Explore Shimla's cedar forests, rolling ridges, and cool Himalayan valleys.
Overview & Highlights
Experience Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. It rewards every traveler with a rare combination of colonial architecture, pine-forested ridges, and crisp mountain air that the plains simply cannot offer. This 3-day Shimla tour package takes you through the iconic Mall Road, the neo-Gothic Christ Church, and the quiet charm of Jakhu Hill, where rhesus monkeys and panoramic Himalayan views compete for your attention. You travel with a dedicated driver and a local guide who knows Shimla beyond its postcard version. This tour is ready to book or can be customized as per your travel preference.
Discover the colonial charm of India's beloved British summer capital.
Itinerary
In the morning our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Chandigarh or from Chandigarh Airport and transfer you to Shimla. On arrival, check in at the hotel. If time permits, visit the Tara Devi Temple, perched at 1,851 meters on a forested hilltop, is a good first introduction to Shimla's quieter side. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara Devi and the views from here stretch across the surrounding green valleys. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. Overnight stay in Shimla.
After breakfast, head-out for a morning walk through the forest trail to Jakhu Temple, sitting above Shimla at 2,455 metres with panoramic views over the entire valley and surrounding snow ranges. After lunch, explore the colonial architecture along the Ridge and Mall Road, including Christ Church and the Gaiety Theatre, both well-preserved landmarks from the British era when Shimla served as the summer capital of India. Late afternoon visit to the Shimla State Museum for a quieter and more reflective end to the day. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Shimla.
After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to Chandigarh Airport or your preferred location in Chandigarh as per your preference.
What is Included in This Tour
- Stay for 2 nights in 3 star deluxe hotels on twin or double sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel (Buffet / Fixed Menu).
- English speaking local destination guide in Shimla during sightseeing.
- Pickup and drop from Chandigarh, all sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary (Non A/c during hill drive).
- 1 to 2 persons travel by sedan car such as Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire or similar.
- 3 persons travel by MUV such as Toyota Innova Crysta or similar.
- 4 or more persons travel by Tempo Traveller or tourist bus, based on group size.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Visa fee (if applicable).
- Any monument entrance fee, camera fee.
- Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Accommodation
Personalize Your Itinerary
Share your preferred dates, hotel level, and travel interests. Our experts will refine your itinerary and create the right plan for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Alkof Holidays, we ensure smooth travel planning. Our FAQ covers everything from booking procedures and payment methods to travel itineraries, best times to visit, hotel upgrades, and more. For more assistance, contact us anytime.
Shimla is worth visiting across most of the year, but the experience changes with the season. April to June brings cool, pleasant weather when the surrounding forests are green and the views clear. July to September is the monsoon period and while the hills turn lush, landslides and road disruptions are a real possibility. October and November offer clean skies and golden light before winter sets in. December to February brings snowfall to Shimla and Kufri, which many travelers specifically plan around. The tour runs from April to October as the standard window, but winter visits can be arranged on request.
Yes, Shimla is one of the more straightforward hill destinations in India for solo travelers. It is a small, walkable town with a well-established tourism infrastructure, and the main areas such as Mall Road, the Ridge, and Jakhu Hill see steady footfall throughout the day. That said, like any destination, basic travel awareness applies. At Alkof Holidays, you travel with a dedicated driver who is with you for all transfers and sightseeing, so you are not navigating unfamiliar roads or transport on your own. To book a solo custom trip to Shimla, contact us now.
The Toy Train between Kalka and Shimla is not included in the standard tour cost. If you want to add this experience, it needs to be confirmed well in advance as tickets are booked through Indian Railways and sell out quickly, often within hours of availability. A minimum of 60 days advance notice is recommended, and clear passport copies are required for the reservation.
The vehicle is assigned based on group size. Solo travelers or couples travel by sedan such as a Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire. Groups of three travel by a Toyota Innova Crysta or similar MUV. Larger groups travel by Tempo Traveller or tourist bus depending on size. All vehicles are air-conditioned, though air conditioning is switched off during the hill drive sections, which is standard practice on mountain roads.
Yes. Your Shimla itinerary can be customized to match your preferred duration, sightseeing stops, pace of travel, and hotel category. You can extend your trip to include nearby destinations such as Kufri, Chail, or Naldehra, or combine Shimla with a wider India itinerary covering places like Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Amritsar, or the Golden Triangle. Simply share your travel dates and preferences and the plan will be built accordingly before you confirm.
Yes, Alkof Holidays accepts major international credit and debit cards. A secure online payment link will be provided to complete your payment. Any applicable payment gateway or bank charges will be communicated in advance.
Your dedicated tour manager is reachable by phone and WhatsApp throughout your trip. Your private driver will accompany you throughout the tour, while local guides will assist during scheduled sightseeing visits.
Yes. All airport transfers are included at every destination on this tour. A driver will meet you at the arrival gate and transfer you directly to your hotel. Departure pickups follow the same arrangement.
Know Before Your Go
Important Information
- If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- Toy Train Journey between Shimla and Kalka: If you wish to enjoy the Toy Train journey between Kalka and Shimla, we recommend confirming your booking at least 60 days in advance. Tickets are booked through Indian Railways and often sell out within hours of becoming available. Clear passport copies are required for ticket reservations. Toy Train tickets are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
- Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
- Tipping in India is not compulsory, it is optional but appreciated. A small gratuity is expected in some cases; tip generously for exceptional service. The amount can range from $2, $5, $10 per day, or more, depending on satisfaction and the quality of service received.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. However, all other foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter India. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 30 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
Cancellation
If you cancel the tour at least 31 days before the scheduled departure date, there will be no cancellation fee. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
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Why book this tour with Alkof Holidays?
We create thoughtfully planned journeys with carefully selected hotels, trusted transport partners, experienced guides, and dedicated support so you can travel with confidence from arrival to departure.