Shimla and around in 10 Days

Shimla was in our (me and one of my close friend’s) bucket list for long , as most of indian tourist do .. 

but we got chance to visit this beautiful place because of one of close family friend who is Colonel in Indian Army, got his transfer there.

Experience of staying in Army campus was truly amazing. I would like to thanks, Mr. Colonel here for his hospitality and time which he got for us.

Moving on main topic …. So right now , in this difficult COVID situation we feel dangerous or risky to stay at hotels .. etc 

Army campus was life saver here. We booked our flight from Mumbai to Chandigarh about 1 month ago that is in July 2021.

So I got return flight in 7000 INR. Also booked a MMT cab from Chandigarh to Shimla which cost around 2200 INR

Perk of ‘off season’ … I got a great discount on flight and local transport. There are many options available to stay , you can check it on hotel booking web. Our stay was covered so not mentioning that here.

What google says about Shimala

Shimla

City in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Once the summer capital of British India, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903. It’s also known for the handicraft shops that line The Mall, a pedestrian avenue, as well as the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts. ― Google

We were in Shimala for 10 days and that too during Monsoon , so we had our mind that we will go with flow with no previous day wise itinerary. During Monsoon Landslides are very common in this region. That causes road block and that was the main reason of no fix plan this time.

We were in our leisure holiday because of Mr Colonel, Who guided us and showed a hidden gem around Shimala. We covered other point of interest than the regular tourist companies does. Here are a brief note day wise and further I will elaborate in details.

Which roads we took during our Shimla stay and points covered 

Day  1 (13 aug)

Mumbai to Shimala travel

Day  2 (14 aug)

Jabar hatti airport road

Day  3 (15 aug)

Shimla Manali road - Ghanhatti 

Day  4 (16 aug)

Mall Road , Ridge, Jhakoo Temple 

Day  5 (17 aug)

Tara Devi , Suggi Shimla Bypass 

Day  6 (18 aug)

Mhasobara hills , Naldhera, Tatapani 

Satlej river front

Day  7 (19 aug)

Shimala Rural area 

Day  8 (20 aug)

Went to Kufri, and further in search of Apples orchard to Theog on the way to Narkanda

Day  9 (21 aug)

Day at leisure, had great dinner with magnificent views of Shimala from roof top restaurant with live music

Day 10 (22 aug)

Traveled back to Chandigarh via Cab in morning and after that We spent evening time in Chandigarh.

Day 11 (23 aug)

Fly back to home

Details : Day Plans

Day 1

Day one went on complete travelling , Mumbai to Chandigarh to Shimala was complete 12 hours travel . It was hectic travel because of road conditions of Chandigarh to Shimla imala is not good. And top of that road sense of drivers in PAHADI region. Our driver was rash driver and was not taking our words seriously to drive slow. He wanted to reach in time … let it be … can’t help …. We had our meal at Kasauli Dhaba , Food was really nice, great taste and fresh, though can’t expect fancy insta post here :)

Day 2

After a comfortable night rest, we started a new day with no fixed plan. So headed to Jabbar Hatti Airport road. This road has a magnificent views of city , mountains, valleys … etc Plus advantage of this road is no traffic, so we got chance to capture few perfect pictures on our way … weather was pleasant.

Day 3

  

Today we went on Shimla Manali road - Ghanhatti , here I realised that Shimala has much more to offer us than regular crowded spots. Just roaming on this pleasing roads … living with nature … sound of birds … 

It was perfect getaway from my busy schedule.

Day  4 

We visited tourist spots today. Mall Road , Ridge, Jhakoo Temple, Christ church, Town Hall and local market area. This are must visit places if you are visiting Shimla. Also I want to mention Himachali Thali which we tried here at GOOFAN restaurant, was simply luscious.

Day  5 

Day fifth started with Tara Devi temple and Suggi Shimla Bypass. The Tara Devi Temple is a holy place, located 11 km away from the Shimla Bus Stand. It is positioned amid a thick forest of oak and rhododendron and offers scenic views of the lofty Himalayas surrounding the town. The temple is very famous among tourists as the clean and fresh atmosphere here helps them relax from the day to day worries of life. It is believed that the goddess Tara Devi came all the way from Bengal to Himachal Pradesh and so this temple is dedicated to the goddess of stars. Tara Devi Temple is an ideal place for a person seeking peace and tranquility.

Day  6

We did Mashobra hills ,Naldhera, Tatapani , Satlej river front etc point on sixth day . This was a long route and need a whole day to explore. 

Mashobra has the natural vegetation comprises pine, oak, cedar or Himalayan deodar, and rhododendron, as well as maple and horse chestnut. The wildlife consists of monkeys, Langurs, jackals, kakkar (barking deer), and the occasional leopard, as well as numerous bird species such as the Himalayan eagle, pheasants, chikor and partridges. Perfect place if you are looking for few iconic pictures for your Instagram 

The Sutlej River, alternatively spelled as Satluj River, is the longest of the five rivers that flow through the historic crossroads region of Punjab in northern India and Pakistan. The Sutlej River is also known as Satadree

This road is full of surprises and very magnificent views 

Day  7 

                                   We took a half day trip around Shimala Rural area and Viceregal Lodge & Botanical garden.

The Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as Viceregal Lodge, is located on the Observatory Hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India. It houses some of the most ancient articles and photographs going back to the times of the British rule in India.                                                            

Day  8 

Kufri was one of the well known place in tourist list. This is a small hill station has different hotels to stay and restaurants with valley view. Further we went in search of Apples orchard to Theog on the way to Narkanda.

This road is pretty busy but we were lucky to found one on route apple farm but reaching there was a difficult task. Thanks to my friends who drag me there otherwise I guess, I might miss those movements.

Day  9 

We thought that we were covered many places and so ninth day was at leisure, had great dinner with magnificent views of Shimala from roof top restaurant with live music. 

Day 10 

Traveled back to Chandigarh via Cab in morning and after that We spent evening time in Chandigarh.

Visited Sukna lake, mall and Rock Garden but I will not recumbent this rock garden to visit , total waste of time.

Day 11 

Flight to home

there are number of pictures that i want to share but cant do here so 

sharing some of my vlog links below , which gives brief  idea of shimla in itself 

have a look and enjoy

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CS8o94AoMEw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTHP0yookEB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTPC44BoYJA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link