Desperate to change the usual city life routine. What better way to rejuvenate than staying amidst a tranquil nature with your near and dear ones? Plan a tour to Himachal Pradesh, proudly boastin (Read More)g Shimla's timeless beauty. The intriguing landscapes, rich greenery, snow-covered mountains, colonial architecture, temples, extreme sports, and pleasant climate make Shimla a highly visited hill destination for families.
Oak, deodar, pine forests, and apple orchards surround Shimla. Britishers loved Shimla so much that it was declared as India's summer capital. Tourists can still find the colonial infrastructure intact. There are numerous noteworthy things that you can do in Shimla with your family.
Create memorable moments with your family in the mountainous region. Holidify’s Shimla family packages are custom designed for unforgettable experiences amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Himalayas for families at budget-friendly prices. It offers a lot of beautiful places, such as The Ridge, Lakkar Bazar, Naldehra, Jakhoo Hill, Chadwick Waterfall, Shimla State Museum, Toy Train Ride, and Kufri.
Stroll to the Ridge, an open area in the town’s heart, connected to major attractions in Shimla. It is home to the vibrant Summer Festival and Winter Sports Festival. You can shop, sip coffee at the cafes, and indulge in local cultural activities with your family at Shimla’s cultural hub. Additionally, you can visit Old Christ Church, built in the 1850s, and its 1910 Tudorbethan-style library.
Gift your partner a Pashmina shawl and a Kullu shawl from Lakkar Bazar. Don’t miss out on shopping at the market for wooden walking sticks, Tibetan mats, Chinese shoes, and decorative paraphernalia for your home.
Visit North India’s second oldest church, Shimla Christ Church. The best time to admire its neo-gothic-inspired architecture is at night. Light a candle at Shimla’s popular religious landmark that also appeared in Bollywood movies like 3 Idiots. You must also take your family to the Elizabethan-style Christ Church Library, built in 1910.
The World’s largest statue of Lord Hanuman is 2 km from the Ridge. Worship together at the Jakhu Temple and take blessings from Lord Hanuman for inner strength. Rent a cab, trek to the temple, get a pony ride, or enjoy the Jakhoo Ropeway to reach the temple. You can also enjoy the drone-like sight from Jakhoo Ropeway, one of India’s safest cable car rides in Shimla.
On Shimla Mall Road, you will find the Shimla State Museum, housing ancient collectibles, Pahari-styled art, archeological artifacts, a doll gallery, and a library. Hire a guide or buy an audiobook to explore the Indian history displayed in the Viceregal Lodge or the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
Spend quality time with your family at Summer Hills, also called Shimla’s Seven Hills. Take your children to Johnnie’s Wax Museum, showcasing 15 lifelike wax statues of famous personalities. Visitors can join Shimla’s Heritage Walk to see colonial-era architecture at Bantony Castle, Gorton Castle, and more.
Don’t mind taking a break and unwinding at Chadwick Falls, but return before sunset. Or you can book a luxurious resort for your family and pamper them with a relaxing spa and therapeutic massage. Spend your day in the fresh air with Himachal’s rich flora and fauna at the Himalayan Bird Park and Shimla Reserve Forest.
Ice Skating Rink near Scandal Point is another activity in Shimla family packages that promise to serve as a dopamine dose. Listen to the piquing story of the Scandal Point! Let the sports spirit roll! Visit Naldehra (for its 9-hole golf course) or Annandale (Shimla’s playground) to play cricket, golf, and tennis with your family amidst serene nature.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train Ride is a must-do activity for families on Shimla family packages. A five-and-a-half-hour train journey takes you through picturesque routes, offering sensational views of the mountains and valleys. Your kids will love this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Join the evening aarti of Goddess Kali at Kali Bari Temple near Shimla City Mall. Locals call Goddess Kali ‘Shyamala’, hence the city's name. Also, visit the Tara Devi Temple of Buddhist Goddess Tara at the top of Tara Parvat.
Time for souvenirs! Shop for antiques, handicrafts, tea, Himachali attire, Tibetan carpets, and souvenirs from Mall Road. The best time to visit the market with your family is in the evening. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and street food from local markets. The Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall are nearby attractions on Shimla Mall Road.
Stroll down the Mall Road after sunset and try various Japanese, Tibetan, and Chinese dishes at Chopsticks. Take your family to budget-friendly cafes – Cafe Simla Times, Honey Hut, and Cafe Sol. You can try famous restaurants like Ashiana, Himachali Rasoi, and EBR Cafe for mouth-watering meals.
To enjoy Shimla’s nightlife alone, roll to Sixteen 69 Lounge Bar, Rendezvous Bar and Restaurant, or The Pub, and groove on the beats. Besides, with your family, you can enjoy bonfires, eat marshmallows, and spot constellations in the clear night sky.
Feast on Himachal’s delicious dishes, such as Madra (chickpea curry) with rice or puri, Dham (Himachali Thali), Tudkiya Bhath (rare spices and lentils in rice), Bhey (fried spicy lotus stem), and Babru (black grams stuffed in Puris) with tamarind chutney. Savor these famous street foods in Shimla–Sidu (bread with mutton), Thupka (Tibetan noodle soup), and Chana Madra (tangy white chickpeas with added spices).
Shimla family packages offer nearby places such as Fagu (18 km from Shimla), Chail (44 km from Shimla), and Narkanda (60 km from Shimla) clubbed with the destination. 5 km uphill from Shimla, explore nature’s beauty at Craignano Nature Park at Mashobra, also called quieter Shimla. Kufri is a picturesque town 16 km from Shimla, where you can enjoy skiing, bonfires, and camping. On the way to Kufri, spot yaks grazing in the Green Valley.
The best time to plan the family tour to Shimla is between November and February, for about 4 to 6 days. However, December and January are the peak times for snowfall, snow sports, the Ice Skating Carnival, and the Bhoj Fair. While summers are excellent for camping, trekking, and paragliding. In addition to it, your family can enjoy the Bharara Fair and the Sipi Fair.
Shimla is prone to extreme rainfall and landslides from July to September, so avoid planning your tour. Holidify’s Shimla family packages guide your family on an incredible and comfortable tour.
Jubbarhatti Airport is the nearest, but not so reliable, domestic airport, around 23 km from Shimla. Families can get down at Chandigarh Airport, 120 km from Shimla. International visitors can book a flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, then book a cab or Volvo bus for a 343 km journey.
The nearest railway station, Shimla railway station, is just 1 km away from the town. You can even travel via Kalka Shatabdi, which starts from Delhi and goes via Chandigarh to Kalka. From there, you can either board the Toy Train or book a cab to your accommodation. Narrate a story to your kids or play games like Origami and Scramble to cure boredom.
NH 1 and NH 21 connect Shimla to Chandigarh, Ambala, and Delhi. Tune in to educational and spiritual Spotify playlists for your kids. Pick the most suitable means of transport, according to your budget and comfort, to reach your accommodation.
If you find planning the tour and itinerary a headache, opt for Holidify’s Shimla family package that suits your needs and budget. You need the Shimla Family Package to enjoy wildlife explorations, Himachali traditions, adventure sports, spiritual sites, and majestic views. Apart from Shimla’s top attractions, it includes travel expenses to and from your destination and quality accommodation for your family.
The cost of a trip to Shimla depends on various factors such as the duration of the trip, the type of accommodation, mode of transportation, activities planned, and the overall travel style. However, here is a rough estimate of the average cost of a trip to Shimla:
Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Shimla varies depending on the type of hotel or guesthouse. Budget options start from around INR 500-800 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost around INR 1500-3000 per night. Luxury resorts can cost upwards of INR 5000 per night.
Transportation: The cost of transportation to Shimla depends on the mode of travel. If you travel from nearby cities like Delhi, you can take a bus or hire a taxi, which can cost INR 500-2000 per person. If you prefer to fly, the nearest airport is Chandigarh, about a 3-hour drive from Shimla.
Food: The cost of food in Shimla depends on where you eat. Budget-friendly options like street food can cost around INR 100-200 per person, while restaurants can cost anywhere between INR 300-1000 per person.
Activities: The cost of activities in Shimla depends on what you choose to do. Visiting tourist attractions like Kufri, Mall Road, Christ Church, and Jakhoo Temple can cost anywhere between INR 10-500 per person. Adventure activities like trekking, skiing, and paragliding can cost INR 500-5000 per person.
Overall, the average cost of a trip to Shimla can range from INR 10,000-20,000 per person for a 3-4 day trip, excluding travel to and from Shimla.
Which is the best time to visit Shimla package?
The best time to visit Shimla depends on what you want to experience and your personal preferences. Here are the details:
Summer Season (April-June): Summer is the most popular time to visit Shimla. The weather during this time is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, as this is the peak tourist season, the prices for accommodation and activities can be higher than usual.
Monsoon Season (July-September): The monsoon season in Shimla brings moderate to heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and roadblocks, making it difficult to travel to certain areas. However, the lush green surroundings and the pleasant weather can be a treat for nature lovers.
Winter Season (October-March): The winter season in Shimla is ideal for those who love snow and winter sports. The temperatures during this time can drop below freezing, and snowfall is common from December to February. Winter sports like skiing and ice skating are also available during this season.
Overall, the best time to visit Shimla is during the summer (April-June), as the weather is pleasant, and the hill station is in full bloom. However, if you enjoy the snow and winter sports, the winter season (October-March) is the best time to visit.
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