You’ve finally found the perfect long weekend slot in your busy calendar to visit Shimla, and you’re sure to get your leaves approved. With so much excitement, you probably forgot about the budget aspect. Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered and will tell you exactly how to plan a trip to Shimla for just under INR 10,000 for 5 days.
How To Reach Shimla
With Shimla being such a popular hill station, you can reach here by flight, rail, and road as well. When it comes to a tight budget though, the most convenient way would be by train and the cheapest would be by bus. Let’s guide you from Delhi to Shimla as well as from Chandigarh to Shimla.
By Train: While there’s no direct train service from Delhi to Simla (SML), you can still travel using the Delhi-Kalka line and then the Kalka-Simla line. The train charges from Delhi to Kalka would range from INR 140 to INR 1,000, depending on the type of train. From Kalka, you’ll get on the toy train to Simla, which costs you anywhere from INR 320 to INR 510. Now if you’re thinking of traveling from Chandigarh, you’ll be charged anywhere between INR 145 to INR 1,175 to reach Kalka.
By Bus: There are multiple buses available from all the major North Indian cities to Shimla. The HRTC and HPTDC provide daily buses to Shimla, while private buses and other transport agencies are also available. You can select from AC Seater, AC, Non AC, Volvo, and Non AC Seater when you make the bookings online. From Delhi to Shimla, the bus fare ranges from INR 399 to INR 901. While from Chandigarh to Shimla, the fare can be anywhere from INR 238 to INR 1488.
Where To Stay In Shimla
When it comes to accommodation, you should stick to hostels, and homestays as decent hotels might start at INR 1,500. This could take away most of your budget, which we certainly don’t recommend. These are near all the main attractions of Shimla and range from INR 495, provided you book online well in advance.
- Shimla Gypsy
- Mehdudia Guest House
- Abuzz Oxfordcaps
- The Hosteller Shimla
- Hotel Tirupati Hill Stay
Things To Do In Shimla In A Budget
There are so many fascinating things to do in Shimla that you will have enough stories to tell your friends back home. We have listed some of them to choose from.
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Toy Train
If you’ve decided to travel to Shimla by bus, then you shouldn’t miss out on the toy train. It was built in 1903, and is one of India’s most spectacular architectural achievements, with 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and 919 breathtaking bends.
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Ice Skating
Yes, you can try ice skating on an actual ice rink in Shimla which is 15 cm thick. This is at the Circular Road, and the charges begin as low as INR 200 per person.
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Rafting
All the adventure junkies can try out rafting at Tattapani, which is 50 km from Shimla. This thrilling activity will cost you around INR 1,500 per person, which attracts thousands of tourists every year.
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Chadwick Waterfall
If you are in the mood for an adventure, Chadwick Falls is the place to go. If you enjoy nature, the peacefulness, lush trees, and serene ambiance around the waterfall will entice you to return time and again. You can do this cost-free.
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Paragliding
Paragliding in Shimla is the perfect way to appreciate the picturesque splendor. Flying up to 5000 feet in the air and taking in all of the breathtaking vistas is an unforgettable experience. The cost of this activity can range from INR 2500 to INR 4000, depending on the operator.
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Kuthar Fort
Kuthar Fort invites visitors to travel back in time and relive ancient events. The fort, which is located on a hilltop in the Kuthar Mountains, provides wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and hills. It’s an excellent location for recreation and vacation.
Apart from this, you need to check out Scandal Point, Shimla Ridge, Summer Hill, Kiala Forest, and the Jakhoo Temple. These spots don’t charge any entry fees and can be enjoyed without a dent in your budget. If you’re left with some extra cash and fancy some shopping, the Lakkar Bazar can satiate even that.
Budget-Friendly Places To Eat At In Shimla
With the rising popularity of this hill station, you can find every type of cuisine available here at varying prices. You’ll find many budget-friendly yet quality restaurants and cafes spread across the city.
- Corner Cafe: Located at a distance of 1.6 km from Mall Road, where not even one dish exceeds INR 400. Not only this, they’re vegetarian and vegan friendly, with cuisines like Italian, Indian, Asian, and more.
- Indian Coffee House: For some lip-smacking snacks and meals, you can head here. It’s quite famous among tourists for its coffee. The average cost for two here is INR 350, and this one you’ll find at a distance of just 0.4 km from Mall Road.
- Cafe Argyle House: This is at a distance of around 0.4 km from Mall Road with a vintage look. Here, the maximum price for a main dish goes up to INR 350.
Summing Up
Finally, you’ve got a completely planned trip to Shimla under INR 10000 for 5 days, and you get to enjoy the best of it all. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing your woollens and snowshoes for the perfect getaway waiting for you.
FAQs
Why Is Shimla So Famous?
Shimla, at an elevation of 2,205 meters, is famous for lush hills with snow-capped peaks. It was crowned the summer capital of India by the Britishers in 1864. Shimla quickly became the capital of Punjab following independence, and afterwards of Himachal Pradesh.
Which Month Is Best For Shimla?
May to mid-July and December to January are the best months to visit Shimla.
Can We Go To Shimla By Train?
Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kilometers) via a meter gauge, and it takes around 6 hours from Kalka to Shimla. There are 3-4 trains every day from Kalka to Shimla and vice versa.
Are 2 Days Sufficient For Shimla?
With nice weather all year, a 2-night-3-day tour is enough to visit this picturesque hill station in the Himalayan foothills. You can always tick off Shimla’s tourist sites by bike or vehicle, but the best way to absorb Shimla’s enchantment is to explore it on foot!
Which Food Is Famous In Shimla?
Mash daal, Sidu, Madra, Babru, and Dhaam are among the famous foods for vegetarians. Thupka and ChhaGosht are also famous non-vegetarian dishes in Shimla.
How Many Days Are Enough For Shimla?
Shimla, which is located in the Himalayan foothills, has beautiful weather all year and can be explored in two nights and three days.
Which Is Colder Shimla Or Manali?
Summer temps in Manali range between 14 and 20° C, while winter temperatures range between -7 and -10°C. On the other hand, Shimla has a milder temperature, ranging from -4 to 31 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
What Is The Best Way To Visit Shimla?
The best way to visit Shimla is by Train. The entire route is rich in natural beauty, such as azure streams, river valleys, and lush green forests of oak and deodar.
