Shimla and Manali
(07 nights/08 days)
DELHI-SHIMLA-MANALI-KULLU-CHANDIGARH-DELHI
Upon arrival in Delhi drive to Shimla, on arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing, visit The State Museum - housed in a colonial mansion, is half an hour's hike from the centre on the western edge of town. The museum has a good collection of traditional as well as contemporary art. The ground floor has a gallery with fine Pahari miniatures, a style developed under the auspices of the Kangra rulers. These traditional paintings follow the Mughal miniature style, with themes from the life of Krishna, the Hindu god of love. Other parts of the museum display a collection of traditional costumes and jewellery, stone sculptures, temple bronzes and deity masks from the Kullu valley. One room in the museum is devoted to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, who spent some time in Shimla. The display includes caricatures of Gandhi and his encounters with the British rulers. Viceregal Lodge - the most impressive colonial edifice of Shimla.is the Viceregal Lodge, now known as the Rashtrapati Niwas (President's House). Sitting on the flat top of Observatory Hill, this Elizabethan mansion was built in 1888 for Lord Dufferin. It now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies, and is open only in some parts to the public. Himalayan Aviary - with a selection of birds like the monal, pheasant, pea fowls and peacocks.
The Prospect Hill, The Jakhu temple - sitting on top of Jakhu hill at 2,455 metres is the highest point on the ridge. This temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, is quite appropriately beset with hordes of very aggressive monkeys. It is best to steer clear of them and keep all eatables well out of reach and Summer hill - about 5 kms away from town and a stop on the Kalka-Shimla rail line, has quiet walks through wooded surroundings. The University is also located here. Overnight stay at hotel.
This morning after breakfast you will be driven to Kufri valley - located 16 kms from Shimla, it commands a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas. Later in the afternoon visit Naldehra - 23kms - under a skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra offers a well-groomed nine hole golf course. Drive back to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Shimla
Morning after breakfast drive to Manali, on arrival check in at the hotel,evening free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast proceed for an excursion tour to Rohtang Pass. In the evening return back to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Kullu Valley visit Bijii Mahadev Temple (14km) at 2460 m, this offers some spectacular views. The temple is famous for its high staff that periodically draws lightning which shatters the "Shivlinga" and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the 'Linga' is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundits. Kaisdhar (15km), A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A picnic spot . Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Chandigarh, on arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel
Morning after breakfast local sightseeing visit Capital complex, Rock garden, Rose garden. In the afternoon drive to Delhi and transfer to airport/railway station for your onward destination.