Are Shimla and Manali calling? At Royal Rover Holiday, we believe you shouldn’t travel for the sake of traveling but to get the true feel of where you are traveling. Don’t be a casual tourist but a traveler who gets the place’s real feel, fragrance, and culture. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Shimla and Manali are two of the most picturesque hill stations and offer a perfect getaway to people who seek tranquillity and adventure. As a trusted name that offers the best Shimla-Manali package from Delhi, we aim to help you build memories for a lifetime. 

In today’s connected world, booking a Shimla tour package is easy. What isn’t easy is planning a perfect trip, one that doesn’t leave you with the sense of missing out. Which places should I visit? What should I do, and what should I eat during the tour? As a committed team, we don’t just sell you a Shimla Manali tour package from Delhi and other parts of the country but focus on making your trip perfect. So here we have curated a list of places you must visit, the activities you should do, and the cuisine to try. 

Places To Visit to See Real Shimla and Manali

So, let’s begin this journey through the mesmerizing land in the lap of nature by walking you through the must-visit places. While we offer tailored Shimla Manali packages based on our customers’ interests, here we list the places that should be on everyone’s list.  

The Ridge, Shimla

It is first on our list of must-visit places for good reasons. This vast open space is the heart and soul of this town. Go there during the daytime and see tall mountains all around. The panoramic view of the mountains and the colonial structures dotting the place lets you capture the postcard view of Shimla with your own eyes. A walk in the evening is magical as the place comes alive with its cultural vibrancy.

Christ Church

The Christ Church is among the oldest churches in North India and is as old as the former summer capital. Located on The Ridge, the neo-Gothic architecture of the building reminds you of the colonial legacy of this hill station. Since its completion in 1857, it has been one of the most iconic structures in Shimla. It is one of the most beautiful churches in India, with stained-glass windows and the clock tower being a major highlight.

Rohtang Pass    

One of the most sought-after destinations in our Shimla-Manali tour package is the Rohtang Pass. This pass is 51 km from Manali and part of the Pir Panjal Range, and you will see breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Located at a height of 3,978 meters, it serves as the entry point for Lahaul and Spiti. The drive to Rohtang Pass is an adventure as the winding roads and the deep valleys sometimes seem scary. The rugged mountains and crystal-clear streams along the way let you see the pristine glory of Mother Nature.

Jakhoo Temple, Shimla

We get a lot of requests for spiritual Shimla Manali packages from Delhi. The Jakhoo Temple is at the top of our list for people looking for a spiritual tour. It is located on Jakhoo Hill, the tallest hill in Shimla, and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple holds a lot of significance for believers of Lord Hanuman as it is said that he had stopped here when searching for Sanjivni to save Lakshman’s life during the Lanka war. The towering 108-foot statue of Lord Hanuman humbles every visitor. You will also get a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys outside this temple.

Rashtrapati Niwas

Shimla has reminders of the British Raj in every corner, but none is as grand as the Viceregal Lodge. It is now called the Rashtrapati Niwas, the summer residence of the President of India. In the summer months, it was the residence of the India Viceroy and served as the power center for the Indian subcontinent. It has stood witness to several key decisions, including the sad one about the partition of India. Located on Observatory Hill, this palatial estate should be on your travel list.

Chadwick Falls

Shimla is a hill station with several waterfalls, but Chadwick Falls is the most famous. The waterfall gets its name from sparrows (locally known as Chidku), as it is believed only the birds can reach the top of the waterfall and not humans. Located around 5 kilometers from the heart of the town, it is one of the best places to visit during the monsoon season when the gushing water and the lush green forest surrounding it create a magical sight.

Hidimba Devi Temple   

During the Manali leg of your trip, you must visit the Hidimba Devi Temple. It is less than 2 kilometers from the heart of Manali, and many travelers prefer to walk to this temple and absorb the natural beauty of Manali along the way. The ancient cave temple was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553 and dedicated to Hidimba Devi, whose name is mentioned in Mahabharat as the wife of Bhim.

Vashisht Hot Springs

Vashisht Hot Springs is very popular with travelers. It is only 6 kilometers from Manali, and the natural hot spring is famous for its therapeutic benefits. The mineral-rich water in these springs is known to cure several skin ailments and other illnesses. Take a dip in the water, which is 43 to 50 degrees Celsius at any given time and offers a soothing experience. Don’t miss out on this natural spa experience.

Things to Do During Your Shimla Manali Tour

So, you are done seeing the places that you have in our Manali Shimla tour package. Now, it’s time to experience the place. If you are an adventure lover, this aspect of your tour to this destination will attract you the most. While there are dozens of things to do during your tour, here’s our top pick –

Trek to Kufri

Your trip to Shimla will remain incomplete if you don’t trek through this beautiful land to absorb its natural beauty and see the locals up close. So, lace up your shoes and take a scenic trek to Kufri. A small resort hill station near Shimla, Kufri impresses travelers with its pristine pine forests, verdant meadows, and gushing streams. It is a must on Shimla Manali tour packages for someone looking for a serene escape into nature after all the hustle and bustle of the big cities. This trek will soak in the serenity of the Himalayas. As you take this trip, you will treat your eyes to panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Don’t worry if you aren’t a seasoned trekker; it is perfect for a novice. 

Go River Rafting in Beas River   

Have you gone river rafting ever? Don’t miss out on the chance as there are few places in India where you can go river rafting. Himachal is surely the best place to be for a river rafting enthusiast. Head out to the small village of Pirdi, which is around 44 kilometers from Manali. It is the starting point for rafting, and you can raft through Grade II and III rapids. Lush green valleys and towering mountains surround the river and offer you an experience for a lifetime. As you go downstream, you will feel the rush of the icy waters while navigating the challenging rapids. You can also try your hands at kayaking during this adventurous detour.  

Ride the Kalka-Shimla Railway

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the best mountain railways in the world. This narrow-gauge railway opened in 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital, with Calcutta (now Kolkata), India’s capital during the British Raj till 1911, via the plains of Kalka. As the train chugs along the 97-km journey, you will see the spectacle of lush green valleys, tunnels, viaducts, rolling hills, and several waterfalls. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels and the gentle sway of the carriages offer you a nostalgic feeling.

Go Camping

If you want to feel the smell of the soil in Himachal Pradesh, staying in a hotel won’t do for you. Camping is a hot favorite with youngsters and couples traveling to Manali, and several camping sites have come up in recent years. At Royal Rover Holiday, we can add camping to your Shimla Manali tour package. The summer months are the best time to camp along the banks of the Bear River in Manali. Spend your day trekking around the river and spend the nights gazing at the stars up in the sky. Your tour will be a heavenly experience.

Go Hot Air Ballooning

You have seen videos of hot air ballooning from Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. It’s time you did the same in India. You can have it on your Shimla Manali tour package for Family, as you and your loved ones go high up in the sky and get a unique view of the Himalayas. Sail through the skies slowly and get magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks, the beautiful valleys, and meandering rivers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity, as there aren’t many places in India where you can ride a hot air balloon!

Shop at Mall Road

What better way to end your Shimla Manali tour than shopping at Mall Road? The 1-km road is the bustling heart of Shimla and offers a quintessential experience of shopping in a small town with the old-world charm long lost in the big cities. Walk around, and the promenade is lined with quaint shops and vibrant stalls. From those selling local art and artifacts to others stocked with souvenirs to buy for your friends and Family, Mall Road won’t disappoint you. There are several cozy cafes, chai shops, bakeries, and restaurants on this famous road to end your day by tantalizing your taste buds.

Things to Eat and Get Authentic Taste of Local Cuisine

Author Deborah Cater said, “You have to taste a culture to understand it.” There is perhaps no better way to highlight the importance of tasting local cuisines while traveling for an authentic experience. Whether or not you are a foodie, there is much on the platter to try during your trip to Shimla and Manali. So here are some of the dishes you must try during your tour.

Tudkiya Bhat    

A must-have food in the mountains, Tudkiya Bhat is a quintessential Himachali cuisine. It is the traditional main course among the locals and is cooked with tons of vegetables, mountain spices, and local herbs. This aromatic rice will keep you warm, essential in these mountains when winter temperatures drop.

Chana Madra    

Most locals in Shimla and Manali eat chickpeas as their go-to street food. Cooked with onion, garlic, spices, and yogurt, it offers a blend of tastes, with every ingredient imprinting the dish. Unlike regular street food, it is also healthy and rich in proteins, fibers, and minerals. Try it, and you will learn the secret behind the athletic bodies of people in the mountains!

Siddu

Shimla is the melting pot of Indian and Tibetan cultures, and there is a lot of Tibetan influence on the local cuisine. It is a steamed wheat bun stuffed with a delectable meat or vegetable filling. Some places also serve a newer variation stuffed with dry fruits. Try this with butter or tangy chutney, and you will get an authentic Himachali culinary experience.

Chha Gosht        

This Himachali mutton curry will leave you spellbound if you are a non-vegetarian. Prepared using marinated lamb, gram flour, and yogurt, the Chaa Gosht has a unique flavor, aroma, and texture. Try it with steamed rice as the locals do or with any variety of Indian bread because it tastes as good. Hot spices in this preparation help keep the body warm during the freezing winters. 

Chole Bhature  

For anyone choosing our Shimla Manali tour package from Delhi, the mention of Chole Bhature may not be a great pull. But the chole here is unlike what you have been tasting in Delhi; it has a unique flavor and taste. Whether it is the use of fresh spices or the aroma of the land, Shimla’s Chole Bhature has its claim to fame.

Bhey

Prepared using lotus stems, it is one of the most famous foods in Manali and will give you a real taste of the land. The lotus stems are first boiled and then stir-fried after mixing them with spices and gram flour, making them golden brown and crispy. It’s a popular snack that you should try with chutney while sipping your tea or coffee.

Apples

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its apples, and how can you not have some during your tour? Try them raw or indulge your sweet to some of the best apple-based delicacies that are both traditional and modern. Along with the apple pie and tarts, you can also try the Apple jalebi if you haven’t had it before.

Thukpa

If you feel cold during the chilly evenings up in these mountains, you can warm up with a steaming bowl of Thukpa. This traditional Tibetan noodle soup has become popular nationwide, but the one you find in Shimla and Manali is special. The local chefs use aromatic herbs, local spices, fresh vegetables, and meat in this soul-comforting dish.

Aktori

If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t have just enough of it. Aktori is an ancient sweet that surprisingly has a lot of similarities with European pancakes. Made from buckwheat, it is part of all festive celebrations in Himachal. They have a long shelf life; you can carry them for your friends and family. That’s a wrap for the day. We have covered some of the best places you must visit, the things you must do, and the food you must try during your tour of Shimla and Manali. There are dozens of other places you can visit and things you can do; the list we have curated must be part of your Shimla Manali package.

It will give you the most authentic experience of this Himalayan state, where every nook and corner hides a gem waiting to be unearthed.

At Royal Rover Holiday, we are the first choice tour and travel operator for people visiting Himachal Pradesh. We have the best Shimla Manali package from Delhi and other parts of the country. We have the best tour packages if you are looking for a romantic honeymoon or simply an idly escape from your busy life. We offer custom packages from spiritual tours to adventurous ones based on your travel inspiration.

Call us now at +91-9805252033 or email enquiry@royalroverholiday.com and let Royal Rover Holiday offer you the perfect Delhi Shimla Manali tours. Let us be your partner and guide as you create memories for a lifetime.