Shimla from Delhi including Chandigarh
Starting and ending in Delhi, this five-day circuit combines heritage rail travel, Himalayan scenery, sacred landmarks and the modern attractions of Chandigarh. Travel to Kalka aboard the 12011 New Delhi–Kalka Shatabdi Express, followed by the scenic Kalka–Shimla toy train journey. Spend two nights in Shimla exploring The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple and the mountain landscapes around Kufri. Before leaving the hills, visit the historic Viceregal Lodge and the hilltop Tara Devi Temple. Continue by road towards Chandigarh, stopping in Solan for lunch. An overnight stay in Chandigarh provides time for an evening beside Sukhna Lake, followed by a morning visit to Rock Garden. The journey concludes with an afternoon train to Delhi. Tara Devi Temple is located on the Shimla–Kalka highway, making it a practical stop on the descent from Shimla.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Delhi to Shimla by Shatabdi and Toy Train
Depart New Delhi aboard Train 12011, the New Delhi–Kalka Shatabdi Express, scheduled to leave at 07:40 and reach Kalka at 11:40. Transfer to Train 52455, the Himalayan Queen, for the scenic narrow-gauge journey through tunnels, bridges and forested hills to Shimla. After arriving in the late afternoon, check in and enjoy a relaxed evening around Mall Road and The Ridge. Stay overnight in Shimla.
Kufri and Jakhu Temple
Begin with a road excursion to Kufri for mountain views, seasonal outdoor activities and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Depending on available time and local conditions, visit the Himalayan Nature Park or nearby viewpoints. Return to Shimla and continue to Jakhu Temple on Jakhu Hill by ropeway, taxi or the uphill walking route. Spend the evening exploring The Ridge, Christ Church, Scandal Point, Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road. Stay overnight in Shimla.
Shimla Heritage and Leisure
Explore Shimla’s colonial and cultural landmarks at a comfortable pace. Visit Annandale, the Army Heritage Museum and Kali Bari Temple, followed by time around the quieter sections of the town centre. Use the afternoon for local cafés, shopping and photography, or revisit Mall Road and The Ridge. Keep sufficient time for any central Shimla attraction missed on the previous day. Stay overnight in Shimla.
Viceregal Lodge, Tara Devi Temple and Chandigarh
Check out early and visit the Viceregal Lodge, now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, subject to its visitor schedule. Continue by road to the hilltop Tara Devi Temple for darshan and mountain views. Resume the descent towards Chandigarh, stopping briefly in Solan for lunch. After reaching Chandigarh and checking in, spend the evening walking beside Sukhna Lake. Stay overnight in Chandigarh.
Chandigarh Sightseeing and Return to Delhi
Begin with an early walk at Sukhna Lake, followed by breakfast. Visit Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, known for its interconnected courtyards, waterfalls and sculptures created from discarded household and industrial materials. If time permits, drive past the Capitol Complex or visit the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden before lunch. Transfer to Chandigarh Junction and board Train 20978, the Chandigarh–Delhi Cantonment Vande Bharat Express, scheduled to depart at 15:15 and reach Delhi Cantonment at 18:23, completing the circuit.