Starting the Journey from Dehradun

We began our journey early in the morning, excited and ready to explore the serene beauty of Shimla. Starting from Dehradun, our plan was to reach Shimla by evening, covering a distance of approximately 220 km. We were all set for a road trip through the hills, which promised to be filled with stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air.

Route Taken: Dehradun to Shimla

The most convenient route from Dehradun to Shimla is via NH 7 and NH 5. Here’s a breakdown of the journey:

• • Dehradun to Paonta Sahib (54 km): The drive from Dehradun to Paonta Sahib is relatively smooth, with well-maintained roads. We stopped briefly at Paonta Sahib, a place of religious significance, for a quick tea break.

  • Paonta Sahib to Nahan (45 km): After leaving Paonta Sahib, we continued towards Nahan. The road here starts winding as we approached the Shivalik range. Nahan is a quaint town, perfect for a short break if time permits.

  • Nahan to Solan (78 km): The journey from Nahan to Solan was scenic, with lush green forests and the cool breeze accompanying us. Solan, known as the “Mushroom City of India,” is a good spot to stretch your legs and perhaps grab a quick bite.

  • Solan to Shimla (43 km): The final stretch from Solan to Shimla was perhaps the most beautiful, with the road surrounded by dense pine forests and the majestic Himalayas in the background. We reached Shimla by evening, eager to explore the city.

Reaching Shimla: Evening Arrival

Upon reaching Shimla, we headed straight to find a budget-friendly hotel near the bus station. Staying close to the bus station is a smart choice as it makes local travel and exploring the city easier. The area has several budget hotels that offer decent amenities at affordable prices. After checking in and freshening up, we decided to take a short walk around the area to get a feel of the city.

Accommodation: Finding the Right Budget Hotel

When choosing accommodation, proximity to local attractions and transportation is crucial. We opted for a hotel near the bus station, which was both convenient and economical. The hotel was clean, with basic amenities such as:

• • Comfortable Beds: After a long drive, a good night’s sleep is essential.
  • Hot Water: Much needed in the chilly weather of Shimla.
  • Wi-Fi: Important for planning the next day’s activities.

We were pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and the warmth of the staff, which made our stay comfortable.

Exploring Shimla: The First Evening

After settling into our hotel, we still had some energy left, so we decided to explore the nearby areas. The first place we headed to was The Mall Road, a popular spot in Shimla known for its vibrant atmosphere.

• • The Mall Road: The heart of Shimla, bustling with activity. We strolled around, soaking in the lively vibe, and indulged in some local snacks. The place is perfect for an evening walk, with numerous shops and eateries.

  • Ridge Road: Just above The Mall Road, the Ridge offers a panoramic view of the mountains. We spent some time here, enjoying the cool breeze and the stunning views.

Day One Recap

Our first day was a mix of a long but scenic drive, finding a comfortable place to stay, and a leisurely evening walk in Shimla. The journey from Dehradun to Shimla was smooth and enjoyable, setting the tone for the rest of the trip.

As we retired to our hotel room, we couldn’t help but feel excited about the adventures awaiting us in Shimla over the next few days.

Exploring Shimla: Day Two Adventures in the Queen of Hills

Morning: Starting the Day with a Delicious Breakfast

We woke up early on our second day in Shimla, eager to explore the town’s many attractions. The crisp morning air filled us with energy as we headed out for a hearty breakfast. Shimla offers a variety of local eateries where you can enjoy a traditional Himachali breakfast or opt for more familiar North Indian dishes. We chose a small café near The Mall Road, where we indulged in:

• • Aloo Paratha with Curd: A staple breakfast, filling and full of flavor.
  • Chai (Tea): The perfect companion to start a day in the hills.

First Stop: Jakhoo Temple

After breakfast, our first destination was the famous Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla, about 2.5 km from The Mall Road

• • Reaching Jakhoo Temple: We decided to walk up to the temple, a 30-45 minute hike through pine forests. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or even a ropeway for a quicker ascent.

  • At the Temple: The temple is serene and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. The 108-foot tall statue of Hanuman is a sight to behold. Be mindful of the monkeys around the temple; they are known to be quite mischievous, so keep your belongings safe.

Second Stop: The Ridge

After our spiritual visit to Jakhoo Temple, we made our way back down to The Ridge, which we had briefly visited the previous evening. This time, we spent more time here, taking in the expansive views of the mountains.

• • Christ Church: One of the oldest churches in North India, located on The Ridge, is a must-visit. Its neo-Gothic architecture is impressive, and the church’s interior exudes peace and calm.

  • Photo Opportunities: The Ridge is a popular spot for photography, with its panoramic views and colonial-era architecture serving as perfect backdrops.

Third Stop: Scandal Point and The Mall Road

Next, we continued our exploration down The Mall Road, a lively promenade full of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Our main focus was on:

• • Scandal Point: This is where The Mall Road meets The Ridge, and it’s a spot brimming with history and stories of the British era. We took some time to soak in the atmosphere and learn about the place’s intriguing past.

  • Shopping on The Mall: Shimla is famous for its local handicrafts, woolen garments, and souvenirs. We visited several shops, picking up some woolen shawls and wooden artifacts as mementos.

  • Lunch at a Local Dhaba: For lunch, we opted for a local dhaba (roadside eatery) on The Mall Road, where we enjoyed a simple yet delicious meal of Rajma-Chawal (Kidney beans with rice) and Kadhi-Chawal.

Afternoon: Visit to Kufri

Post lunch, we decided to take a short trip to Kufri, a small hill station about 15 km from Shimla. Kufri is known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities, making it a perfect afternoon getaway.

• • Reaching Kufri: The drive to Kufri took about 45 minutes. The road winds through forests and offers breathtaking views of the mountains.

  • Exploring Kufri: Kufri is famous for its amusement park, Kufri Fun World, which has some fun rides and offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks. We also visited the Himalayan Nature Park, home to a variety of wildlife and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

  • Horse Riding: One of the most popular activities in Kufri is horse riding to Mahasu Peak. We couldn’t resist this adventure and embarked on a thrilling ride up the peak, where we were rewarded with mesmerizing views.

Evening: Back to Shimla and Relaxation

We returned to Shimla in the evening, tired but content with the day’s adventures. After freshening up at the hotel, we decided to have a quiet dinner.

• • Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Shimla has numerous dining options, from fine dining to casual eateries. We chose a cozy restaurant near our hotel and savored some local Himachali dishes like Chana Madra and Siddu.

  • Stroll on The Mall Road: After dinner, we took another leisurely walk on The Mall Road. The evening air was cool, and the lights of the town created a magical ambiance.

Day Two Recap

Our second day in Shimla was filled with exploration, from spiritual visits to Jakhoo Temple to the fun and adventure in Kufri. The day gave us a deeper appreciation of Shimla’s charm, blending natural beauty with cultural richness.

As we settled in for the night, we were already looking forward to the next day’s discoveries. Shimla had so much more to offer, and we were eager to experience it all.

Day Three: Bidding Farewell to Shimla and Returning to Dehradun

Morning: Last Glimpse of Shimla

Our third day in Shimla began with mixed feelings—excitement for the journey back to Dehradun and a tinge of sadness at leaving behind the beauty of this hill station. We woke up early to make the most of our final morning in Shimla.

• • Breakfast at a Local Café: Before setting off, we decided to have breakfast at a charming café near The Ridge. We enjoyed a light meal of Poha and Masala Chai, savoring the last bit of Shimla’s calm and serene morning vibe.

  • Final Walk on The Mall Road: After breakfast, we took one last walk down The Mall Road. The shops were just opening, and the atmosphere was peaceful. We picked up a few more souvenirs, including some local jams and pickles, to take back home.

Visit to Viceregal Lodge: A Historical Stop

Before leaving Shimla, we made one final stop at the Viceregal Lodge (also known as Rashtrapati Niwas), which is a must-visit for history buffs. The lodge is about 4 km from The Mall Road and is set amidst well-manicured lawns and gardens.

• • Exploring the Lodge: The Viceregal Lodge was the residence of the British Viceroy of India and now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The architecture is stunning, and the interiors are rich with history. We took a guided tour, which gave us fascinating insights into the pre-independence era.

  • Photography and Relaxation: The lodge’s surroundings are perfect for a leisurely stroll and some photography. We spent some time exploring the gardens, capturing the beauty of the place on our cameras.

Afternoon: Starting the Journey Back to Dehradun

After our visit to the Viceregal Lodge, it was time to say goodbye to Shimla and begin our journey back to Dehradun. We checked out of our hotel and hit the road by noon, ensuring we had enough daylight for the drive.

• • Route Taken: We took the same route back, via Solan, Nahan, and Paonta Sahib, covering approximately 220 km.

  • Lunch at Solan: On our way back, we stopped for lunch at Solan. We chose a small roadside dhaba where we enjoyed a simple meal of Dal Makhani, Tandoori Roti, and Jeera Rice. The food was delicious and gave us the energy needed for the rest of the drive.

Evening: Return to Dehradun

The drive back was smooth, with the weather being pleasant throughout. We took a few short breaks along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenic beauty one last time.

• • Tea Break at Nahan: One of our stops was at Nahan, where we enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea while taking in the picturesque surroundings.

  • Reaching Paonta Sahib: By late afternoon, we reached Paonta Sahib. Although we had visited this town on our way to Shimla, we made another quick stop here to visit the Paonta Sahib Gurudwara, a peaceful and spiritual place.

  • Final Leg to Dehradun: The final stretch from Paonta Sahib to Dehradun was filled with anticipation. The familiar surroundings of Dehradun welcomed us as we reached home by early evening, concluding our three-day adventure.

Recap of the Journey

Our trip to Shimla was everything we had hoped for—filled with scenic beauty, historical insights, spiritual experiences, and a taste of local culture. The journey back to Dehradun was smooth and gave us ample time to reflect on the wonderful memories we had created.

Shimla, with its colonial charm and natural beauty, had left a lasting impression on us. As we settled back into our routine in Dehradun, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the rejuvenating break the trip had provided.

This marks the end of our Shimla journey. The three days we spent traveling from Dehradun to Shimla and back were a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and exploration. If you’re planning a similar trip, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your experience. Safe travels!

Bonus for the end- 15 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh For Summer Vacations

Mohit Bangari

03/08/2024