A Road Trip to Mountains - Touristy Trip to Queen of Hills Shimla

If you are looking for options for an extended weekend trip from Delhi NCR, there are limited options available and most of them take you to mountains. During the long weekend of Republic Day 2024, we were looking for an option to sneak out. We hadn't ventured out during the winter and hence we were almost desperate for a trip. Initially, the plan started with thoughts of getting to the heart of the country (Madhya Pradesh) but later shifted to the Queen of Hills - Shimla.

In this article, we provide an overview of our entire trip, including the itinerary, places we stayed, and things we did. The purpose is to provide a one-stop shop for the entire trip. We will bring articles for each town we covered in detail and link to this article if someone wants to delve into details. 

This was our second trip (or maybe the first!). I had been to Shimla a decade ago with my parents (as a kid) and wifey had done a similar trip on her end. So it was our first trip together. We have an article from a previous trip and if you like to get a glimpse of that visit, please visit: Queen of hills amidst beauty of Himachal - Shimla

The Mean Machine - Ready for the Ride

Gurgaon to Shimla - Modes of Transport Available

There are several ways to reach Shimla from Gurgaon, each offering its own unique experience. The most convenient option (arguably for this short of a distance) is to travel by air. There are several connections from Delhi to Chandigarh. Some of these also take you on ATR flights which are a fun way to experience. These aircraft serve short distances and fly at lower heights and hence are prone to more turbulence. From Chandigarh, you can take a connecting flight to Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla. This option is ideal for those who value time and comfort.

Another popular mode of transportation is by train. One can board a train from Gurgaon Railway Station (or one of the other stations in Delhi) and travel to Kalka Railway Station (or Chandigarh is pretty close too), which serves as the gateway to Shimla. From Kalka, one can opt for the historic toy train that chugs its way up to Shimla amidst breathtaking scenery.

Climbing Mile by Mile - Enroute to Shimla

For those who enjoy road trips (and that includes us) and wish to soak in the beauty of nature along the way, traveling by road is an excellent choice. The distance between Gurgaon and Shimla is approximately 350 kilometers and can be covered in around 7-8 hours by car or bus. If you prefer an economic mode, there are enough bus services between the two cities and these cater to a variety of budgets. If you prefer a bit of privacy, driving is fun too on this route as roads are great and there are a lot of things you could consider covering en route. 

We drove from Gurgaon to Shimla through Chandigarh and took a taxi for local travel. On our return trip, we took the toy train from Shimla to Kalka and had some good fun on the journey. The roads are pretty good and hence drive isn't a pain at all. 

The Trip in Summary - A Day Wise Log

We spent a total of 5 days on this Shimla Trip and covered Chandigarh and two additional suburb hill towns in addition to Shimla. The table below provides a quick summary of our entire itinerary and a day-wise description of what we did during the trip.

Day wise activities

Day and Date	City We Covered	Accommodation	Description
Day 1 - 24-Jan-2024	Chandigarh	ITC Bella Vista - Welcome Hotels	Driving from Gurgaon to Chandigarh Exploring Chandigarh (Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake)
Day 2 - 25-Jan-2024	Shimla	Government Rest House, Shimla	Driving to Shimla through Kalka Visiting Tara Devi Temple en-route Visiting Jhakhu Temple and exploring Mall Road & Ridge
Day 3 - 26-Jan-2024	Kufri, Chail	Government Rest House, Shimla	Day trip to Kufri including adventure camp & horse ride Day trip to Chail and visited Fagu Valley & Chail Palace
Day 4 - 27-Jan-2024	Shimla, Kalka	Government Rest House, Kalka	Shimla sight-seeing and bidding goodbye Journey on the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train
Day 5 - 28-Jan-2024	Kalka, Return Trip	N/A	Exploring Pinjore Yadvindra Gardens Driving from Kalka to Gurgaon and a stop at Karnal Haveli

Views of Terrace Housing

Key Destinations Covered during The Shimla Trip

We stopped en route to Shimla in Chandigarh and then took day tours from Shimla. Below is a summary of the towns and experiences we undertook during this trip. 

Chandigarh - A City Planned par Excellence

Chandigarh, the capital city of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, is a testament to modern urban planning and architectural brilliance. The city was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and is known to be India's first planned city. Chandigarh is known for its well-planned layout, with sectors divided into neat grids that are easily navigable. The city boasts wide roads lined with trees, beautiful parks, and open spaces that provide a sense of serenity amidst the bustling city life. The architecture in Chandigarh is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and functional design principles.

One important landmark in Chandigarh is the Capitol Complex. It houses the Legislative Assembly, High Court, Secretariat, and other government buildings. The complex showcases Le Corbusier's signature style with its concrete structures and minimalist aesthetic. Chandigarh has several museums and art galleries that showcase its rich cultural heritage. One of the iconic tourist attractions in Chandigarh is the Rock Garden. This is a wonderful creation of a unique garden using recycled and discarded products. 

The Rock Garden of Chandigarh

We have been to Chandigarh earlier as well and were not focussed on the tourist sector a lot. Our main reason for staying overnight was to break the journey to Shimla. We generally prefer to limit our drive durations to 6 hours.  However, since we were here with the kiddo for the first time, we wanted to take him around to the Rock Garden. Another notable attraction in Chandigarh is Sukhna Lake. This man-made reservoir offers a tranquil escape from the city's chaos. Visitors can enjoy boating or take leisurely walks along its shores while admiring the picturesque surroundings. You can also cover Yadvindra Gardens or Pinjore Gardens while you are in Chandigarh.

Sukhna Lake - Chilly Evening

One of Popular Dinner Place

Shimla - A Luxury Hill Destination

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh in India and is a picturesque hill station nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Known for its colonial charm and breathtaking landscapes, Shimla has been a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. The history of Shimla dates back to the British era when it served as their summer capital. The town still retains its colonial architecture with beautiful buildings like Christ Church and Viceregal Lodge. The Ridge, a large open space in the heart of Shimla, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Apart from its architectural beauty, Shimla is also famous for its natural beauty. The lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and cascading waterfalls make it a paradise for nature lovers. One can indulge in activities like trekking, camping, and skiing to explore the region's natural wonders. Shimla also offers a vibrant cultural experience with its colorful festivals and fairs. The Summer Festival held every year showcases local music, dance performances, and traditional handicrafts. 

The Ridge, Shimla

There is so much to keep you engaged in Shimla that you will always find the time short to cover everything. It is important to focus on what you want from the trip. In any case, you would like to explore the Mall Road (which is as happening as one in any other hill town of India) and the Ridge. We also visited the Jhakhu Hanuman Temple which is both a spiritual place and also a scenic location. The ropeway (visit to book)to the venue is an exciting journey with panoramic views. 

Jhakhu Hanuman Temple

We also spent time exploring the Institute of Advanced Studies, the Army Museum, and Tara Devi Temple. We did Tara Devi Temple on our way to Shimla from Kalka. 

Kufri - Pictursque Hill Town

Kufri, a small hill station located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking natural beauty and a serene escape from the chaos of city life. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Kufri is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and snow-covered peaks. However, it is the winter when this is the most coveted attraction. In winter, Kufri transforms into a winter wonderland as it receives heavy snowfall. The snow-clad mountains and pine forests create a mesmerizing panorama that attracts adventure enthusiasts from all over. Apart from its natural beauty, Kufri also offers various recreational activities for visitors to indulge in. Kufri provides an idyllic retreat for nature lovers seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes. Generally, Kufri and further Narkanda are an attraction because of their higher reaches. The higher altitude makes them a safer bet to see snow, if not in Shimla. 

Adventure Sports Park in Kufri

Activity Center, Kufri

Chail - A Quaint Charm

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Chail is a quaint hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Known for its picturesque beauty and tranquil ambiance, Chail has become a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The history of Chail dates back to the 19th century when it was established as a summer retreat by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. 

The town boasts an impressive palace, now converted into a heritage hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. This palace has also found its place in the famous movie, 3 Idiots as the house of the original Rancho (read more - https://www.chailholidays.com/thepalace/filmshoot/index.htm). 

Chail Palace

The Kali Temple, Chail

Chail also holds historical significance as it houses the world's highest cricket ground at an altitude of 2,444 meters above sea level. This ground was built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh after he was banned from playing cricket at Shimla's Annandale ground. 

Kalka-Shimla Toy Train - A World Heritage Site

The Shimla Toy Train, also known as the Kalka-Shimla Railway, is a historic railway line that connects the towns of Kalka and Shimla. Built during the British colonial era in the 19th century, this narrow-gauge railway is renowned for its scenic beauty and engineering marvels. This is one of the five toy train rides in India which are always a coveted destination. It was originally built to transport British officers and their families to escape from the scorching heat of Delhi during the summers. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction for both domestic and international travelers. All mountain railways of India have together been included as a World Heritage Site (read more - https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/).

Kalka Shimla Toy Train

The journey on the Shimla Toy Train is like stepping back in time. The train chugs along at a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to soak in the breathtaking views of lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and quaint hillside villages. The train passes through 102 tunnels, over 864 bridges, and negotiates numerous curves on its way to Shimla. It is an engineering masterpiece that showcases the ingenuity of its creators. The charm of this toy train lies not only in its picturesque surroundings but also in its old-world charm. The vintage coaches with wooden interiors take passengers on a nostalgic journey through time. 

Enjoying the Slow Pace

Some Observations and Learnings

Path to Learning - Not Really

• We found Shimla to be prepared to handle tourists. Most places offer relevant facilities to support tourists including toilets, foot-only areas, footpaths, and public transport. 
• There are multiple ways to reach Jhakhu Temple including a hike, ropeway, and a car. Opting for ropeway involves a decently steep hike so be aware of it. Taking a car right up to the temple is economical and easy as well. 
• If you are looking to buy relatively economical gifts, look at the lower bazaar on the mall road.
• There is a public lift that takes you up to Mall Road quickly but you can expect queues during the busy season.
• Chail does not have activities so if you looking for some fun, this may not be a place. It is more of a place away from the hustle of Shimla and provides some peaceful moments. 
• We had visited the Rock Garden earlier during summer where the hot and humid left a real bad impression of the garden. This time we really liked it. So, avoid rock gardens in hot and humid weather.

Night View of Shimla from our Hotel

Stopping at Karnal Haveli on the Return Journey

Leaving you with a reason to plan this trip!

Please feel free to reach out to us if you are planning a trip and want to bounce off ideas. If you have any views on the article, please do leave a comment.