Delhi Shimla Manali Chandigarh Family Tour

07/04/2013 16:47

 

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Places covered: Delhi - Shimla - Manali - Solang Valley - Nalagarh - Chandigarh

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1	Delhi - Shimla (350 kms / 7.5 hrs) Start from Delhi at 6.30 A.M. At 2 P.M reach Shimla for a late lunch. For those who love the hustle-bustle of the Mall Road and the action at the Ridge, Shimla is the place to be with its lingering echoes of a bygone era. It evokes a sense of nostalgia with its pretty gabled cottages, half-timbered buildings and old churches. If you are looking for something slightly offbeat (no crowds or shopping!) but at the same time comfort and novelty; you can choose from destination resorts at Kufri or Shoghi - quaint cottage style rooms, forest-valley-Himalayan views, delectable cuisine. Park Woods Forest Retreat in Shoghi: For nature lovers and / or adventure seekers, there is nothing to compare with Parkwoods  - 18 kms short of Shimla. Rustic, bamboo cottages in the middle of a pine forest on a ridge. The locale is  surrounded by untouched countryside with panoramic views, numerous village treks, jungle walks in pine, oak and rhododendron forests. A perfect juxtaposition of comfort, safety and serenity.   In the evening, enjoy the facilities at the resort and walks around the destination. Overnight at Shimla.
Day 2	At Shimla. After breakfast, explore the old colonial buildings, most famous amongst them being the Viceregal Lodge. It once served as the seat of British power, from a hillock west of Shimla. The imposing six-storey edifice, with its manicured gardens is today the institute for advanced studies. It overlooks the Shimla State Museum, which is a treasure trove of Pahari art and sculpture. Further move on to explore the scenic places around Simla – Kufri at a height of 8250 feet, famous for its ski-slopes and fine views of deep valleys and thick forests. Kufri has a Himalayan Wild Life Zoo which hosts rare antelopes, felines and birds including Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular ski track. In the evening soak in the ambience of this old world town, going shopping  on the the fashionable Mall - the main promenade that is agog with elegant shops, splendid hotels, restaurants and bustling, gay cosmopolitan crowds that give the appearance of being on a perpetual holiday. Cobble-stoned paths wind down to the middle and lower bazaars. Overnight at Shimla.
Day 3	Shimla - Manali (280 kms / 7 hrs) Leave Shimla at 8 A.M. Step into the Valley of Gods with the grandeur of Himalayas and Beas River. Reach Manali. After settling into deluxe resort / hotel, visit the four-tiered Hadimba Temple amidst deodar trees. Imbibe the local ambience on the Mall, shop for souvenirs at the Tibetan / Hong Kong Market. Enjoy the evening at Van Vihar. Overnight at Manali.
Day 4	Manali. Visit Solang Valley with its emerald meadows, ski slopes and paragliding activities, offering spectacular views. Drive on to the mighty snowbound Rohtang Pass - at 3979 mtrs - the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley. Revel in the breathtaking beauty of Kothi, Rahalla Falls and Marrhi en-route to Rohtang. Overnight at Manali.
Day 5	Manali. Drive 22 kms to the beautiful heritage Naggar Castle, the old capital of Kullu. In Naggar is located, the Roerich Art Gallery museum, in a grove of deodhars with lovely views all around. It houses a collection of the paintings by the Russian artist. Naggar is very serene and picturesque. Overnight at Manali.
Day 6	Manali - Nalagarh / Chandigarh (260 kms / 6 hrs). Leave Manali at 10 A.M. Driving thru’ the picturesque Kullu Valley reach Nalagarh Fort Resort at 4 P.M. Nalagarh Fort is a quality heritage resort with A/c theme rooms. Pamper yourself at the resort - swimming, tennis, badminton, massages, visit the Mughal Gardens at Pinjore nearby. Overnight at Nalagarh Fort Resort / Chandigarh.
Day 7	Nalagarh or Chandigarh - Delhi (300 kms / 5 hrs) After a relaxed morning at the resort, depart from Nalagarh at 12 Noon. Reach Delhi at 5 P.M.