonial era charm. For a more budget friendly option, there are many guest houses and home stays. That are scattered around the town. Above all, Manali also has a great number of stays.

That meanwhile include river view cottages, mountain resorts, and hotels. When choosing your stay, it’s must to think about its closeness to the key spots. It should be near to transport options, and ideal for your budget. Booking your stay in advance is a good idea, mainly during peak tourist seasons.

Activities and Local Cuisine

While in Shimla and Manali, you must indulge in local Himachali cuisine. Try out famous dishes for example Chana Madra, Siddu, and Sidu. That comes along with sweet treats like Mittha. Both towns further offer a blend of flavors from the local produce. So, don’t miss out on tasting the famous regional food. In terms of activities, both Shimla and Manali offer plenty of options.

 It include skiing in Manali or shopping for woolen garments in Shimla’s Mall Road. That goes to delving in outdoor sports for example trekking, paragliding, and river rafting. Further, you can fill your Shimla Manali getaway with exciting thrills. That makes it a complete package.

Wrapping Up Your Trip

A Shimla Manali tour from Kolkata is an experience you’ll never forget. With the right planning, you can enjoy the best of these two beautiful places. Whether it’s sightseeing, outdoor ventures, or just unwinding in the lap of nature.

Make sure to plan your transport, stay, and schedule ahead of time. It further ensure a smooth and pleasant Shimla Manali journey for tourists. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes if you are going during the winter months. Meanwhile, get ready to embrace the serene beauty and the charm of the hills!.